To CVT or not to CVT: Automatic VS Manual Transmissions in Motorcycles

[Rick]

I'm researching the NC700X as an upgrade for my 250R. Here in Japan at least, the NC has an optional manual capability you can add on. In other words, you can turn off the DCT and ride manually shifting with your left foot and left hand clutch. Also, the Honda has Sport and Economy modes in DCT. All this and it has TWICE the power and THREE times the torque for about the SAME fuel economy.

[olhogrider]

I have owned several cvt scooters. In stop and go inner city traffic they can't be beat. That said, I rarely ride in the city so I'll stick with a manual. Back in the '80s Honda made an auto 450 and Yamaha offers the FJR1300 sport tourer with clutchless push buttons.

[jscott1]

Originally Posted by Aufitt

Haha. yes the bigger 'scooters' are classed as motorcycles due to their engine capacity, so the loophole is a recent one in some states.
The laws will catch up eventually, similar to the the Manual and Automatic car licences being a different class.

I have never heard of auto and manual car licenses being in a different class. Not saying it doesn't happen, but I've lived in three states and nothing I have seen prevents a person from taking their test in an auto and hopping in a manual.

Twenty-five years or so ago I moved to Florida and bought a 5 speed Trans Am and taught myself to drive it. Ironically, Florida at the time required new residents to re-take their road test no matter how many years they had been driving. So I had nine years of driving experience, but less than 30 days in a 5 speed and I passed the test. So I think people should have to take a test in a manual to be legal, but I've never seen that to be true in the USA anyway.

In Texas, anything over 50 cc is considered a motorcycle and there is no distinction between auto and manual. The MSF course is required for new license and they supply the motorcycles which are 125cc and 250cc 5 speed manual transmission. There is no way to take the test on a scooter.

Back to the OP question, I would go with the Honda NT700. It's kind of old school and not that exiting, but if your interest is in Medium ST bikes it's a decent choice.

[Honda CBR 250 Rider]

For me it really comes down to which makes riding and maintainance easier and less complicated.

CVT eliminates the need to shift, clutch use, and frequent maintainance.

It is the future for everyday riding. Chain drives are only for cheaper costs and performance machines, but thats ONLY until CVT becomes the more effective method.

People seem the forget that vehicles are intended for faster and easier traveling methods, so that we don't have to work harder and longer to get something done.

The simpler things are, the better it will be for us all. Thats why they are making vehicles that drive themselves.

But yes I do understand the excitement people get from have to do more for a more thrilling experience.

[Tyrian]

I wouldn't mind a CVT on a bike; but I wouldn't pay extra for it. I don't even think about manual shifting - it's so much routine that I never really think about it.

[Tyrian]

Originally Posted by Wynne G Oldman

If you take your test in an automatic in Great Britain, you can only drive automatic cars. In reality, most people take their test in a manual. Manual's are much more popular over here than automatics.

Isn't that just for the first few years - I think 3 years or something?

[Wynne G Oldman]

Originally Posted by Tyrian

Isn't that just for the first few years - I think 3 years or something?

No, if you have an automatic only licence, you've got to take another test in a manual before you're allowed to drive one.

[Rando]

Both are fine but I feel if you dont know how to drive an mt on a bike then you shouldnt be rideing now thats not to say cvt is bad but all riders should know how to up/down shift on there own.