For some riders, the thought of an automatic transmission is paramount to sacrilege. However, with electric bikes becoming more readily available, as well as some newer riders not being outright familiar or comfortable with manual shifting, automatic transmission options are becoming more and more popular on some types of motorcycles.
For example, some commuter-style motorcycles are leaning towards automatic transmissions due to the very nature of city traffic being very stop/start. Interestingly, the area that has seen the most influence of having an automatic transmission is the sector that is furthest from the city, namely that of adventure motorcycles.
The idea of having an automatic (or, more properly, a semi-automatic dual-clutch transmission) on an adventure bike is mostly for comfort on long-distance adventure rides. Crossing a rocky path in California with having to shift multiple times and balancing the clutch on some obstacles can be challenging for newer riders or even experienced ones that may have or had some injury that makes shifting difficult. In this case, having the automatic transmission take care of it allows these riders to enjoy their day out without having to worry.
Aprilia
Aprilia does not make any automatic motorcycles for 2022. They do, however, manufacture scooters such as the Aprilia SR 50 that are fully automatic.
BMW
BMW does not make any automatic motorcycles for 2022. However, their C 650 GT maxi-scooter could almost qualify as a motorcycle due to its power and touring style seat position. The only thing disqualifying it is the step through front section that designates it as a scooter.
Ducati
Ducati does not make any automatic motorcycles for the 2022 model year.
Harley-Davidson
2022 Livewire One
The 2022 Livewire One is Harley-Davidson‘s first fully electric motorcycle, originally released in 2020. With a range of between 100 to 150 miles on a charge, it easily manages in-city riding for commutes or simply a Sunday ride. With 105 equivalent HP and 86 lbs-ft of torque, the Livewire does have some serious get-up-and-go, and slots neatly into Harley’s lineup as a sports cruiser.
Due to how the permanent magnet electric motor works, there is really only one gear. However, the bike does have an “automatic” transmission, allowing the rider to shift between neutral, drive, and reverse. To give it more of a feel of a normal bike, the motor will use any off-throttle time as regenerative, meaning it will use the spin of the motor to recharge the battery ever so slightly, giving a feeling of engine braking.
Honda
2022 Gold Wing DCT/Gold Wing Tour
The 2022 Gold Wing DCT and Gold Wing Tour from Honda share the same base chassis, engine, and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). With a 1.8-liter engine producing nearly 100 HP, attached to the 7-speed DCT on both bikes, the only real difference is in the equipment that can be had on either model.
The 2022 Gold Wing comes with a navigation system, iOS, and Android Auto connectivity, stability control, and standard pannier lockers. The Gold Wing Tour upgrades upon that with a pillion backrest, electronically adjustable suspension, the addition of fog lights, improved rear suspension for pillion comfort, and a saddlebag USB port for powering pillion communications or electronics equipment.
2022 Africa Twin DCT
The 2022 Africa Twin DCT is Honda’s big push to get more people both onto bikes, and also going adventuring with them. With a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine that gives it 101 HP and plenty of grunt, one can also optionally get a 6-speed DCT transmission option to handle the shifting while the rider focuses on navigating rocky or rough trails. The Africa Twin DCT also comes with suspension front and back that have been derived from Honda’s many motorcycles that have run in the Dakar and Safari rallies, giving the bike proper pedigree for true offroading excitement.
2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT
While the regular Africa Twin DCT is a superb offroading motorcycle, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT quite literally shoves every bit of technology that Honda has into the bike. Over the base model, the Adventure Sports DCT gets stability control, cornering ABS, rear lift control, anti-wheelie detection, cruise control, Honda Traction Control (HTC), and a six-axis inertial measurement unit that works with the DCT to provide DCT Cornering Detection. This prevents the transmission from shifting if it detects enough lean and countersteering to indicate a turn, keeping the bike stable. To top off things, Honda also decided that the kitchen sink wasn’t enough, so they added electronically controlled suspension as well, hence the new ES to the end of the model name this year.
Added on top of that are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, an improved TFT screen, and a higher windscreen, and you have a bike that is almost ready to roll up to the start of the Dakar rally without much extra work needed.
2022 NC750X DCT ABS
The 2022 NC750X is a particularly interesting bike for Honda. It is half a daily commuter, half an adventure bike. This is a motorcycle that can effortlessly move from one application to the other, and remain stress-free while doing so.
With a reliable 745cc parallel-twin engine, the NC750X puts out just over 51 HP, but makes up for it with plenty of low-end grunt to get the bike moving. As well, with the adventure application in mind, that low-end torque is perfect for getting over small obstacles without sending you plummeting from the seat. Add on the optional DCT, and the bike also gains ABS. With a gearbox that you can either shift with your thumb or let the control computer take care of, your ride can be even more stress-free and more about enjoying the road.
2022 Honda Super Cub C125 ABS
The 2022 Honda Super Cub C125 ABS is a bit of a strange mix of being an automatic transmission bike, while technically not being one. This is because of the use of a centrifugal force clutch, while the rider still needs to request gears up and down with their left foot. The catch is that the clutch needs to be spinning fast enough that if the gear selector moves and requests a gear, the clutch will momentarily disengage to allow the next gear to slot in. This then slows the clutch’s spin, bringing it back into contact.
