Yes—automatic motorcycles are now far more than scooters with motorcycle styling. Honda’s DCT-equipped bikes can shift through a conventional gearbox without a clutch lever, while Yamaha, BMW, and KTM have introduced automated manuals that preserve much of the feel of a traditional motorcycle. Electric motorcycles go further by eliminating the clutch and multi-speed gearbox altogether.
If you want one broadly useful answer, start with the Honda NC750X DCT. It combines automatic shifting, full-size motorcycle handling, integrated storage, upright ergonomics, and a relatively approachable price. Riders who want more performance should look at the Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT, where available; serious adventure riders have the Honda Africa Twin DCT, BMW R 1300 GS ASA, and KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO AMT to consider.
The important qualification is that “automatic” describes several very different systems. Some bikes shift automatically; some automate only the clutch; electric motorcycles usually have no transmission to shift at all. The 12 motorcycles below are therefore grouped by what they actually do, where they are sold, and how useful they remain after the novelty wears off.
What counts as an automatic motorcycle?
For this guide, an automatic motorcycle is any motorcycle that can be ridden without manually operating a clutch lever. That broad definition includes true automatic transmissions, automated manual gearboxes, automatic-clutch systems, and electric motorcycles with direct drive.
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- Compatible with Honda: 2019 Honda NC750X, 2019 Honda NC750X DCT ABS Honda: 2004 CB600, 2006 CB600, 2006 ST1300, 2012 ST1300, 2000 VFR800, 2002-2007 CB900, 2000 VFR800, 2002-2009 FSC600.Honda: 2003-2006 VTX1300, 2002-2007 VTX1800, 1999-2001 GL1500, 2001-2005 GL1800, 2009-2010 GL1800, 2001-2006 RVT1000.Honda: 2008-2010 ST1300, 2002-2009 VFR800, 2001-2003 VT750, 2005-2007 VT750, 1997-2007 VT1100, 1998-2005 VTR1000
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It does not mean that every model changes gears by itself. That distinction matters when comparing a Honda DCT with a Honda E-Clutch, or a Zero electric motorcycle with a Yamaha Y-AMT bike.
| System | Does it shift automatically? | Clutch lever? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda DCT | Yes, with manual handlebar override | No | NC750X, Rebel 1100, Africa Twin, Gold Wing |
| Yamaha Y-AMT | Yes, or manual finger shifting | No | MT-07, MT-09, Tracer 9 GT+ |
| BMW ASA | Yes, or manual foot shifting | No | R 1300 GS |
| KTM AMT | Yes, or manual foot/paddle shifting | No | 1390 Super Adventure S EVO |
| Honda E-Clutch | No; the rider still selects gears | Available as an override | CB650R, CBR650R, Transalp |
| Electric direct drive | No gear selection is normally required | No | LiveWire, Zero, Stark |
Honda’s own explanation is particularly clear: DCT automates both clutch operation and gear selection, whereas E-Clutch automates clutch operation but remains a manual transmission. Honda DCT technical information and Honda E-Clutch technical information explain the difference.
The 12 automatic motorcycles actually worth riding
1. Honda NC750X DCT: best all-rounder and value
Transmission: Six-speed Honda Dual Clutch Transmission
Availability: U.S. production model; 2026 U.S. listing
2026 U.S. base MSRP: $9,499, before destination, taxes, registration, and dealer charges
The Honda NC750X DCT is the most rational automatic motorcycle here. Its 745cc parallel twin produces useful low- and midrange torque, its upright riding position works in traffic or on a day trip, and the bike has a 31.6-inch seat and a practical 23-liter integrated front storage compartment.
The DCT offers automatic modes that can be customized, as well as manual gear selection from the handlebar controls. The result is a motorcycle that feels more substantial and capable than a scooter but is easier to use when traffic repeatedly reduces the ride to first gear, a stop, and another launch.
- Why it is radical: It makes a full-size adventure-styled motorcycle function unusually well as everyday transportation.
- Best for: Commuting, errands, newer riders, and owners who want one bike for nearly everything.
