Partly, it is because of the increasing popularity of electric bikes and, of course, the growing number of new bike enthusiasts not quite familiar with manual shifting.
Automatic transmission is indeed a very popular and reasonable option for some bikes. For example, for commuter bikes are aimed at the urban environment where the traffic forces you to stop/start multiple times in just a couple of kilometres. However, there is another category now heavily updated with automatic transmission options. And this may be a surprising discovery since it is as far as it could be from riding in the city. This category is adventure bikes.
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To be clear, we are not talking about a fully automatic transmission but a semi-automatic one. And there are pretty valid reasons for such an option for adventure bikes on which you ride long distances with multiple obstacles. Naturally, newcomers would find it hard to shift gears while riding on a rocky road where most of their attention is drawn to the ground. Besides, even an old-timer motorcyclist can have trouble on such roads, especially if they had an injury making shifting gears difficult. In these cases, an automatic transmission will solve the problem and allow the rider to fully enjoy the adventure without technical inconveniences.
So, let’s jump to our list of the best automatic transmission bikes in 2022 without further ado.
Can-Am
2022 Can-Am Ryker
The first bike in our list is one of the upgraded models from Can-Am lineup, the 2022 Can-Am Ryker. There are two versions of the bike – one with 900cc and another with a 600cc Rotax engine. Both have the same frame and tires as the previous version but great new color variants. The bike doesn’t have cruise control or KYB shocks, which is understandable since it costs less than $9,000. However, it has a pretty good CVT transmission with reverse function and a powerful engine with the ability to switch between Eco and Sport Mode.
Besides, you can customize the bike’s appearance and comfort with an array of accessories and gear available on the manufacturer’s website.
2022 Can-Am Spyder F3
It is a state-of-art bike tricycle power cruiser with pretty amazing perks starting from the aesthetics to inline-triple Rotax 1330 ACE engine and unsurpassed Can-Am’s Vehicle Stability System (VSS).
This bike combines the fantastic aesthetics of a ‘power-cruiser’ with a powerful three-cylinder Rotax 1,330cc ACE engine and unsurpassed Can-Am’s Vehicle Stability System (VSS).
The updated version offers an array of new color schemes, with the stock model available in deep black. The bike can boast an engine with ECO Mode and awesome front and rear SACHS shocks. For optimal comfort, in this model, you have the ability to adjust footpegs and handlebar as you wish and they fix in place reliably. The model also boasts an impressive and easy-to-read 4.5′′ (11.4 cm) large digital dashboard. And, of course, for this bike model, you also have fantastic customization options. You can add impressive Front fenders with powerful LED lights, an audio system, a spacious trunk, and a whole range of other accessories.
2022 Can-Am Spyder RT
It is the most luxurious Spyder lineup bike. It takes pride in a powerful 1,300cc engine, 6-speed semi-automatic transmission, and an array of comfort-ensuring features. Its increased storage capacity provided by the front storage compartment, a regulated windshield, a 7″ (17.78 cm) dashboard connecting to rider devices, cruise control, heated handles, and wide floorboards make the motorbike the best option for a comfortable long ride. On top of that, you can also enjoy pretty good audio coming from as many as six speakers!
And, of course, like the other models, it is also customizable. For example, suppose you think the front and rear storage capacities are still insufficient for you and your travel buddy. In that case, you can extend the rear one with LinQ accessories lineup.
Harley-Davidson
2022 Livewire One
It is the first electric motorcycle made by Harley-Davidson, launched in 2020. One full charge lasts for 100-150 miles. The bike easily fits the lineup of sports cruisers with 105 HP and 86 lb-ft of torque.
Although the specifics of the electric motor eliminate the need for gear shifting, the bike still has a kind of automatic transmission to switch between drive, neutral, and reverse. In order to make the experience with the bike more old-school, the engineers ensured that you would feel something like an engine breaking when not throttling. It is felt as, during all off-throttle time, the spinning of the motor will recharge the battery.
Honda
2022 Gold Wing DCT/Gold Wing Tour
We united these bikes in one paragraph since both of them have the same chassis, 1.8-liter engine with almost 125 HP, and 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The reviews say that the transmission works impressively smoothly with these specs on slow-speed maneuvers.
