Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: auto vs. manual, honda silverwing, honda helix

Question
Hi this might sound dumb but excuse me, I'm a novice:

I haven't learnt to ride yet, so just thought I'd ask, can you get automatic motorcycles? If so, are they a good idea?
I'm guessing the answer will be no.

thanks,
mike.

Answer
Mike,

Thanks for the question. The asnwer is "no - sort of."

In the 1970's Honda made a couple of models with automatic transmissions, but they are very hard to find now, and well, they are bikes from the 70's, with crappy brakes and funky aesthetics (unless you love retro-ugly).

But, looking to the future, I guarantee you there will be bikes with auto transmissions. Both Honda and Yamaha have shown prototypes that appear close to production, the only problem is they will cost large dollars when (and if) they come out.

Now, this might off the mark, but have you considered getting a scooter? They are all automatics (at least the modern ones are). Scoots like the Honda Helix, Honda Silverwing and Suzuki Burgman have bike-like power and features (great brakes, etc) but are twist-and-go.

If you had your mind set on a cruiser or sportbike (or any "bike" for that matter), yeah, you're out of luck for the moment, but if a scooter is possible, I'd check out the latest big ones and seriously consider it.

I've been riding for 25 years (all types of bikes) and I recently rode a Burgman 650 and was stunned at the performance and comfort. Looked kinda cool, too, and carried a ton of stuff.

But if it's a bike you want, for now you'll need to learn to use the shifter (it's easy).

Good luck!

Bill Roberson