- Strengths: Price, storage, fuel-efficient design, upright ergonomics, easy urban operation, and manual override.
- Trade-offs: It is practical rather than thrilling, the suspension is not especially sporty, and the DCT adds weight and complexity. A 31.6-inch seat can still be tall for some riders.
2. Honda Rebel 1100 DCT: best automatic cruiser
Transmission: Six-speed Honda DCT
Availability: U.S. production model; trim availability varies by market
2026 U.S. starting prices: $10,399 for the Rebel 1100 DCT and $11,199 for the DCT SE, before additional charges
The Honda Rebel 1100 DCT pairs a low cruiser seat and relaxed styling with a 1,084cc parallel-twin engine and one of the most sophisticated motorcycle transmissions available. It is a convincing answer to the question, “Can a cruiser be automatic without becoming boring?”
The answer is yes, although it will not feel exactly like a traditional cruiser. The engine still supplies usable torque and engine braking, while the DCT removes clutch work in traffic and lets the rider select gears manually when desired.
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- Best for: Riders who want cruiser style without repeated clutch work.
- Strengths: Low seat, strong engine, compact dimensions, automatic and manual modes, and more agility than a full-size tourer.
- Trade-offs: It remains a heavy, powerful motorcycle rather than a beginner bike. Limited cornering clearance, modest suspension travel, and trim-dependent wind protection also remain.
3. Honda Africa Twin DCT: best serious adventure automatic
Transmission: Six-speed Honda DCT
Availability: U.S. production model; standard and Adventure Sports versions differ by market and equipment
2026 U.S. starting price: $15,999 for the standard Africa Twin DCT, before additional charges
The Honda Africa Twin DCT is the strongest proof that an automatic motorcycle can be a genuine adventure machine. It has a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, selectable riding modes, off-road electronics, and a rear ABS-off function on the appropriate settings.
Honda developed the DCT with off-road use in mind. When riding while standing, the system reduces the workload of clutch and gear changes so the rider can concentrate on traction, line choice, balance, and body position. Manual paddle shifting remains available when a specific gear is preferable.
- Why it is radical: It applies automatic shifting to a large adventure motorcycle intended for dirt, loose surfaces, hill climbs, and long-distance travel.
- Best for: Adventure touring, riders with limited clutch-hand endurance, and people who want a large off-road-capable motorcycle without a clutch lever.
- Strengths: 21/18-inch wheel combination, long-travel chassis, selectable off-road modes, strong traction, and reduced workload while standing.
- Trade-offs: It is tall and heavy. Some riders who rely on precise clutch slip for technical, trials-like terrain may prefer the manual model.
4. Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT: most unconventional luxury tourer
Transmission: Seven-speed Honda DCT
Availability: U.S. production model
2026 U.S. starting price: $30,500 for the Gold Wing Tour Automatic DCT, before additional charges
Claimed ready-to-ride weight: 847 pounds
Trunk capacity: 61 liters
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The Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT is radical even before its transmission is considered. It combines a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, shaft drive, double-wishbone front suspension, reverse, full luggage, and a seven-speed DCT.
The transmission makes long-distance riding easier, but it does not make the motorcycle small. At 847 pounds ready to ride, the Gold Wing still demands deliberate low-speed technique in parking lots and on uneven ground. Reverse is therefore more than a novelty; it is a genuinely useful part of the package.
- Why it is radical: It is effectively a luxury touring motorcycle with a seven-speed automatic drivetrain and reverse.
- Best for: Two-up touring, highway travel, and riders who want car-like refinement on two wheels.
- Strengths: Smooth six-cylinder power, excellent passenger accommodation, luggage, weather protection, reverse, and effortless highway gear management.
- Trade-offs: Price, size, weight, and parking-lot intimidation. It is not a sensible first motorcycle simply because it has no clutch lever.
5. Yamaha MT-07 Y-AMT: best approachable sporty automated manual
Transmission: Six-speed automated manual transmission
Availability: Europe/global model; the current U.S. MT-07 listing shows a conventional manual gearbox
Engine: 689cc CP2 parallel twin
The Yamaha MT-07 Y-AMT brings clutchless operation to a relatively compact middleweight naked motorcycle. Unlike Honda DCT, Y-AMT uses a conventional six-speed gearbox with electronically controlled clutch and shift actuators. The rider can select automatic operation or shift manually using a handlebar-mounted see-saw switch.