The stock models come with a built-in navigation system connecting to iOS and Android, stability control, and super-stylish pannier lockers. For maximum comfort, the bike allows adjusting the back of the seat and electronically adjusting the suspension. Besides, it comes with fog lights, an improved rear suspension for passager comfort, and a USB port to charge any device you’d need during the ride.
2022 Africa Twin DCT
This bike is an amazing option for new adventure bikers. With an engine capacity of 1,084cc and HP of 101, it has enough power and characteristic roar to let the new adventurer enjoy challenging trails. To facilitate driving and keep your attention on the trail exclusively, we advise opting for the model coming with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
An extraordinary detail of this model is that the front and back suspensions of the bike are made on the basis of Honda bikes competing in Dakar and Safari rallies.
2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT
This bike stands out from the others because Honda literally shoved in every piece of technology possible. Compared to the base model, Adventure Sports DCT offers much better stability control, cornering ABS, rear lift control, anti-wheelie, cruise, and traction control. It also has a six-axis inertial measurement unit that works with the automatic transmission to allow a smoother cornering ride. This is possible thanks to DTC technology, which prevents the transmission from shifting in a corner. It defines a certain lean and steering indicating a turn and makes the bike much more stable. And the cherry on the top is the electronically-controlled suspension, whose addition is reflected in the model name with ES at the end. Combine that with the high windscreen, and you get the bike basically ready for major rally competitions, not to mention your personal moto adventures.
The full upgrade package also includes a better TFT screen than previous models and full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
2022 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT ABS
This is another Honda model with the same DTC transmission that clearly can be considered pretty successful since it is used for the entire pretty popular lineup. The bike also shares the same powerful engine with Africa Twin. The first version of the bike was launched in 2021, and now the updated model still is a pretty good option for moto enthusiasts who want a powerful low-slung cruiser. The bike basically has all the perks of the cruiser, and the automatic transmission makes it a perfect choice for those who are new to the motorcycle world – you can enjoy cruiser-style riding and focus on your surroundings rather than shifting gears while holding a heavy clutch. Just think about switching from an automatic transmission car to the mechanic one and add the associated challenges of riding a two-wheeled vehicle. The choice becomes beautifully clear.
2022 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT ABS enables you to switch between three preset riding modes and one custom mode. The switching between modes adjusts power and traction control levels and cornering ABS. Undoubtedly, this gives quite good control over the bike, making it a perfect first cruiser.
2022 Honda NC750X DCT ABS
This Honda model is really exceptional. It combines the perks of a daily commuter with those of an adventure motorbike. It can easily switch between two modes without causing any stress to the rider. This model has a 745cc two-cylinder NC750X engine with around 51 HP and a pretty impressive low-speed grunt. In adventure riding, the low-end torque is just what the doctor ordered to easily get over small obstacles and keep you in the seat. This Honda allows you to shift the gears with your right thumb or fully rely on the DTC transmission while also having ABS to back you up.
2022 Honda Super Cub C125 ABS
This Honda model is what can truly be called a bike with a semi-automatic transmission. Technically, you don’t need to hold the clutch but still need to shift gears with your left foot. The centrifugal force clutch spins fast, and when you send the request to shift the gear, it disengages the clutch for a short period of time and shifts the gear. The clutch slows down and engages again. Yes, it is a semi-automatic transmission, so you may wonder why it is on the list. In our defense, the bike doesn’t have the clutch lever, so we think it qualifies.
2022 Honda Navi
If you look at this bike and think it looks like a kid’s bike, I can say that you probably don’t like fun. Yes, it is not an ordinary bike. Although it has just a 109cc engine, it still can carry a normal-sized adult and, as a bonus, bring a smile to people’s faces.
Even though it is a small motorcycle, it also requires skill to ride. Fortunately, the V-Matic automatic transmission eases the tasks a lot. In short, it’s an excellent first bike to hone your skills and also have fun at a low price.
