Do They Make Automatic Motorcycles? Manual vs. Automatic

The clutch and gear shifter combo is one of the biggest things that keeps people from getting into motorcycles. Coordinating your left hand and left foot while also balancing, steering, and watching the road is a lot to take on at once, and it makes sense that a lot of riders start their search wondering if there's a way around all of that.

Quick Answer: Yes, automatic motorcycles exist, and there are more options now than ever before. Honda has led the way with Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) since 2010, selling over 250,000 DCT bikes worldwide. BMW, Yamaha, and KTM have all introduced their own automatic systems within the past year, expanding options across touring bikes, adventure motorcycles, and cruisers.

But "automatic motorcycle" actually covers a few different technologies, and they don't all work the same way. In this blog, we'll walk through the different types of automatic transmissions available, which brands and models offer them, and how they compare to traditional manual bikes so you can figure out what makes sense for how you want to ride.

Types of Automatic Motorcycle Transmissions

The word "automatic" gets used pretty loosely when it comes to motorcycles, so it helps to know what you're actually looking at when you see it on a spec sheet. There are a few different systems out there, and each one takes a different approach to eliminating the clutch lever.

• Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): This is Honda's system and the most common on full-size bikes right now. It uses two clutches that alternate between gears, so shifts happen seamlessly without any input from you. You can ride in full auto mode or switch to manual and use handlebar buttons to shift yourself.

• Automated Manual Transmission (AMT): This is the newer tech from BMW (they call it ASA), Yamaha (Y-AMT), and KTM (AMT). These systems use electromechanical actuators to handle the clutch and shifting automatically, but you can still shift manually with buttons or a foot lever if you want that control.

• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): This is what you'll find on most scooters and on Can-Am's three-wheelers. A belt and pulley system adjusts ratios smoothly with no distinct shift points, so it's true twist-and-go riding.

• Electric Motorcycles: These don't have transmissions at all in the traditional sense. The motor delivers power directly to the wheel through a single drive ratio, so there's nothing to shift.

Which Brands Offer Automatic Motorcycles?

If you'd asked this question five years ago, the answer would have basically been Honda and that's it. But the market has opened up a lot recently, and you actually have real choices now depending on what kind of riding you want to do.

• Honda: Still the clear leader here. DCT is available on the Gold Wing, Africa Twin, Rebel 1100, and NC750X, covering everything from touring to adventure to cruiser to commuter.

• BMW: Just introduced their Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) on the R 1300 GS Adventure, with more models expected to get it soon.

• Yamaha: Launched Y-AMT on the MT-09, MT-07, and Tracer 9. U.S. availability is still limited on some models, but it's expanding.

• KTM: Rolling out AMT on the 1390 Super Adventure S Evo for 2025. Their system is notable for including paddle shifters, a foot lever, and a Park gear to keep the bike from rolling on hills.

• Can-Am: The Ryker and Spyder three-wheelers come with CVT standard, which makes them a popular choice for riders who want automatic convenience along with added stability.

Popular Automatic Motorcycles Available Now (2025)

If you’re actually shopping for an automatic motorcycle today, these are the models you’re most likely to run into. Each one takes a slightly different approach to automatic riding, depending on whether you’re focused on touring, commuting, adventure riding, or just something easy to live with:

• Honda Gold Wing DCT

• Honda Africa Twin DCT

• Honda Rebel 1100 DCT

• Honda NC750X DCT

• BMW R 1300 GS Adventure ASA

• Can-Am Ryker

Honda Gold Wing DCT

The Gold Wing is usually the reference point for automatic motorcycles, mostly because Honda’s 7-speed DCT has been refined for years and it shows once you’re riding it. The shifting is smooth and predictable, and features like reverse, walking mode, and Hill Start Assist start to matter very quickly when you’re dealing with a fully loaded touring bike that weighs well over 800 pounds. It’s designed for long days on the road, has earned recognition like Cycle World’s best touring bike for 2025, and starts around $25,700, which puts it firmly in the premium end of automatic options.

Honda Africa Twin DCT

The Africa Twin feels familiar on pavement, but the automatic transmission really earns its place once the riding slows down or the surface gets loose. Without a clutch to manage, it’s easier to stay focused on balance and line choice, which is why many riders end up appreciating the DCT most when the terrain becomes uneven or technical. It still handles highway miles comfortably, but it’s the reduced workload in tricky sections that often wins people over after spending time with the bike.

Honda Rebel 1100 DCT

The Rebel 1100 is one of the more approachable ways to experience an automatic motorcycle without moving into a large touring platform. At about 497 pounds, it feels manageable, and the riding position works well for commuting, traffic, and shorter trips where constant shifting can get old. The DCT smooths out stop-and-go riding in a way you really notice over time, especially if you’re using the bike regularly rather than just on weekends.

