Pros And Cons Of Automatic vs Manual Motorcycle - What You Should Know?

One must remember that there are no automatic motorcycles available in India. One can either choose a gearless scooter. Or they can choose a motorcycle. A gearless scooter is equipped with a CVT. CVT is the abbreviation for Continuously Variable Transmission. A CVT system relies on pulleys. The power from the engine to the driving wheel is transferred using a steel band. CVT systems automatically adjust to the riding style of the scooter owner. The gear changes in a CVT scooter will always be smooth and seamless. 

A motorcycle on the other hand is equipped with a traditional transmission that is designed for its make and model. A manual transmission system transfers power through fixed gears.

A scooter with a CVT and a motorcycle with its traditional transmission entail their fair share of pros and cons. This post will shine a light on all of them.

Here goes:

Geared (manual) Transmission Two-Wheeler Benefits and Disadvantages

Benefits

• One must remember that between manual vs automatic transmission, a manual motorcycle is cheaper. One can get a commuter motorcycle in less than 1 lakh these days. On the other hand, a 125 CC automatic scooter costs more than 1.28 lakhs on the road!
• CVTs seldom break down but when they do, the vehicle will be rendered useless. Furthermore, CVT-equipped scooters entail hefty ownership costs when the CVT unit needs to be replaced. Cue in the second manual transmission vs automatic transmission argument. Manual transmission-equipped motorcycles seldom are rendered useless. The reason is simple. A manual transmission system is more robust than an automatic transmission unit. On top of this, periodic maintenance and even the replacement of a manual transmission system is cheap.
• A motorcycle offers greater control to its rider, especially in the form of engine braking. Engine braking can be engaged especially when the bike is coming down from a hill. To engage engine braking, the rider can shift into a lower gear and let go of the clutch. One would also have to keep themselves from twisting the throttle. In this way, the load on the brakes of the two-wheeler will be reduced. At the same time, the rider and their two-wheeler will safely come down from a hill. On the other hand, two-wheelers (scooters) with CVTs come with centrifugal clutches. And riders cannot control a centrifugal clutch. Furthermore, a Continuously Variable Transmission has step-less gears. Hence, a CVT cannot offer the two-wheeler any form of engine braking.

Additional Read: Bajaj Avenger Street 160 vs Bajaj Pulsar 150 Twin Disc

Disadvantages

• It is pretty hard for one to master the art of manually changing the gears of a bike. On the other hand, one can easily learn and master the skill of riding an automatic (CVT) scooter. 
• It is very uncomfortable for a motorcyclist to go through all the gears in their bike when they are stuck in traffic. A CVT-equipped scooter, on the other hand, eradicates the need to shift gears altogether!

Gearless or Automatic (CVT) Two-Wheeler Benefits and Disadvantages

Benefits

• The first benefit of automatic vs manual transmission is that the former offers better fuel efficiency. Scooters with CVTs will always have their engine speeds low, irrespective of the on-road speed. On the other hand, a motorcycle with manual transmission has to be revved hard before shifting to a higher gear. Avoid doing this in a motorcycle and the engine will either stall or one will not achieve their desired on-road speed.
• The ride experience of a CVT-equipped scooter is smooth whereas a motorcycle entails higher NVH levels. 

Disadvantages

• The power delivery to the rear wheel is a bit delayed in a CVT-equipped scooter. 
• CVT-equipped scooters do not offer the same feedback as that of a motorcycle to its rider. 
• CVT-equipped scooters are not meant for riders who want a two-wheeler that would quench their thrill-seeking sides.
• CVT-equipped two-wheelers in India are only limited to scooters. Motorcycles with automatic gearboxes are yet to come into the proverbial picture!

Additional Read: Best Streetfighter Bikes in India, Under INR 2 Lakhs

Which is Better Manual or Automatic?

Choosing between a gearless scooter and a motorcycle is a decision that is made on the basis of one’s preferences. If one is okay with having no control over the transmission of their two-wheeler then they can choose a scooter. On the other hand, if one wants control over how their two-wheeler behaves on the road, then they should buy a bike. For more details, it would be best that the reader consults with the spokespersons at their preferred two-wheeler dealership today.

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