![]() The weight of the largest touring motorcycles (sometimes in excess of 360 kg or 800 lbs) is sometimes such that they cannot effectively be pushed backwards by a seated rider, and they are fitted with a reverse gear as standard. Bi-directional quickshiters are technically considered semi-automatic since clutch actuation isn't required whatsoever, however, mono-directional quickshifters, such as those used on the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and the Ninja H2/R, only work on upshifts, and the rider still has to manually actuate the clutch and blip the throttle on downshifts, so it's not really semi-automatic, in that sense. ![]() An ECU works in conjunction with a sensor and a microcontroller ( CPU) to cut the ignition and/or fuel injection momentarily, so the rider can switch gears. It is also worth mentioning quickshifters, which are electronic devices that allow for clutchless upshifts (and usually downshifts) on high-performance motorcycles with a standard manual transmission. Some high-performance sport bikes also use a trigger-shift system, with a handlebar-mounted trigger, paddle, switch, or button, and an automatically-operated clutch system. Other applications of semi-automatic transmissions on motorcycles include the Yamaha FJR1300AE sport-touring motorcycle, with the YCCS automatic clutch system, Honda's range of 2- and 3-speed Hondamatic semi-automatic transmissions, used on various motorcycles throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and the three-wheeled BRP Can-Am Spyder Roadster motorcycle, with its SE5 and SE6 range of transmissions. Semi-automatic transmissions are often erroneously called "automatic" transmissions, which is only partially correct but not fully correct, since the rider's input is still required for switching gears, and these transmissions will not automatically change gears by themselves. They are much less common than motorcycles with conventional manual transmissions, typically use a centrifugal clutch, and are mostly found on smaller motorcycles, such as minibikes, underbone (step-thru) motorcycles (e.g., the Honda Super Cub), smaller dirt bikes (such as pit bikes), and various (mostly older) mopeds and motor scooters. They function in the same way as a conventional fully-manual motorcycle with a sequential gearbox, except they utilize a fully-automatic clutch system, or sometimes torque converter, but still require the rider's input to manually actuate change gears. ![]() Semi-automatic transmissions on motorcycles are also referred to as auto-clutch transmissions, or sometimes, clutchless manual transmissions. Types include: hydraulic automatic transmission, continuously variable transmission, and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Neutral is to be found "half a click" away from first and second gears, so shifting directly between the two gears can be made in a single movement.įully-automatic transmissions are far less common on motorcycles than manuals, and are mostly found only on motor scooters, mopeds, underbones, minibikes, and some custom cruisers and exotic sports bikes. ![]() A five-speed of this configuration would be known as "one down, four up" because of the placement of the gears with relation to neutral, though some motorcycle gearboxes and/or shift mechanisms can be reversed so that a "one up, four down" shifting pattern can be used. On a typical motorcycle, either first or second gear can be directly selected from neutral, but higher gears may only be accessed in order – it is not possible to shift from second gear to fourth gear without shifting through third gear. Most motorcycles (except scooters) change gears (of which they increasingly have five or six) by a foot-shift lever. Most manual transmission two-wheelers use a sequential gearbox. They may also be found in use on other light vehicles such as motor tricycles and quadbikes, go-karts, offroad buggies, auto rickshaws, mowers, and other utility vehicles, microcars, and even some superlight racing cars. The transmission on this 1921 ABC motorcycle is located behind the engine and shifts by a long hand-operated lever on its right side.Ī motorcycle transmission is a transmission created specifically for motorcycle applications. ![]()
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