This is important for experienced riders who are skeptical of large automatic tourers. The MT-07 remains compact, lively, and physically approachable, while the rider can still make gear choices without using a clutch lever or foot shifter.
Rank #2
- Pretty Straight Forward Installation and Looks Nice on The Bike.
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- Makes NC750X Stand A Little More Upright When on The Feet Pics Will Keep The Stand From Sinking Into The Grass at Campgrounds.
- Adds Plenty Of Footing and Parking On Gravel/Dirt Driveway Was Very Good. Never Need To Dumpster Dive Looking For a Can to Put Under The Stand.
- Prevent the bracket from sinking into soft asphalt. Like a bigger footprint on concrete. It works well there too. Condition: 100% brand new, never installed, high quality CNC aluminum alloy.
- Why it is radical: Automated shifting is offered on a light, affordable-feeling naked bike rather than only on premium touring and adventure machines.
- Best for: Urban riders and newer automatic-bike shoppers who want motorcycle handling without a large displacement or touring chassis.
- Strengths: Compact size, approachable power, strong midrange, automatic and manual modes, and more mechanical engagement than a CVT scooter.
- Trade-offs: It is not currently listed on Yamaha’s U.S. MT-07 specification page. Automated-manual shifts may also feel less seamless than DCT during very slow maneuvers.
Before importing or ordering one, confirm local homologation, licensing, warranty, and dealer support. Yamaha’s current U.S. MT-07 page documents the manual version, not the Y-AMT version.
6. Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT: best sporty automatic
Transmission: Six-speed automated manual transmission
Availability: Europe/global model; the current U.S. MT-09 listing shows a conventional manual gearbox
Engine: 890cc CP3 three-cylinder
The Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT is the most convincing choice for an experienced rider who wants an automatic motorcycle that still feels fast, compact, and mischievous. Its 890cc three-cylinder engine and aggressive naked-bike chassis are considerably more performance-focused than the NC750X.
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Yamaha’s system can shift automatically or let the rider change gears with a finger-operated switch. In theory, that allows the rider to focus on throttle, braking, body position, and cornering while retaining control over gear selection when the road becomes technical.
- Why it is radical: It combines a lively three-cylinder hyper-naked platform with automated clutch and gear operation.
- Best for: Experienced riders who want a clutchless motorcycle for spirited road riding.
- Strengths: Distinctive engine character, strong performance, compact dimensions, riding aids, and manual finger shifting.
- Trade-offs: Its power is excessive for many beginners, low-speed shift calibration matters, and availability is market-dependent. The current U.S. MT-09 specification page lists the regular manual model.
7. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Y-AMT: best automated sport-tourer
Transmission: Six-speed Yamaha Y-AMT
Availability: Europe/global model; equipment and availability vary by market
Engine: 890cc CP3 three-cylinder
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Y-AMT combines automated shifting with sport-touring ergonomics, electronic suspension, radar-linked assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Yamaha made Y-AMT standard on the GT+ in the documented 2025 European lineup.
This may be the best option for riders who want long-distance speed and reduced fatigue without moving all the way to a Gold Wing. It is still a substantial motorcycle, however, and its technology is designed to supplement—not replace—rider judgment.
- Why it is radical: It combines an automated gearbox with advanced touring electronics in a fast, conventional motorcycle package.
- Best for: Highway travelers and sport-tourers who want less fatigue in traffic and on long days.
- Strengths: Strong engine, touring comfort, electronic suspension, adaptive cruise control, and automatic or finger-operated manual shifting.
- Trade-offs: Cost, weight, software dependence, and market-specific equipment. Verify the exact model with a local Yamaha dealer.
Yamaha’s current Tracer 9 product page should be checked for the relevant country rather than assuming that every Y-AMT trim is sold everywhere.
