Call me old fashioned but...

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biff · #1 Unread post by **biff** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 3:23 pm

http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/html/motorcycles.htm

Check these bikes...they're automatics! I've never seen these before. That's cheating!

tchaftantouri · Wed Oct 18, 2006 3:28 pm

I'm not too well informed about the cruiser world. How do they compare weight-wise with clutch shift bikes of the same size?
If there's no difference I'm sure they would make bike riding more accessable for some people.

biff · #3 Unread post by **biff** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 3:34 pm

Ya' got me on that one...I imagine the weight diff has to be significant after adding a fully automatic transition. Accesable or not, I think it takes away from what it means to be a rider. You need to know a few things and if any old body can just hop on o bike and go...welcom to squid vill.

badfish89 · #4 Unread post by **badfish89** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:02 pm

yes I have seen and herd of them, Im trying to get my mom to ride one.

#5 Unread post by **Wrider** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:02 pm

Riding those would suck though, not only do they not look good IMO, but also, no engine braking, you can't be sure if it's gonna shift on you during a corner, and not to mention, it's gotta suck to HAVE to hold the brake the whole time you're stopped! lol
Wrider

biff · #6 Unread post by **biff** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:48 pm

That's a good point about corner shifting, I didn't think of that one. Just imagine how often you would have to change the breaks on those bikes.

TR7 · #7 Unread post by **TR7** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:13 pm

It doesnt shift, it has a CVT transmission. It is is a belt on two cones kind of like this l>=<l and depending on engine speed, the weights that reside in the cones provide more or less centripital force causing the cones to become either further or closer and because of the cone shape and the distance the belt rides determines the gear ratio. It doesnt shift like an automatic does so you really dont have to worry about going around corners nor does it weigh any more than a standard transmission (might be less actually). As for engine brakeing I wouldnt know, but you *shouldnt* have to hold the brake at a light as the belts should completely dissengage at idle. I actually think its a really great system.

pinger05 · #8 Unread post by **pinger05** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:35 pm

TR7 wrote:It doesnt shift, it has a CVT transmission. It is is a belt on two cones kind of like this l>=<l and depending on engine speed, the weights that reside in the cones provide more or less centripital force causing the cones to become either further or closer and because of the cone shape and the distance the belt rides determines the gear ratio. It doesnt shift like an automatic does so you really dont have to worry about going around corners nor does it weigh any more than a standard transmission (might be less actually). As for engine brakeing I wouldnt know, but you *shouldnt* have to hold the brake at a light as the belts should completely dissengage at idle. I actually think its a really great system.

Exactly what he said. It doesnt jerk while shifting like a car. Insted it keeps you at a steady RPM (decided by the centrifical clutch or comptuer). Check out this article on CVT. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/cvt.htm

#9 Unread post by **Wrider** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:57 pm

I stand corrected... thanks guys for that insight, I just figured it was another automatic...

But still!!! It's an automatic!!!

#10 Unread post by **Skier** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:06 pm

So, how old fashioned are you? Honda made automatic bikes in the 70s.