I think most of you know that I’m a huge motorcycle fan by now. And there may be a few folks out there who would really like to ride a motorcycle, but who are afraid of the learning curve. Well, the Ridley would be a great option because it’s got a completely automatic transmission that using one of those CVTs that I wrote about a little while back.

Basically, riding a Ridley would be like riding a super-sized scooter since all you have to do is twist the throttle to go, and squeeze the brakes to stop. There is no need to worry about clutching with one hand, braking with the other, while twisting one throttle and shifting with the other foot. Leaves a lot more time to pay attention to balance and just enjoying the ride.
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I have explained what a CVT or continuously variable transmission is to at least a half a dozen people. So, usually when that happens I take the time to write up a tutorial and share it with you guys.

Now, the CVT discussion came up as a result of a broader car discussion in which I was explaining that a Nissan Murano SUV has a CVT transmission – which I really like. But it’s not the only one. There are quite a few vehicles with a CVT such as:

• Mitsubishi Lancer
• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Nissan Altima
• Audi A4
• Dodge Caliber

In addition to automobiles, CVTs can be found in scooters, and even some new bicycles. In fact, the CVT began as a small vehicle transmission and later had to be beefed up substantially to handle large vehicles like the Nissan Murano.

The following is a video of the Variator in a Yamaha T-Max scooter with the case removed. Notice how as the engine revvs up, the centrifugal force changes the ratio of the gearing by simply using the belt.
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