8. BMW R 1300 GS ASA: best premium adventure automated manual
Transmission: Automated conventional six-speed gearbox with automatic and manual modes
Availability: Market- and model-year-dependent; BMW initially identified the R 1300 GS and R 1300 GS Adventure
Clutch lever: No; manual mode uses the conventional foot shifter
The BMW R 1300 GS with Automated Shift Assistant takes a different route from Honda. Two electromechanical actuators operate the clutch and shift mechanism of a conventional six-speed wet-clutch gearbox. In D mode, the electronics select gears; in M mode, the rider can use the foot shifter without operating a clutch.
BMW says the system considers engine speed, throttle position, lean angle, braking, and riding mode when selecting gears. That makes ASA a compelling choice for riders who want a conventional adventure-bike layout but find clutch work tiring during launches, traffic, or technical stops.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Why it is radical: It automates the clutch and shifting of a conventional adventure motorcycle without using Honda-style dual clutches.
- Best for: Premium adventure riders and manual-bike owners who want to retain foot-shift interaction.
- Strengths: Automatic launches, hill starts, conventional gearbox behavior, manual foot shifting, and the full capability of the GS platform.
- Trade-offs: Price, height, mass, electronics, and software calibration. Automatic mode may not always choose the gear an experienced rider would select before a corner.
An independent Rider Magazine account of an ASA-equipped GS described an upshift during a turn that required manual intervention. That is useful feedback to investigate during a test ride, but it is one rider’s observation—not proof of a universal defect.
9. KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO AMT: most mechanically extreme gasoline automatic
Transmission: Automated manual transmission with centrifugal clutch
Availability: International/market-dependent; confirm North American availability separately
Gear selection: Automatic, foot lever, or handlebar paddles
The KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO AMT is aimed at experienced riders who want maximum performance with a twist-and-go launch. Its unusual arrangement provides a P–N–1–2–3–4–5–6 sequence, a mechanical Park position, automatic and clutchless manual modes, and both foot- and paddle-shift controls.
The centrifugal clutch is a major difference from BMW ASA. It allows the bike to launch without a conventional clutch lever, while the automated gearbox can be integrated with KTM’s rider aids and radar-based assistance.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- Why it is radical: It is a very powerful adventure motorcycle with a Park position and multiple ways to command an automated gearbox.
- Best for: Experienced adventure riders who want the most technically aggressive automated gasoline motorcycle.
- Strengths: High-performance chassis, automatic mode, foot and paddle controls, mechanical Park, and advanced rider assistance.
- Trade-offs: Extreme power, complexity, cost, and market uncertainty. KTM’s international product page should not be treated as proof of U.S. inventory or pricing.
The KTM AMT system is described in more detail in the manufacturer’s AMT technology guide.
10. LiveWire S2 Del Mar: best electric street-tracker alternative
Transmission: Electric direct drive; no clutch or multi-speed gearbox
Availability: U.S. product listing; market availability varies
Listed U.S. MSRP: $11,999 before taxes, title, registration, destination, accessories, and dealer charges
Listed output: 84 horsepower and 194 lb-ft of motor torque
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The LiveWire S2 Del Mar looks like a compact street tracker but operates more like a high-performance electric vehicle: twist the throttle and the motor delivers power without gear changes, clutch work, or engine vibration.
LiveWire lists a 103-mph top speed, 0–60 mph in 3.0 seconds, reverse assist, a six-axis IMU, cornering rider aids, and over-the-air updates. Its range figures show why electric motorcycle shopping requires more than reading the largest number: LiveWire lists 113 miles in city use, 86 miles at a combined 55-mph test, and 70 miles at sustained 55-mph highway speed. Level 2 charging from 20% to 80% is listed at 78 minutes.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Why it is radical: It delivers electric acceleration and software-controlled ride modes in a lightweight-looking, motorcycle-shaped package.
- Best for: Urban and suburban riders who want a distinctive electric motorcycle rather than a scooter.
- Strengths: Immediate acceleration, quiet operation, playful dimensions, reverse assist, rider aids, and a lower price than the LiveWire ONE.
