Manual Vs Automatic Motorcycles: Which One’s for You?
The sense of freedom you get when riding a motorcycle is like no other, no matter what type of rider you are. But before dominating the highways, dirt roads, or trails, every rider needs to make a crucial decision that contributes to how smooth their riding experience will be. And that is choosing between a manual or automatic motorcycle.
To make your decision easier, keep reading to find out more, and if you need further information, stop by East Bay Motorsports so one of our experts can answer your questions. We are your number one motorcycle dealer in Hayward, CA, where we also serve those in the Bay Area.
What Is A Manual Motorcycle?
Manual motorcycles come with a gear selector pedal, usually located on the left side in the front of the footrest, and a clutch lever located on the left handlebar. To get the motorcycle going, gears need to be changed manually by the rider. These gears are what match the power of the motorcycle to how fast or how slow the rider wants to travel.
The gear changes must be carried out simultaneously by releasing the throttle in a timely manner to allow the engine’s revs to decrease. Once the rider has selected the gear they need, the rider then increases the motorcycle’s revs by twisting the throttle back towards them.
The Pros and The Cons of Manual Motorcycles
The Pros:
- Are known to have better acceleration than automatic motorcycles
- Require fewer parts as the gearboxes are a simple design
- Riders notice better fuel efficiency as soon as they understand how the gear changes work.
- Reach higher speeds quickly
- More popular, which means more motorcycle options available
The Cons:
- Can be tiring and challenging, especially constantly shifting gears in busy traffic conditions
- Takes a long time to safely and skillfully learn how to ride them
- If gears are not properly changed, the motorcycle might stop
What Is an Automatic Motorcycle?
Automatic motorcycles work with gears as well; however, the gears change automatically without any assistance from the rider, other than turning the throttle and releasing the brake. Most automatic motorcycles have a two-clutch system called the “Dual Clutch System”, where all the gear shifting is made by a built-in computer. This system controls the clutch and gear changes as the bike accelerates or slows down.
The Pros and Cons of Automatic Motorcycles
The Pros:
- Much easier to learn how to ride
- Allows the rider to have more focus on the road rather than focusing on changing gears
- Gears are changed smoothly by the automated gear-changing system
- No need to frequently change gears in busy traffic conditions
- Slow down and stop faster than manual motorcycles
The Cons:
- Typically come with a higher sticker price
- Costs more to maintain since they are built with many more parts
- Have a higher fuel consumption rating
To get an even clearer understanding of how manual and automatic motorcycles work, come to have a chat with one of our experts at East Bay Motorsports. We are also here to help you choose a bike that would best suit your riding experience, skills, and purpose. Our store is located in Hayward, CA, serving the Bay Area. We can also assist with parts, service, and financing, so visit us today!