Being a semi-automatic transmission, it technically does qualify for this list. The biggest part of the judgment call regarding this was the question: “Does it have a clutch lever?” The Super Cub C125 ABS does not, and therefore qualifies.
2022 Honda Trail 125 ABS
Just like its road-going brother, the Super Cub, the 2022 Honda Trail 125 ABS is both technically an automatic transmission bike, while not being one. The same centrifugal clutch is used in the Trail 125, with the rider needing to request gears up and down. The major difference between the two is that the clutch in the Trail 125 does not need as much spin to allow for it to disengage, as trail and adventure bikes sometimes need to dip lower into the engine rev range to get hill climbing or mud-crossing power.
Otherwise, the Trail 125, which is itself a highly anticipated and much celebrated return of the Trail moniker to Honda’s lineup, is a great little weekend bike for getting off the road and a little lost down a forest trail!
Indian
Indian does not make any automatic motorcycles for the 2022 model year.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki does not make any automatic motorcycles for the 2022 model year. There are rumors abound that there will be an electric version of the Ninja H2, and the Kawasaki Endeavor electric bike is slated to have a DCT when/if the bike makes it to market.
KTM
KTM does not make any automatic motorcycles for the 2022 model year that are not strictly off-road bikes, including their SX-E electric off-road bike.
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield does not make any automatic motorcycles for the 2022 model year
Suzuki
Suzuki does not make any automatic motorcycles for the 2022 model year. However, patents have been filed for a new style of Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) for the higher end of the model range. These transmissions may go on such bikes as the Hayabusa or the GSX-R1000.
Yamaha
Yamaha does not make any automatic transmission motorcycles for the 2022 model year. There are some European and Asian market exclusive maxi-scooters that border on being motorcycles, but are not considered mainstream motorcycles.
Zero
By default, all of Zero Motorcycle’s model lineup are direct-drive DC motors, meaning that there are technically are no gears. However, as there is parking mode, and there is also the need to “shift” the bike into drive (via button press) before you can twist the throttle and go, it counts as an automatic transmission.
2022 Zero S
Within Zero’s street lineup, the S is the base model for the street. Designed almost exclusively for urban use, the bike puts out an equivalent of 46 HP and a chunky 78 lb-ft of torque, due to the instant and linear torque that electric motors provide. Limited by the maximum RPM that the brushless motor can spin to, the S tops out just under 100 MPH. Using regenerative braking and other energy-saving features, the S can ride up to 89 miles in the city and 54 miles at highway/freeway speeds, for a combined effective range of 68 miles.
2022 Zero SR
The 2022 SR is the middleweight of Zero’s street lineup. While the S is meant to be an urban sprinter, the SR is oriented much more towards endurance, namely with a much larger battery pack, more robust motor, and the numbers that go with it. Those numbers are 70 HP, 122 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 104 MPH. Due to having the larger battery pack, it can also ride farther, with a rating of 156 miles in the city and 95 miles on the highway, for a combined effective range of 118 miles.
2022 Zero SR/S
The 2022 SR/S is Zero’s answer to those wanting an electric sportbike. Sharing the same platform as the SR/F model, this fully-faired electric bike puts out some serious performance, to the tune of 110 HP, 140 lb-ft of torque, and a 124 MPH top speed. Also, as one of Zero’s flagship models, the bike comes with a Level 2 EV (240 Volt) charging compatible port as standard. There are also range extenders that can be optioned in via the Cypher Upgrade system that Zero provides, however at base spec levels, the bike will travel 156 miles in the city and 95 on the highway, for a combined effective range of 118 miles.
2022 Zero SR/F
The 2022 Zero SR/F shares its underpinnings with the SR/S, but applies a much more aggressive streetfighter aesthetic to the bike. It produces 110 HP, 140 lb-ft of torque, and has a top speed of 124 MPH. Due to being less aerodynamic compared to the SR/S, while the ranges are stated as 156 city, 95 highway, and 118 combined, you can expect a loss of about 10% of that range from the drag of the air on your body and the bike. Still, for an electric motorcycle, that is more than enough for a day of commuting or a quick canyon carving blast.
2022 Zero FX
The 2022 FX is a continuation of the model that put Zero on the map, as they were originally designing and building electric off-road and dirt-oriented motorcycles. The FX is no slouch either, being a proper dual-sport, capable of riding to the trail, conquering the trail, and riding back dirty and ready for a wash. The motor gives the bike 70 HP and 116 lb-ft of torque, with two options of battery packs to go with it. There is the 3.6 kWh spec which gives you a much shorter range but also cuts the total weight of the bike to a paltry 247 lbs, and there is the 7.2 kWh spec which is much more oriented towards true dual sport use. Effective ranges for both are (3.6/7.2): 46/91 city, 28/56 highway, and 34/69 combined.