Zero
The whole Zero model lineup construction basically eliminates gear shifting. This is due to the brushless motor with direct drive high efficiency, air-cooling, radial flux and permanent interior magnet. Thus, we think these bikes are a good fit for our list of automatic transmission bikes.
2022 Zero S
Zero S is a typical street bike with just 46 HP and 78 lb-ft of torque ensured by a brushless electric motor’s instant and linear torque. Maximal revolutions per minute of the motor allow accelerating to 100 MPH. The bike uses regenerative braking and other energy-saving features. You can ride the bike without recharging for 89 miles in the city and around 55 miles on the highway. Thus, the average mileage one full charge can ensure is 68 miles.
2022 Zero SR
This model has a bigger battery capacity and respectively is more endured. It also has a more durable engine and respective specs. The bike has an equivalent of 70 HP, 122 lb-ft of torque, and can accelerate up to 104 MPH. The larger battery also ensures that on one full charge, you can ride 156 miles in urban conditions and 95 miles on the highway, resulting in the average effective range of 118 miles.
2022 Zero SR/S
This bike is a version of a sports motorbike with an electric motor. The model has the same development platform as SR/F. It can boast with impressive 110 HP, 140 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum speed of 124 MPH. Being the flagship model of the Zero lineup, it is equipped with Level 2 EV (240 Volt) charging compatible port. On the stock model, you can ride on one charge 156 miles in urban conditions and 95 on the highway, with the resulting average effective range being 118 miles. On top of that, the manufacturer offers a range of extenders that can be applied through Cypher Upgrade system.
2022 Zero SR/F
The bike’s platform is the same as of the SR/S but comes in a more aggressive design. The bike has 110 HP with 140 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate up to 124 MPH. Due to its streetfighter aesthetics, the bike has poorer aerodynamics than the SR/S model, so you can expect to lose around 10% of the claimed speed due to windage. The claimed effective range in the city is 156 miles, 95 miles on the highway, and an average of 118 miles. Agree, these are pretty good numbers for an electric bike that will suffice for daily commuting or mid-range travels.
2022 Zero FX
Originally, Zero had been focusing on making electric off-road dirt-ride motorcycles which made the line popular. This model is the direct descendant of those motorbikes made to conquer difficult rocky, dirt-filled trails. The bike’s motor has an equivalent of 70 HP and 116 lb-ft of torque and two battery options. One option is a small-capacity 3.6 kWh battery and another 7.2 kWh. You may wonder why opting for a smaller battery and smaller effective range. The answer is simple – it makes the bike lighter and easier to ride. The effective range also respectively differs. For a 3.6 kWh battery, it is 46 miles in urban conditions, 28 miles on the highway, and an average range of 34 miles. With a 7.2 kWh battery, one charge suffices for 91 miles in the city, 56 miles on the highway, or 69 miles on average.
2022 Zero FXS
It is a pretty spectacular super-lightweight bike with a small battery of 3.6 kWh. Still, the bike has sufficient for such class 70 HP and 116 lb-ft of torque and is pretty frisky and springy. On one full charge, you can ride up to 50 miles in the city or 30 miles on the highway with an average range of 37 miles. Although it doesn’t seem impressive, please don’t be too harsh on it. It’s a niche fun bike.
2022 Zero DS
While FX is made for off-road, the dual sport abbreviated DS is clearly more suitable for the urban environment considering its street-focused suspension. The bike has 46 HP and 78 lb-ft of torque which is more than enough for an amazing city commuter. The bike has only one battery option – 7.2 kWh. On a full charge, you can ride the DS for 82 miles in the city and 49 miles on the highway, resulting in an average effective range of 61 miles.
2022 Zero DSR
This bike is the real embodiment of the adventure bike with an electric motor. The bike is based on the same frame as the DS model but has a much higher battery capacity of 14.4 kWh. It also has the same motor as the FX model, giving DSR a significant grunt and range. DSR has 70 HP and 116 lb-ft of torque. It also boasts a well-balanced 419 lbs curb weight. The stock model rides on one charge for around 163 miles in an urban environment, 98 miles on the highway, making the average range 122 miles. If you want a bike that you can ride all day without recharges, with DSR, you have an option to extend the range with a “power tank“.
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