This month's HD Advisory Panel questionnaire dealt with possible automatic transmissions on future HD's. I expressed my complete lack of desire for such a feature. LOL.

 

I am with you.

 

I'll buy a manual transmission as long as it's an option. I usually don't even realize I'm shifting gears anyway.

Unfortunately, as Harley turns over every rock looking for new customers, I'm sure they'll be tempted to put out an automatic to attract inexperienced riders who haven't even seen a clutch pedal in a car.

 

An automatic wouldn't surprise me. I know many people don't ride for the simple fact they are intimidated by having to shift the transmission.

 

I just completed that survey too. I also checked the boxes that I showed no interest in automatic tranny.

I also said in the comment section that I felt part of the experience of riding a motorcycle is being in tune with the machine by using the clutch/throttle and shifting.

 

Same ones who will cross the line in a curve.

 

At Street Vibrations in Reno this past September, A vendor was selling a conversion for current clutch packs that acts like an automatic. He had a bike set up and demonstrated it.

I ques it was more of a clutch less system than it was an automatic.

 

I guess we'll be seeing an automatic tranny on the next generation of Rushmore bikes.

 

While a automatic transmission is not something I care about, I can see it as a smart move for the MoCo. Think about the police bikes, cops riding in big cities might like that option. Riders that spend most of their riding timea in heavy traffic, riding for regular transportation. To survive, Harley must expand their use beyond the current market. Think how nice an automatic might be for a older trike buyer that has trouble with the clutch, if this allows them to stay in the wind, I say great! They were talking about a option. It would be a small number built IMO.

Sadly, only 6% of americans can handle a stick shift. Sad, I agree but the facts are what they are.


Think of the veteran that lost a limb, this might help him or her ride again. I can't think of anything better.

 

I think an automatic transmission is a great idea, as long as it's an option.

Then maybe have a a conversion kit available to move the brake to the left side. No shifter, no clutch, brake on either side. Might make riding a bike possible for more people.

edit: just remembered, I once bought a scooter from a neighbor who was moving and flipped it. The rear brake was where the clutch would normally be. I'm an old guy who plans to ride as long as I can do safely. Just thinking about maybe a trike or hack with an automatic.