2022 Zero FXS
The 2022 Zero FXS is definitely a niche product, but a fun one at that. The SuperMoto version of the FX only comes in the 3.6 kWh configuration for the lightest weight possible but retains the 70 HP and 116 lb-ft of torque. It is also sprung much more for street use, and with a little practice, you can definitely get the rear wheel sliding out, despite it being an automatic transmission direct-drive bike. The ranges are 50 miles in the city and 30 miles on the highway, for a combined 37 miles, but be realistic… ranges don’t mean much for a supermoto!
2022 Zero DS
The 2022 Zero DS is the counterpoint to its FX model cousin. While the FX is all about being off the road more than on it, the DS (literally: Dual Sport) is much more about road manners and being sensible as a commuter and/or urban explorer. 46 HP and 78 lb-ft of torque are still plenty to get you where you need to go, and with far more street-oriented suspension, it’ll be a comfortable ride too! With the only spec battery being 7.2 kWh, the DS can go 82 miles in the city, 49 miles on the highway, and has a combined effective range of 61 miles.
2022 Zero DSR
The 2022 DSR is the closest thing, for this model year at least, that Zero has to an ADV motorcycle. While sharing the same frame as the DS, the DSR packs in the higher end 14.4 kWh battery from the S model line, and the DC motor from the FX, to give the bike a ton of grunt and a lot of range. 70 HP, 116 lb-ft of torque, and a quite balanced 419 lbs curb weight to boot. There is a “power tank” range extender option available that will keep you riding almost all day, but with the standard spec, the bike will travel 163 miles in the city and 98 miles on the highway, for a combined total of 122 miles on average.
I wander if kawasaki makes ninja model full automatic transmission, thank you, i teally need this informatio
Honda Rebel 1100 DCT ABS.. really good cruiser seems to be missing from the list.
As a senior, I am getting “trigger fingers” in left hand possibly from heavy clutch shifting pressures for years. I’ll have to get an electric bike, a DCT type shifting, or other solution to take strain off my left fingers. Or give up motorcycling. So I pay particular attention to shifting requirements of new motorcycles. Your hands still work normally till about 50, but then shit happens. If your brain still works, you can ride a motorcycle for a long time. If manufacturers only want young riders, then forget making an “automatic transmission”. WTH, motorcycles will be banned in the next few years because old riders won’t care anymore since we no longer have 2 wheelers 🙂
My issue is arthritis in my left thumb, due to a few forward dismounts over the years. My current ride a 2016 Harley Low Rider I am finding more and more uncomfortable due to the left hand and that clutch. Just beginning to look at an automatic after talking to a Wing rider who has one of their automatics. I will probably wind up with the Wing as I still wish to ride, but really would have preferred a leaner less encumbered style of bike to choose from. Manufacturers y’all need to pay attention to us fading boomers who still crave a ride in the wind.
Dave, check out the Honda Rebel 1100 DCT on the Honda Powersports website, it’s much more along the size and style of your current Low Rider than the Gold Wing.
They also forgot about all the Zero’s.
I get trigger finger, too. I shortened the pull on the clutch lever, which helped, but more helpful was relaxing and flexing my thumb and finger often while I’m riding.
I’m a senior and have the trigger finger issues too. Very frustrating! A bike with a light clutch and an quickshifter and auto blipper is close to a DCT, but doesn’t work so well in traffic at slow speeds. Please manufacturers, more DCT’s. I’d LOVE a DCT naked liter bike or sport tourer!
Lou, your answer is soon coming in the form of the 2022 Honda NT1100D, if you google it there is a Cycle World reveal article.
I ride a 1979 honda cm400a with the two speed centrifugal clutch and it’s a fun bike for someone who didn’t grow up on manual transmissions. It still looks like and handles like a motorcycle without being a scooter and it will go about 80 mph downhill with myself aboard. I really like selecting gears without the clutch and would really consider something like that trail 125 if it had a larger powerplant. My biggest issue with the cm400a is that it was made in 1979 and the plastic bits have gone brittle over time… it sees a lot of shop time for repairs.
I’m selling my 2010 Honda vfr 1200f dct it’s probably the best automatic you may never heard of. 170hp Honda OEM hard bag panniers. Most underrated bike maybe ever
I’ve only got about 6k miles on her. Let me know if interested
I’m interested. Do you have any pictures and of course, the money you’re looking for. Also, I live near Cornwall, Ont. so distance could be a problem.
At age 56, I’m fortunate that my hand still work well, especially given my misadventures in woodworking and a couple of close calls with The Spinning Blade Of Death. Unfortunately, a lifetime of being overweight and diabetic is starting to take its toll on my left ankle, so within a couple of years I’ll have to retire my beloved KTM Duke. I quite like the look of the new KTM Super Adventure, but the price-point plus the fact that there’s no auto option will probably have me looking Honda’s way instead, unless I settle for one of the big scooters.
I’m 65 and retired and I want to get back into biking, looking at a small displacement bike, not a scooter but there are no small automatic bikes out there (300cc to 650cc), none, zilch, zero. I’m the one with the super money, not my kids and they don’t cater for us. Except electric and they are ridiculously expensive and have short range at the moment.
Does the honda rebel come with dct ?