- Trade-offs: Highway range, charging time, passenger and luggage limitations, and the absence of engine sound and shifting drama.
11. Zero SR/F: best electric performance naked bike
Transmission: Electric direct drive with belt final drive
Availability: Current manufacturer listing; confirm model year and inventory
Listed U.S. price: $20,495 on Zero’s current SR/F page
Listed output: 111 horsepower, 140 lb-ft of peak torque, and a 124-mph top speed
The Zero SR/F is the closest electric equivalent here to a full-size performance naked motorcycle. It has conventional motorcycle suspension and brakes, Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control, selectable ride modes, app-based customization, and a 17.3-kWh battery.
Zero lists 176 miles of city range but 117 miles for high-speed highway commuting. Those are useful figures precisely because they show how sharply speed changes the electric-motorcycle equation. Riders who can charge at home and mostly ride locally may find the SR/F compelling; cross-country travelers will need substantially more planning than they would with a gasoline bike.
- Why it is radical: It preserves full-size motorcycle handling and performance while eliminating the gearbox, clutch, engine oil, and chain.
- Best for: Riders who want premium electric acceleration and naked-bike dynamics.
- Strengths: Powerful acceleration, quality chassis hardware, low routine drivetrain maintenance, ride-mode customization, and belt drive.
- Trade-offs: Purchase price, approximately 500-pound mass, highway range, charging access, battery warranty considerations, and specialized repair requirements.
12. Stark VARG EX: best automatic off-road motorcycle
Transmission: Electric direct drive
Availability: Road-legal in selected markets and jurisdictions; stock and registration status must be verified locally
Listed capability: Up to 80 horsepower and 310 mm of suspension travel
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The Stark VARG EX is a road-legal electric enduro motorcycle derived from Stark’s competition-oriented VARG platform. It has no clutch or gear lever, yet it is built around serious off-road hardware rather than scooter components.
That makes it radically different from the LiveWire S2 Del Mar. The Del Mar is a street motorcycle that can handle some rough surfaces; the VARG EX is an enduro motorcycle whose usefulness on the road is secondary to its dirt capability.
- Why it is radical: It combines electric simplicity with motocross-style power and long-travel enduro packaging.
- Best for: Dirt riders who want immediate power and no clutch workload.
- Strengths: High claimed power, 310 mm of suspension travel, low drivetrain noise, no shifting workload, and road-legal versions in selected markets.
- Trade-offs: Charging access, road range, local registration, price, and stock. Stark’s stock page can show no nearby warehouse match, so a product page alone does not prove immediate availability.
Any claim about several hours of riding should be treated as riding-condition dependent. Trail mode, terrain, rider weight, temperature, and throttle use can produce very different results from sustained high-speed road riding. Stark’s VARG EX owner documentation is the appropriate source for operating and charging requirements.
The strong alternate: Honda NT1100 DCT
The 2026 Honda NT1100 DCT deserves consideration if the priority is practical sport touring rather than maximum novelty. It uses Honda’s 1,084cc parallel twin and six-speed DCT, with a sport-touring fairing, adjustable windscreen, and road-focused chassis. Honda lists a $11,999 U.S. base MSRP before additional charges.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchIt is arguably a better fit than some of the more extreme motorcycles above for riders who want automatic shifting, luggage-friendly touring ergonomics, and a manageable price without the size of a Gold Wing. Depending on the article’s emphasis and the reader’s market, it could replace the Gold Wing as a featured touring recommendation or sit alongside it as the practical sport-tourer.
Which automatic motorcycle is best for each rider?
