Honda Kills the Motorcycle

ericpetersautos ^ | 10/21/25 | eric

[eyeamok]

The E-Clutch does away with that and thereby arguably does away with the essential thing that makes a motorcycle something different than a Moped or a Scooter (or a car – with an automatic transmission – for that matter).

[Dr. Sivana]

I LOVE riding because you do more than just SIT there.

There are still manual shift cars for those that want them (few do). You are describing recreational riding. If you are on a motorcycle, you are NOT just sitting there. You are travelling, very fast if you want, lane splitting in states that allow it during rush hour. You still get the sound and the vibration, and the road feel. When you are done, you are ten or 200 miles away from where you started, and you spent hardly any money on gasoline.

It's not for me, I love just sitting in a 1970 Olds 98 or 1961 Imperial with extra room, six walls, and four wheels, but I respect the reasons that people choose motorcycles, and I doubt it is just for the shifting for most.

[V_TWIN]

Lol!.....nose wheelies are no doubt the dumbest move you could ever pull on a bike. SMH

[Disambiguator]

The one I rode was “old” when I rode it - back in 1982.

[Abecus]

I’m old. I don’t care if it has a clutch or not. Given the choice, I’d probably buy the new one. It would be one less thing in life I wouldn’t have to deal with. At least it’s not a Harley. That’s one bike I’d never buy. :)

[Wuli]

The automatic transmission for cars did not end “driver enthusiasm” to drive cars, and it will not end enthusiasm for real motorcycles.

[V_TWIN]

“Don’t British and Jap bikes have this on different sides?”
-
Couldn’t tell ya my friend, I’m strictly a domestic bike guy.

[Christopher]

Track days are gaining in popularity for that reason.

Also need one for the daily commute.

[1Old Pro]

Yep, more dangerous than cars. But in many countries it’s the only economical mode of transportation.

[Salvavida]

Honda 250 Enduro
Kawasaki ZX-9. (yeah what a jump....I totaled it in DC after an inattentive tourist hit me).
Z-Moto 300 (Chinese brand) dirt bike....I’m going to pick it up now from the shop as I type this.

[left that other site]

Steel toeed boots are great. I have two pair.

My 93FXR is not as Comfy as a bigger Harley, and has a bare steel peg for the shift lever.

Sneakers or really nice hiking boots don’t cut the mustard.

Been riding for over half a century, through interstate moves, New England Winters, Nine Rolling Thunders, widowhood, and more.

I remember suiting up and riding around on a Honda CB350 to see the snow and Christmas lights in Boston. That was when I was a LOT younger! LOL!

Now it’s just me and the Harley, and I really don’t want to put it into hibernation just yet...the weather is still nice enough, and the leaves are turning colors!

[doorgunner69]

Front brake is secondary???

You must be a HD rider. I come form a road racing background, and the rear brake is barely effective if stopping hard.

[left that other site]

You’re right.

I love riding, more than just shifting.

But I used to have an OLDS 88. It was brown, and hubby and I named it “The Moose”. I loved that car.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

If you are too disabled to operate a clutch a motorcycle is not for you.

[Christopher]

You can definitely pick out the cruiser/tourer riders in the group.

I change my rear pads at about every 4th or 5th front pad change.

[ByteMercenary]

Anyone involved with British autos knows about “Lucas - Prince of Darkness”.

Also why did it take decades for British motorcycle builders to figure out that the bike won’t leak oil if the crankcase is split horizontally instead of vertically?

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

They aren’t safe. True Darwin machines. I have had a dozen.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Just like idiots who use their phone while driving.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Know nothing? You will and lose your man card and be issued a Ritz card.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Those little wheels stuck.

[SaxxonWoods]

Coming soon, self-driving maotorcycles!