3 Best Automatic Motorcycles Available Now
Automatic motorcycles aren’t going away any time soon. As motorcycle technology gets increasingly sophisticated, automatic options in a brand’s lineup offer the chance to showcase new and more seamless transmission tech. The business at large continues to value products with the potential to entice new riders to the fold as well, and the promise of clutchless operation is a marketing angle that can easily be targeted at such a demographic.
The expansion of the electric field reinforces the automatic segment, with ever more e-bike and scooter options available that demand none of the experience or finesse required to operate a manual transmission.
It’s one more reason to be excited about motorcycling and the future of the business, so we’re going to take a look at three of the best options currently available on the market. Many you’ve seen before, but that has more to do with the fact that some of the best automatic models have been refined over the years than with a paucity of options.
The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports comes in a DCT version that gives riders the option to ride clutchless.
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT
The Africa Twin DCT from Honda is a perfect example of an automatic option that has improved dramatically over the years. The initial DCT operation in the 2016 edition had timing issues and clunky downshifting. However, our review of the 2020 model showed a vastly improved system. That same system operates in the 2023 bike and gives riders the option of a fully automatic experience, a paddle shift override option, or traditional manual shifting. Considering the surrounding merits of the bike, from its sophisticated electronics package to its do-it-all design, the Africa Twin remains a top-tier option among bikes with automatic configurations.
Additional Players From Honda
Thankfully Honda knows it has a solid system on its hands, so riders aren’t limited to just an Africa Twin if they’re intrigued by DCT. Long-range touring is effortless on a Gold Wing equipped with the system. The newish Rebel 1100 is available in DCT trim also, as is the NC750X. In the minibike realm, the Navicomes with a no-shift CVT transmission, as you’d find in scooters like the ADV150 and PCX.
The quickshifter on the Multistrada V4 Rally makes this a semi-automatic machine, tech we’re likely to see on many more bikes in the years to come.
Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally
The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally is not technically automatic, because riders still must manage gear changes with inputs, but the up/down quickshifter eliminates the need to use the clutch or to modulate throttle input in order to move through the gearbox. This tech makes the bike, effectively, a semi-automatic machine and places it a middle ground between fully automatic options and fully manual rides. It is a great example of the expansion of this technology into models beyond track-focused bikes. Husqvarna, for example, markets its up/down quickshift system as “Easy Shift” in its Vitpilen and Svartpilen, which makes it clear that one of the primary draws of an automatic system (ease of use) also applies to quickshift-equipped bikes.
The SR/S from Zero gets up to 187 miles per charge and features a clutchless direct drive transmission.
Zero SR/S
Continuing in electric motorcycles, take a look at the Zero SR/S; it promises up to 187 miles of range in the city. Its Z-Force motor offers up to 140 lb.-ft. of torque and 110 hp. The clutchless direct drive transmission earns it its spot on the list, while elements like Showa suspension, Bosch MSC braking system, numerous ride modes, and customization options through the Cypher III+ operating system make the SR/S alluring to riders who want to be on the cutting edge of motorcycling. Zero has been in the electric game since 2006 and has established itself as a leader in the segment, and now offers a complete range of street and dual sport machines. Its technology has advanced a lot in the years since its start and its bikes now make a strong case for themselves, particularly for commuters and weekend warriors.
Check our inventory of these 3 great bikes