Best 2008 Automatic Motorcycles
Motorcycles are fast becoming a choice among many when choosing transportation, whether it is the thrill of speed, or the choice of economical benefit. Motorcycles have always come in various sizes and styles to fit the riders personal choice, but up until recent there was barely a handful of bikes designed without the aid of a clutch. The standard transmission found in most motorcycles has been used ever since the first two wheeled machines were invented, so why change things now? With every great invention designed there is always room for improvement says some of the top engineers at Honda, so here is my review of the automatic transmission motorcycles for 2008.
1.) Ridley America's Automatic Motorcycle:
08 Auto Glide Standard/Sport/Classic/TT/Limited/Chopper and Trike
Ridley can be found in the heart of the USA in Oklahoma City, and has been producing automatic transmissions since opening their doors in 1997. The Ridley line of motorcycles are the only known cruiser type of motorcycles to use the automatic transmission, without sacrificing the beauty of the classic cruiser motif.
The Ridley line-up come in a standard 750 cc V-Twin engine although the 2008 models have added a retro style valve cover, and heat shield giving the bike a more tougher exterior. Other factory options include chrome billet LED speedometer with tachometer, indicators, and battery voltage. The comfort zone comes standard with a solo leather seat, with optional two-seater upgrade. This and even more is backed by a very nice two year limited warranty, to ensure you get the best service for your dollars.
All Ridley motorcycles are built with high quality components such as aluminum billet triple trees, DOM Frame tubing, and ceramic coated pipes. There is a great deal of craftsmanship and detail that goes into anyone of Ridley's current models. With supple lines, and smooth streamlining, the Ridley Auto Glide series really stands out from the crowd. The award winning engineering that goes into the transmission is just one of the key components that make up an Auto Glide, with extra care taken catering to riders who seek an automatic type of motorcycle.
Ridley Automatic Motorcycles are the world's only company to offer a full line of fully automatic motorcycles. Ridley's Patent Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) allows a rider to cruise without the aid of manual shifting or normal clutching. Several other companies offer clutchless type or semi-auto motorcycles, but Ridley's line-up is solely dependent on the automatic transmission seeking consumers.
2.) Honda DN-01 a.k.a. "Hondamatic": Most motorcyclists snickered when Honda announced their first automatic motorcycle at the 2007 Tokyo release. Sure, there were a few manufacturers that had delved into the automatic pool, but a big name like Honda might have made some serious waves.
The bike itself is a liquid cooled 680cc 8 valve V-twin with a shaft drive. The bike is standard with the revolutionary transmission system dubbed HFT or Human Friendly Transmission, which offers three modes of operation; Drive, Sport, and push button selectable manual control. Another innovative enhancement found within the DN-01 is the "lock-up" system which provides a substantial more direct to engine power to the rear wheel drive, for a sharper and stronger acceleration than other conventional belt or chain driven systems.
The look and feel of this bike is what makes Honda such a fun bike to drive, although I couldn't stop myself from reaching for the clutch. The sharp front end is as distinctive as it is long, but shows a real streamlined edge from rear to tip. I like the tough appearance and urban graphics, coupled with long tandem American-style seating. Another cosmetic plus is the two into one chrome plated exhaust pipe which gives the bike a meaner look, without taking anything away from the overall quality. The 2008 does only come in tow factory colors whether you choose the Graphite Black or the Pearl Amethyst Purple this bike is one "bad" ride!
The rides are fairly smooth, and surprisingly there is plenty of torque when accelerating. I didn't find a lot of variance while the bikes shifted from gear to gear, and this allowed me the freedom to really lay back and enjoy the ride. Personally I like the ability to change gears, feeling the gritty pull of the clutch, as I throttle up each shift. I can see some older riders or persons with disabilities taking advantage of these types of bikes, but until I am too old to squeeze a lemon, I will be quite happy to keep on shifting!
