Has anyone seen Aprilia's new release for the forgotten middle weight standard market? http://www.aprilia.com/mana.asp The design is nice, very sporty for a standard, yet very practicle with the fake tank/helmet storage. One point of particualr interest is the CVT transmission. Very surprised they would put it in such a sporty package. You'd think it would appeal to first time riders, and go in a smaller/cheaper package. I think Suzuki or Honda made a 2-speed auto back in the 80's for first time riders. Not sure how well it held up. Also not sure how different this is to Yamaha's 1300 sport tourer with no clutch lever. I know I'm sounding old, but I really hope this is not a sign of things to come. I've driven manual shift cars/trucks since I was 19 and had to break down and get an automatic this year (no more mannual shift from Toyota!) Now, it looks like the motorcycle world may be turning in that direction as well. Sure, it'll be another 15 years or so, but with advances in technology, I'm sure someone will develop a CVT that's as strong as a standard transmission with quicker shifting and other advantages; making traditional motorcycle transmissions go the way of the stick shift. :cry:
Well reading the blurb on this they do have a pseudo 7 speed on the CVT , there is a foot shifter but no clutch leaver. I think this is a good thing for folks who through some kinda physical ailment have been restricted to auto scooters. I must admit I am in 2 minds about this , the joys of a perfectly executed up or down shift are a pleasure in themselves, without electronic intervention. However a lot people dont really care about this , witness the preponderance of auto vs stick in the US. In Europe its the opposite much more stifk then auto, so Stick is not dead by any means. If the motorcycling buyers like this and want it then the market forces will dictate this is the way forward. Somehow, given that people who ride motorcycles are by their nature more enthusiastic about their mode of transportation and I beleive would prefer the direct interaction with their machine that a clutch and gearbox provide. Just my 2c for what its worth. I do see a market for this in the cruiser world, but since I am not and dont want to be part of that I CGARA
CVT is only one step further than a slipper clutch. A lot of people seem to go for those and consider those of us that would rather handle the slipper function ourselves neanderthals. The best motorcycle automatic that I have experience with was the early eighties Suzuki 450. It gave up little performance and worked well. The Hondas (750 & 400 or 450) and the Guzzi seemed to sacrifice more performance.