The wind blowing past you as you ride on a motorcycle is thrilling, but it requires you to have the right bike at your fingertips. Some factors, such as the transmission type, can make your experience behind the handlebars better or worse. The two main motorcycle transmission options include automatic and standard.
Standard motorcycles are also commonly referred to as manual because of the hands-on nature of their operation. We have good news—both transmission types have their benefits, but there are some potential issues to address, too. So, how do you know which to choose? Standard vs. automatic motorcycles is a key comparison for bike owners to understand, so read our guide to learn the essentials now.
What Is a Standard Bike?
Manual transmission motorcycles are typically seen as the standard models because they are so common. As the name suggests, this type of transmission requires the rider to shift gears manually. You accomplish this goal by using the clutch lever and pedal gear shifters. Some bike owners struggle with this procedure, while others prefer it. The clutch lever rests on the left handlebar, whereas the pedal gear shifters are on the left footrest. These bike parts allow you to slow down and speed up whenever necessary. Having to use the clutch lever and pedal gear shifters can complicate the riding experience for some people, but that doesn’t mean those people lack motorcycle skills. For instance, novice bikers frequently find this transmission method complicated, so there is a bigger learning curve than with automatic. Plus, improperly shifting gears manually can cause fatigue to develop over time.
Why Choose Manual?
Fatigue is a potential side effect, but using manual bikes isn’t inherently bad. After all, proper manual shifting will keep your ride smooth, and some riders feel more engaged with the bike when using this transmission. Simply put, it can feel more exciting to use a standard bike over an automatic one, despite the many benefits that automatic transmissions offer. Riding manual means you consistently monitor your speeds and adjust the clutch lever and pedal shifter when necessary. This all requires you to be more alert and engaged during the whole ride. Constantly shifting gears through busy city traffic can be stressful, so manual isn’t ideal for commuting in such situations, but bigger, more open roads tend to be more forgiving. Every rider has their preference, but having the best experience with your transmission requires considering your regular riding needs.
Manual bikes are also lightweight machines. This lightweight design provides the rider with better acceleration and fuel efficiency, so the bike doesn’t have to overwork itself to operate. The weight will fluctuate if you install any upgrades. Luckily, bike upgrades come in many different designs, so you can fine-tune your search to account for the ideal weight and performance factors. Now that you have a clearer idea of how standard bikes work, let’s break down what to expect from an automatic transmission.
Riding Automatic Motorcycles
Knowing when you should opt for an automatic bike over a manual one is critical because this choice can make every ride a breeze. Automatic motorcycles are a common option because they are easier to use for many riders, including novices. The automatic bike won’t have a clutch lever or pedal shifters.
This means that this transmission style lives up to its name by automatically adjusting the gears as you ride; no rider input is required. Shifting gears on a manual bike takes your attention away from the road, and it can cause hand fatigue to occur gradually. Automatic bikes make it easier to focus less on the proper hand techniques to shift gears, so you can keep your hands relaxed, and your mind focused on the road. Operating the throttle still requires your attention, but not as much as consistently shifting gears will.
Assessing Daily Riding Habits
Don’t forget to consider your daily needs, such as whether you commute on your bike. When you consistently mess around with the clutch lever during heavy city traffic, you run the risk of stalling your motorcycle on the road. You don’t have to worry about stalling in such situations when you have an automatic bike. Using this transmission style means you can gradually speed up and slow down normally during heavy traffic without losing control of your bike.
Thus, if you want to take your motorcycle on your daily commute, automatic transmissions will typically provide the least stressful experience. You will only have to focus on the road, your surroundings, and how swiftly you accelerate down the road. Both transmission styles will work for off-roading as well, so don’t overlook this detail during those trips, too. Whether you’re on your way to work or on an off-road adventure, having the right transmission will help you plan a smooth ride the whole way.
Finding the Best Performance
As mentioned above, the lightweight designs of manual bikes make them a more fuel-efficient option. Automatic motorcycles tend to carry heavier weights, which takes a toll on overall fuel efficiency. If you prefer the functionality of automatic transmission but don’t want to leave performance on the table, you can make further upgrades after your purchase.
The bike you get from the factory, whether it has a manual or automatic transmission, is just a starting point that you can build on with new parts if you’d like. For example, at Dynojet, we have solutions for motorcycle fuel injection tuning so you can optimize fuel efficiency and more bike characteristics. Anytime you think your motorcycle should achieve better horsepower, acceleration, and beyond, consider making upgrades with new parts.
As you can see, choosing the best bike transmission requires balancing a lot of details. It may seem daunting to consider all this information, but that will help you put your money and effort into a bike that will serve your needs every time you hop on. Now, when comparing which to choose between standard vs. automatic motorcycles, your needs should seem much clearer. Manual and automatic transmissions are both terrific options, but it all comes down to matching the right transmission to the right rider. Take this information with you when purchasing your next motorcycle so you can find an excellent addition to your garage.