Honda NC750X DCT

The NC750X tends to make more sense the longer you live with it, particularly if most of your riding happens during the week. The built-in storage gets used far more than people expect, the engine is tuned for steady, usable power, and with the DCT handling shifts, the bike settles into an easy, predictable rhythm in traffic. It’s also one of the more affordable ways to step into Honda’s automatic lineup without giving up comfort or everyday usability.

BMW R 1300 GS Adventure ASA

BMW’s new automatic system on the R 1300 GS Adventure comes paired with electronic suspension that lowers the bike when you come to a stop, then raises it again once you’re moving, which makes a noticeable difference on a tall adventure bike. That change alone can make traffic, uneven pavement, and awkward stop situations feel far less demanding, while still keeping the bike’s long-distance and off-road capability intact.

Can-Am Ryker

The Ryker sits a little outside the traditional motorcycle category, but it comes up often in automatic conversations because the experience is completely hands-off when it comes to shifting. The CVT does all the work, the low seat and wide stance keep things steady at stops, and the overall feel is very different from a conventional motorcycle, which is exactly why some riders are drawn to it in the first place.

Manual vs. Automatic Motorcycles

Most riders who've spent time on both will tell you the difference goes beyond just having or not having a clutch lever. Each setup changes how you interact with the bike, how tired you get on longer rides, and how much attention you need to give the machine versus the road.

• Control: Manual gives you complete control over when the bike shifts and how power gets delivered. Automatic handles those decisions for you, though most modern systems let you override and shift manually when you want.

• Learning curve: Manual requires you to develop clutch coordination on top of everything else that goes into learning to ride. Automatic lets you focus on steering, braking, and the road without adding gear management into the mix.

• Traffic: This is where automatic really shines. Working a clutch in stop-and-go traffic gets tiring, and automatic bikes let you deal with congestion the way you would in a car.

• Weight: Automatic systems add 10 to 20 pounds compared to manual versions of the same bike, which can affect handling slightly.

• Cost: Automatic models typically run $500 to $1,500 higher upfront, and repairs can be more complex if something goes wrong with the transmission.

• Selection: Manual still offers way more options across every style and price point. Automatic is growing but still limited in comparison.

Pros and Cons of Automatic Motorcycles

Honda's DCT has been around long enough that the early quirks are worked out, and riders who've put serious miles on it generally praise the reliability and how natural the shifts feel. The newer AMT systems from BMW, Yamaha, and KTM are still proving themselves, but automatic isn't automatically better for every rider or situation.

What works well:

• Easier to learn since you can focus on fundamentals without also mastering clutch coordination

• Less fatigue in traffic and on long rides where you'd otherwise be working the clutch constantly

• No stalling, which removes one of the most common frustrations for new riders

• Most systems offer manual override when you want more direct control

• Great option for riders with hand injuries or physical limitations that make clutch operation difficult

What doesn't work as well:

• Fewer model options compared to the massive range of manual bikes available

• Higher purchase price than equivalent manual versions

• Added weight affects handling, though most riders adapt quickly

• Repairs can be more complex and costly if something goes wrong

• Some riders genuinely miss the engagement that comes with shifting themselves

Pros and Cons of Manual Motorcycles

About 80% of motorcycles sold in North America are still manual, and that's not just because riders are stuck in their ways. The mechanical simplicity, lower cost, and sheer variety of options make it the practical choice for most people.

What works well:

• Massive selection across every style, price point, and brand you can think of

• Lighter weight typically means better handling and fuel efficiency

• Lower cost to buy and simpler maintenance over time

• More engaging riding experience for riders who enjoy that level of involvement

• The clutch lever gives you fine control during slow-speed maneuvers like parking lot turns

What doesn't work as well:

• Steeper learning curve since you're adding clutch skills on top of everything else

• Hand fatigue in heavy traffic can make commuting more tiring than it needs to be

• Stalling happens while you're learning, and it can be frustrating

• Requires more continuous attention and coordination while riding

Which One Makes Sense for You?

Riders who commute daily in traffic tend to gravitate toward automatic, while riders who spend most of their time on open roads often prefer the engagement of a manual.

• Consider automatic if you're new to riding and want to focus on the basics before adding clutch control, you commute in heavy traffic and want a more relaxed ride, you have a physical limitation that makes clutch operation difficult, or long-distance comfort is your main priority.

• Consider manual if you want the widest selection of bikes to choose from, you enjoy the engagement and control that comes with shifting yourself, you're budget-conscious and want lower upfront and maintenance costs, or you plan to do performance riding where precise gear selection matters.

Our advice? Ride both if you can. Spending 15 minutes on each type will tell you more than any spec sheet ever could.

Browse Motorcycles for Sale at Warhorse Camp Hill

At a certain point, reading and comparing only gets you so far, and actually seeing the bikes is what makes things click. Warhorse Camp Hill has a wide selection of motorcycles for sale near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which makes it easier to compare riding positions, weights, and controls in person, whether you’re leaning toward a manual or curious about an automatic. Take a look at what’s available, sit on a few options, and see which one makes sense for you as a rider. Contact us today for more information!