Automagic bikes, part 26...

Roadstergal · September 30, 2005, 01:52:41 PM

http://onewheeldrive.net/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=335&Itemid=130

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/29september05_2006yamaha_fjr1300ae.htm

RVertigo · September 30, 2005, 02:03:58 PM

I just don't like automatic or semi-automatic vehicles. I tried to find a manual SUV, but could find one that I liked and could afford...

All of my cars have been manuals...

I just prefer manuals... I like clutches and shifters... It's part of the driving experience.

On the other hand... I can see the application for people with difficulties working the controls, and I think that part of it is great.

Roadstergal · September 30, 2005, 02:34:14 PM

Ditto.

It depends on what you want in an SUV - for light duty, I really, really like the Baja. I drove a manual, and it drives like a car (not to mention car mileage and emissions). For 95% of the SUVs out there, it would serve the same duty just fine. It won't tow what a big SUV will, and it has a small bed.

RVertigo · September 30, 2005, 03:02:41 PM

When I first bought it I was looking for a 4WD with lots of people and cargo room... If I'd looked a little harder, I would have landed on a Subaru instead... :dunno:

Now I use it to haul band equipment, so an open bed or a smaller SUV wouldn't really cut it.

Oh well, at least it's paid off.

Caffeine · September 30, 2005, 05:25:09 PM

Has anyone done a CVT (continuously variable transmission) on a bike? Seems like it would be great on a bike, since the "shifting" is an infinitely progressive thing. No unexpected or unplanned shifts in corners or anything like that. CVT's also have a minimum of moving parts...just a metal band and some pulleys. No actual "gears" to grind. :dunno: But they are probably not wrencher-friendly.

GeeP · September 30, 2005, 07:30:54 PM

Slushboxes on bikes...

What's next, DVD entertainment systems?

[rant]

I refuse to drive automatic cars. They frustrate me to much. I CAN'T STAND listening to the transmission constantly hunting for gears while I keep a constant pedal. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard. Reminds me of riding in the sleeper while a new recruit tries to figure out a Mack 5x4. After a few hundred miles of grinding gears you're ready to pick up something heavy and beat the hell out of anything within range. Heck, I can drive a 13 speed smoother than car autos can shift.

That, and driving an automatic car is like stepping on a wet sponge. It's so sickeningly squishy. :x

[/rant]

If you're too stupid to shift, you're too stupid to balance on two wheels. :lol:

-unless you're missing a leg, in which case whatever keeps you riding!

natedawg120 · September 30, 2005, 08:37:10 PM

I agree that I like sifting. I like to control everything, esp on my bike. The GS is such a great bike because in the big picture there are very little (if any) unnecessary bits. The more stuff you pack on a bike the more the chances that something will malfunction and with two wheels and not much else between me and the road I like to be in control. Thats my .02. But if it keeps you riding, like stated before I am all for it.

97gs500e · September 30, 2005, 11:13:19 PM

Quote from: RVertigoI just don't like automatic or semi-automatic vehicles. I tried to find a manual SUV, but could find one that I liked and could afford...

All of my cars have been manuals...

I just prefer manuals... I like clutches and shifters... It's part of the driving experience.

On the other hand... I can see the application for people with difficulties working the controls, and I think that part of it is great.

+1

yamahonkawazuki · October 01, 2005, 02:50:11 AM

Quote from: GeePSlushboxes on bikes... What's next, DVD entertainment systems?

[rant]

I refuse to drive automatic cars. They frustrate me to much. I CAN'T STAND listening to the transmission constantly hunting for gears while I keep a constant pedal. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard. Reminds me of riding in the sleeper while a new recruit tries to figure out a Mack 5x4. After a few hundred miles of grinding gears you're ready to pick up something heavy and beat the hell out of anything within range. Heck, I can drive a 13 speed smoother than car autos can shift.

That, and driving an automatic car is like stepping on a wet sponge. It's so sickeningly squishy. :x

[/rant]

If you're too stupid to shift, you're too stupid to balance on two wheels. :lol:

-unless you're missing a leg, in which case whatever keeps you riding!

. i believe the goldwing has that crap lol, harley just has a cd player

davipu · October 01, 2005, 03:17:46 AM

I love YOU has a cd player. got that xs together yet looser?

Mr.7 · October 01, 2005, 06:18:34 AM

The new 2006 Honda Goldwing has an airbag, ABS, "premium audio", and (it was only a matter of time) a Navigation System.

Mabey davipu needs one of these so he can accually get to his class on time. :lol:

Alphamazing · October 01, 2005, 09:53:28 AM

Eh, I don't like automatic transmissions very much either. I used to drive one, but as soon as I learned stick I was hooked. Now essentially everything we own (with the exception of the car my mother drives) is a standard. It's way more fun to drive/ride something that you have control over. This push button crap is too simple, no finesse, no fun.

Mr.7 · October 01, 2005, 10:01:05 AM

AMEN Brother

Gisser · October 01, 2005, 11:06:45 AM

Quote from: CaffeineHas anyone done a CVT (continuously variable transmission) on a bike?

The "Burger" uses a CVT. Many years ago I drove around in one of the first CVT's to hit the market in a Subaru Justy. It was a hoot to drive. I prefer automatics to manuals. :nana: The only thing I would miss is feeling the power of the engine that you get from a no-slip clutch coupling.

Badger · October 01, 2005, 11:25:35 AM

Quote from: GeeP[rant]

I refuse to drive automatic cars. They frustrate me to much. I CAN'T STAND listening to the transmission constantly hunting for gears while I keep a constant pedal. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard.

[/rant]

The wife's Audi isn't so bad, as far as automatic transmissions go (tiptronic). At least it gives you the option to say, "No, I don't want you to do that" and "damnit, stay in this gear". Still prefer my manual, though. Whenever I have to drive hers, I stomp around on the floor endlessly with my left foot searching for the clutch. :x

<rant type="unrelated">
What I find absolutely unbelievable is that the A4 convertible isn't even available in a manual gearbox.

That means you need to pay $10k+ more for the S4 (that's a whole gixxer!), or go with the TT...which, by the way, can't be sold in my state in '06...they don't meet the CA emissions standards and that nix's them for Massachusetts as well. Bastards.
</rant>

Mr.7 · October 01, 2005, 12:12:43 PM

you could always sneak across the boarder and buy one :dunno:

buzz · October 01, 2005, 06:25:34 PM

I agree with all of you I have many cars and none are auto's

Roadstergal · October 01, 2005, 10:56:18 PM

Yep, the Burger has a CVT. It's not as bad as an automatic, but it's still not as good (my own subjective pleasure in riding being my definition of "good") as a manual. It doesn't have the power loss of a torque converter (it has a clutch - a centrifigual clutch, so the rider has no direct control, but it's still a direct link 'twixt engine and drivetrain), and the gear selection isn't the true automatic's "lowest gear that can work unless you open it up all of the way and hit the kickdown switch;" it has a couple of rev 'stops,' for lack of a better word, that are sensitive to how much you open the throttle.

The 650 has a choose-your-own-gear mode, but it's still not like riding a manual.

RVertigo · October 02, 2005, 02:29:55 AM

NE1 that prefers an auto is a sissy... :nana:

Wanna fight?!?

News:

Automagic bikes, part 26...

davipu