The Ridley Automatic Motorcycle (with a CVT)
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.
You can pick up a Ridley for about $15-20,000. Just check for a local dealer over at AutomaticMotorcycles.com.
One email per post. Twenty years of this, still going. Unsubscribe whenever.
Yes, you are correct about take off. Since I rebuild salvaged vehicles for myself and family and won’t give the thieves at banks my money, I have to learn the mechanical componets of the vehicles I work on. One CVT I currently own is a Polaris and a previous was a Honda pilot both used a CVT. The heaver the vehicle the tougher the belt must be as in a auto they use a metal linked belt instead of a kevlar/rubber/synthetic one. Since these were/are used in snow mobiles (that go 120mph) the users know how to “trick” the CVT. By removing one washer in the driven pulley you can dramatically increase the engagement/takeoff time frame. CVT’s are setup for dependability and convenience plus smoothness. Which you leave out of your explanation. They are real smooth, I can drive my Polaris and drink a beer. You could do the Meyer’s Manix take-off with no clutch and no transmission. Start the bike on a center stand in top gear, roll off at full throttle and hold on, he he. Things are better now with technology.
The Ridley motorcycles sound nice but there are design flaws that the company refuses to acknowledge much less repair. Two major repairs made on a brand new bike with under 800 miles make this bike a no go. They look good but they are slow out the gate.
I own one and wouldn’t recommend it.
There are companies that make automatic transmissions for bikes. Use that and buy a dependable bike instead.
As a motorcycle fan, I thought you might enjoy checking out “enclosed motorcycles.” Have you seen these? Here are a few photos:
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/06/21/high-school-students-build-enclosed-electric-motorcycle/
http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/486/
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/01/30/teca-concept-enclosed-motorcycle/
http://www.automedia.com/Monotracer_Dry_Motorcycle/dsm20071001mr/1