Automatic transmisions on future Harleys
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: NC
I did the same. I even checked the box indicating that I would think less of HD in general if they start making automatics. They will do it anyway.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,721
Likes: 372
From: Tonopah Az
Look at the Livewire. When it was in Phoenix Az earlier this month I volunteered to work at the dealer for the demo days and a lot of the people that road on the stationary bike were very happy that they didn't have to shift so I think it is something in the future. I don't want an automatic but can see where commuters might like it.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
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.
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.
I dread the thought of a whole new wave of inexperienced riders who "couldn't handle a clutch" now piloting 900 lbs touring machines down the road.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
I left a similar comment about the connection to the bike. Just as with a manual in a car, I believe it makes you pay attention to the task at hand (riding/driving) and makes you a better driver/rider.
I dread the thought of a whole new wave of inexperienced riders who "couldn't handle a clutch" now piloting 900 lbs touring machines down the road.
I dread the thought of a whole new wave of inexperienced riders who "couldn't handle a clutch" now piloting 900 lbs touring machines down the road.
What if that automatic helped Harley sell more police bikes? I love seeing cops on Harleys vs. Imports.
What if that automatic helped a long time rider stay in the wind?
It's not for me, I agree with the post about shifting and the connection to the machine, some just don't have that option.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
I much prefer my watercooled shiftless scooter for in town errands than one of the Harleys. Slipping the clutch for a block from the light and often doing blocks in 2nd gear in town is just no fun for me, but when I ride the Harleys where I like them, away from stop lights and pokey traffic, I want gears and a clutch. I suppose on the Glide, especially on roads where you just hold a steady speed, it wouldn't be that different having an automatic, but even then I'd guess you'd get less gas mileage, and Harleys are already bad enough with that. But as soon as I hit any mountain roads, I'd sure miss the gears.
I suspect it would be a popular option on touring bikes, maybe trikes, too, and if that's what a lot of folks would like, it wouldn't bother me.
I suspect it would be a popular option on touring bikes, maybe trikes, too, and if that's what a lot of folks would like, it wouldn't bother me.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 389
Likes: 31
From: Pennsylvania
As did I..
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 201
Likes: 19
From: Kiel, Wisconsin
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.
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.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
It would suit someone with a handicap on the left arm. I have only two fingers to pull in the clutch.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
Life is going to always move on and change if it makes the M.C. business and money.
When we're all dead and the kids are our age and most bikes are automatic, clutch less, possibly motor less, full of batteries, silent etc we can smile in our graves that we experienced a real Harley. Plenty of noise, torque, nuts, bolts, smells, cables etc.
God bless our Harley davidsons.
When we're all dead and the kids are our age and most bikes are automatic, clutch less, possibly motor less, full of batteries, silent etc we can smile in our graves that we experienced a real Harley. Plenty of noise, torque, nuts, bolts, smells, cables etc.
God bless our Harley davidsons.
Agree with most and indicated as much in the survey . . . don't want it, don't offer it. It will attract those that don't pay attention to begin with all to sell more bikes to the masses resulting in more dangerous experiences to the rest of us.