Motorcycle: automatic and semi-automatic transmission.
Content
Are you looking to buy a motorcycle and wondering which type of motorcycle to choose between a motorcycle with an automatic transmission and a motorcycle with a semi-automatic transmission? Here's a little comparison that should usually help and guide you in your decision.
What is the transmission system? What are the different parts of it? What are the advantages and disadvantages of automatic transmission? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a semi-automatic transmission? Zoom in on this article for each of these two types of motorcycle drivetrains.
General information on transmission systems
All two-wheeled vehicles have a transmission. Even if not all of these systems are built using the same technology, in the end they all play the same role.
What do we mean by a transmission system?
The transmission is a set of intermediate gears that allow the transfer of engine power to the rear wheel through gear changes, which can be manual or automatic. Acting as a lever to multiply your efforts, the role of the transmission is to multiply the engine torque. to allow it to overcome resistances that might prevent the motorcycle from starting and moving.
Various transmission parts
Several elements are involved to ensure the correct operation of the transmission system. Thus, we distinguish between:
Primary transmission : This ensures the connection between the crankshaft and the clutch. It transmits the movement of the motor to the gearbox. Depending on the existing technical capabilities, we may quote at this level chain drive and direct drive.
Grab : It is a mechanical device that allows the engine and transmission to communicate. He interferes with gear shifting. It is used, in particular, to connect the crankshaft and the gearbox or, conversely, to separate them depending on the speed or the desire of the driver.
Transmission : It is a variable element of the transmission chain. It is used to change the gear ratio between the engine and the wheels. Also the main element, it transfers, in coordination with different gear ratios, engine power to other components that need it to operate and control the motorcycle.
Secondary transmission : Also called final drive, it is a mechanism that transfers motion between the gearbox output and the rear wheel. This includes, for example, a belt, chain and gears or akaten drivetrain in the case of electric motorcycles.
Automatic transmission system
With an automatic transmission, the rider simply needs to accelerate and brake his bike. Engaging and disengaging the clutch is fully automatic, depending on the degree of acceleration or deceleration of the motorcycle.
His strengths
The advantages of automatic transmission can no longer be talked about, as they are well known. However, let's remember the most important thing together. We can quote as advantages of automatic transmission :
- Eliminate jerks: driving is now easier and more enjoyable. Likewise, it virtually eliminates the risk of stopping.
- Smooth and Ease of Driving: The pilot is more focused on driving as he does not need to think about gear changes.
- Reduced wear and tear risks: By eliminating human error when changing gears, the automatic transmission lasts longer and provides a more reliable and efficient drive.
- Saving fuel in traffic jams: During multiple stops, such as in traffic jams, an automatic transmission is more economical than a non-automatic transmission.
- Ease of Driving Learning: An automatic motorcycle is easier to drive if you are a beginner. Indeed, the latter does not need to make much effort to move their two-wheeled vehicle.
His weaknesses
Although the automatic transmission has many advantages, such as those mentioned above, it still has some disadvantages. The disadvantages associated with the use of motorcycles with an automatic transmission include:
- Difficulty switching to a non-automatic motorcycle: Bikers accustomed to driving motorcycles with an automatic transmission often have difficulty riding motorcycles without an automatic transmission because they are not used to this mode of gear shifting.
- Monotony of driving: The automatic transmission often forces the driver to drive without feeling too strong the consequences of driving.
- The relatively high cost of this type of motorcycle: given the technology available, motorcycles with an automatic transmission are often more expensive than motorcycles without an automatic transmission.
Semi-automatic transmission system
A semi-automatic transmission or automated manual transmission is a transmission that combines a manual shutter and an automatic shutter. It is also without a manual clutch, but has a gearshift button on the rider's handlebars.
His strengths
Benefits of semi-automatic transmissions among others:
- The purchase price is generally lower than for motorcycles with a fully automatic transmission mode.
- Engine brake: With this component, the driver is more likely to stop at the sight of danger because the brake is softer and therefore more responsive.
- Reducing fuel consumption, especially when the driver rarely drives in traffic jams and moves more at an average speed, and this is on open roads where traffic is usually smooth.
- Ease of driving automatic motorcycles. : In fact, unlike automatic motorcycle riders who find it difficult to adapt to riding motorcycles that are not automatic, semi-automatic motorcycle riders will find it easier to drive fully automatic motorcycles.
Weak spots
Despite all these advantages that their use can have, the use of semi-automatic motorcycles can create some inconvenience. These are the weak points of semi-automatic motorcycles.
- Repetition of jerks: jerks are unavoidable for this type of motorcycle, especially during deceleration phases.
- More tiring driving in traffic jams: On motorcycles with semi-automatic transmissions, the risk of irritation in traffic jams is increased because, in addition to jerking, they also often have to use the gear lever.
- Restarting is not always pleasant, especially when you forget to downshift when stopping.