| Use case | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday all-rounder | Honda NC750X DCT | Storage, upright comfort, manageable performance, and value |
| Automatic cruiser | Honda Rebel 1100 DCT | Low seat and cruiser style without clutch fatigue |
| Serious adventure touring | Honda Africa Twin DCT | Real off-road chassis with DCT convenience |
| Premium adventure | BMW R 1300 GS ASA | Conventional gearbox feel with automated clutch and shifting |
| Most extreme adventure technology | KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO AMT | Park position, centrifugal clutch, paddles, and high performance |
| Luxury touring | Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT | Passenger comfort, luggage, reverse, and seven-speed DCT |
| Sporty automated motorcycle | Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT | Three-cylinder performance in a compact naked-bike package |
| Sport touring | Honda NT1100 DCT or Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Y-AMT | Choose Honda for simpler practicality or Yamaha for advanced touring technology |
| Electric street bike | LiveWire S2 Del Mar | Style, performance, and a lower price than the LiveWire ONE |
| Electric performance | Zero SR/F | Full-size naked-bike dynamics and strong acceleration |
| Electric off-road | Stark VARG EX | Enduro hardware and direct electric drive |
| Skeptical manual-bike rider | Yamaha Y-AMT, BMW ASA, or KTM AMT | These preserve a conventional multi-speed gearbox and offer a manual shifting path |
What automatic motorcycles make easier
Removing clutch and gear-management tasks is genuinely useful in several situations:
- Stop-and-go traffic and repeated launches.
- Hill starts and tight urban intersections.
- Long touring days that leave the clutch hand tired.
- Riders with hand, foot, or coordination limitations.
- Low-speed adventure riding where attention is better spent on balance and terrain.
- Riders who want full-size motorcycle performance without learning manual shifting first.
However, automatic operation does not eliminate the difficult parts of motorcycling. You still need throttle control, countersteering, braking skill, slow-speed balance, body positioning, hazard awareness, and sound cornering judgment. A Gold Wing, Africa Twin, R 1300 GS, or 1390 Super Adventure can be easier to launch than a manual bike while still being physically demanding and unforgiving when mishandled.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.DCT versus automated manual: which is better?
There is no universal winner. The systems prioritize different kinds of control.
Why choose Honda DCT?
- It shifts automatically through a purpose-designed dual-clutch system.
- One clutch handles first, third, and fifth gears while the other handles second, fourth, and sixth.
- It is particularly smooth and convenient in stop-and-go riding.
- Manual gear selection remains available through handlebar controls.
- It is offered across several motorcycle categories, from the NC750X to the Gold Wing.
The disadvantages are additional weight, a more specialized architecture, and a less familiar service arrangement than a conventional manual gearbox.
Why choose Y-AMT, BMW ASA, or KTM AMT?
- They retain a conventional multi-speed gearbox.
- Experienced riders can retain some foot- or paddle-shift interaction.
- They may feel more familiar to someone coming directly from a manual motorcycle.
- They avoid the need for a clutch lever while preserving multiple gear ratios and engine braking.
The compromise is that shift quality depends heavily on software calibration. Automated-manual behavior can be less seamless at walking pace, and the automatic mode may select a gear that an experienced rider would not choose. BMW’s documentation also notes that ASA can automatically downshift in manual mode if engine speed drops below a defined limit.
What happens in a corner?
This is one of the most important questions to answer during a test ride. Automatic mode may change gear while the motorcycle is leaned over, and an upshift or downshift changes engine braking and chassis attitude. The better systems use throttle position, engine speed, lean angle, braking, riding mode, and other inputs, but they cannot perfectly predict every rider’s preferred gear.
Rank #4
- PRECISION-FIT FOR NC750X / DCT 2021-2026: Engineered specifically for Honda NC750X and NC750X DCT models from 2021 to 2026. These upper crash bars mount directly to factory frame points using included hardware - no cutting, drilling, or permanent alterations required.
- HEAVY-DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Built from 25mm steel tubing (2.0mm wall thickness) combined with 5.0mm and 6.0mm mounting plate. Finished in sand-texture black powder coating for lasting corrosion resistance
- RIDER IMPACT REDUCTION: During a tip-over or low-speed fall, the cage helps shield the rider's lower body from direct ground contact. Simultaneously, it creates a protective buffer around the fuel tank, engine casing, transmission, radiator, and fairings - reducing the chance of costly scratches or damage.
- FORCE-DISPERSING STRUCTURE: The tubular design distributes impact forces across multiple frame mounting points rather than concentrating stress on a single area. This helps minimize the risk of frame damage while preserving the motorcycle's structural integrity after an incident.
