Were there any AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS on XJ's ???

maby on police models, or something ??

 

On Yamahas, no. Only "automatic" transmissions that I'm aware of (and even then, the only difference is that there were fewer gears, and didn't require a clutch) is the Hondamatic line of bikes put out at about the same time. Indeed, my first bike was an '82 450 Hondamatic, and I pretty much rode that thing into the ground. A 750 model was available a few years prior.

 

You're not forgetting that the new Yamaha FJR1300 is available as a clutchless semi-automatic are you? Also, the new Aprilia Mana 850 http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_P ... 365&Page=1 is an automatic. Are we looking at the next new two-wheeled trend, as more people turn to motorcycling because of gas prices? Remember, people USED to be stick-shift capable so switching to a bike wasn't as great a transition as it would be today to someone raised on automatic transmission cars.

 

Yea but performance vehicles are still stick. I don't think an Automatic trans motorcycle would be half as much fun.

Funny thing is Fitz I rode a bike before I ever drove a stick vehicle and the shifting skill did not translate for me at all. May be better going the other way or maybe it's just me

 

I dunno. Before I started riding, I was driving a stick and it was like second nature for me to learn how to ride. Maybe a day or so. I'd also think that riding an automatic would take away from the experience of riding... like a scooter or something. I dunno, just my two cents.

 

Forgetting? You obviously missed the part about "that I'm aware of". Besides, he was asking about XJs, and an FJR ain't an XJ.

What about some of the newer scooter-type bikes? Newer model SilverWings and Suzuki Burgmans, for example?

 

I've never seen a silverwing in person, but I personally don't consider the burgmans to be a motorcycle. They're just big mopeds as far as i'm concerned.

The only "automatic" bikes i had ever heard of before were the hondamatics .... and there's some other company that makes harley-looking bikes, but they're smaller ... like 1/2 to 2/3 scale if that makes sense.... that i believe were automatics also.

 

Hold on guys, I'm not ADVOCATING automatic transmissions for bikes, I drive a stick-shift cage ON PURPOSE. I was just pointing out that good automatics ARE available, and seem to be showing a bit of a resurgence. I was simply conjecturing as to why that might be, especially in light of the fact that previous offerings, primarily by Honda, were pretty much sales "duds."

 

i just saw a hondamatic on ebay, showing it to one of my buddies and the thought was why have one of thoughs thats no fun

 

I read a review recently of the clutchless FJR1300AE... The verdict was... Not worth the extra $$$, unless you'a really big fan of the button shift.

IIRC the Burgmans, Silverwings, Reflex's and maybe a few others use a CVT-type transmission.

Having ridden a 250 Reflex for a while, all I can say is "meh." It's akin to riding a weedwacker with wheels. Also, the belts are expensive, and have to be replaced fairly often (every 4-5K at least). They deteriorate from heat, and disintegrate into dust.. I'd tell you how I know, but you can't cuss on this forum :evil:

 

Just had the chance to ride Honda's new DN-01 with an auto CVT or clutchless trans and was absolutely suprised at the performance for what it is........But I would never pay the price that they want for it or give up the performance of the REAL thing.

The bike is ugly as sin, quite stretch out, sport cruiser????????

Not for me, but interesting.

 

When I picked-up my XJ550 Seca, I also had to take a 1980 CM400T Hondamatic with a back rest and Vetter faring. The guy said if I wanted one I had to take them both. Guess which one I chose to restore...

Actually, for a fuel-saving commuter or light tourer, the Hondamatic doesn't look half-bad. The only reason I haven't done anything with it is that I've been putting what little resources I have into my Seca. I guess in the back of my mind was the thought of restoring it as I acquired a repair manual and new battery for it along the way. Right now, because of being laid-off, I need to sell it to get enough to buy a new helmet. If any of you know of someone looking for one as a project, please kick them my way.

 

Honda sold both a 400 auto and a 750-4 auto.

Suzuki sold a GS450A Suzukimatic.