- INTEGRATED MOUNTING PLATFORM: Securely attach auxiliary lights, crash bar bags, or other accessories using the straight tube sections. Far more stable than plastic-body mounts - provides solid anchor points for touring or adventure gear.
For twisty-road riding, test each bike in both automatic and manual modes. Check whether you can override an automatic decision quickly, whether the bike holds the selected gear, how much engine braking is available, and whether the system performs an unexpected shift near a corner apex. On an adventure bike, also test tight turns, standing positions, loose surfaces, and hill starts before committing to a long trip.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe ability to select gears manually does not always mean the electronics will permit every possible request. Protective downshifts, rev limits, traction-control intervention, and riding-mode restrictions can remain active.
What if the electronics fail?
Do not assume an automated motorcycle can simply be ridden home like a manual motorcycle after a control-system fault. DCT and automated-manual bikes contain clutches, gearsets, actuators, sensors, control modules, and sometimes hydraulic systems. An electrical or software fault may leave the motorcycle in neutral, in a selected gear, or unable to engage the drivetrain; the exact behavior is model-specific.
Before buying, read the owner’s manual section covering transmission faults, neutral selection, towing, roadside recovery, and warning messages. Ask the dealer:
- Can the motorcycle be placed in neutral if the battery is flat?
- Does it have a limp-home mode?
- Can a rider select a gear manually after an actuator fault?
- Is dealer diagnostic equipment required?
- What towing position and procedures does the manufacturer specify?
- Does roadside assistance cover an electronic transmission failure?
Never invent a recovery procedure based on how a manual motorcycle works. For electric models, add high-voltage safety, charging-system faults, battery isolation, and battery-warranty coverage to the questions. Electric direct drive removes many mechanical service items but increases dependence on specialized electronics and battery support.
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- Africa Twin DCT: A genuine adventure motorcycle designed for dirt and loose terrain, though its mass remains a factor.
- BMW R 1300 GS ASA: A real adventure platform, but riders should evaluate automated clutch behavior in technical terrain.
- KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO AMT: Built around high-performance adventure use, but its power and complexity suit experienced riders.
- Stark VARG EX: The serious enduro choice, provided local road legality and charging needs work for you.
- NC750X DCT: Capable on gravel and maintained dirt roads, but not an extreme off-road motorcycle.
- LiveWire S2 Del Mar: Suitable for urban use and some light rough-road riding, not a replacement for an enduro bike.
What about scooters?
Scooters remain the simplest route to fully automatic two-wheel transportation. Models such as the BMW CE 04, Yamaha XMAX, Honda X-ADV, Honda ADV160, and Yamaha TMAX—where available—use scooter-style automatic drivetrains and often provide excellent weather protection, storage, and urban practicality.
They are separated from the main list because this article is about radical motorcycles and motorcycle-style electric machines, not every automatic two-wheeler. A scooter may still be the better purchase if your priorities are a low seat, under-seat storage, easy step-through access, and short urban trips.
Automatic motorcycle buying checklist
- Decide what “automatic” means to you. Do you need full automatic shifting, or only relief from clutch work?
- Choose the environment first. Commuting, highway touring, technical dirt, sport riding, and urban electric use favor very different motorcycles.
- Confirm market availability. Yamaha Y-AMT and KTM AMT listings are not automatically available in the United States, while BMW equipment can vary by model and country.
- Check the complete price. Compare U.S. MSRP or local pricing separately from destination charges, taxes, registration, accessories, and dealer fees.
- Test below walking speed. Try launches, stops, U-turns, parking spaces, hill starts, and tight corners—not just acceleration on an open road.
- Test automatic and manual modes. Pay attention to shift timing, engine braking, corner-entry behavior, and how easily you can override the system.
- Evaluate range honestly. For electric models, compare city, combined, and sustained-highway figures. Do not use a city-range number to plan a highway trip.
- Check support. Ask about nearby dealers, software diagnostics, parts availability, battery warranty, roadside assistance, and the manufacturer’s fault-recovery procedure.
- Verify licensing and road legality. Requirements differ by state, province, and country and may depend on power, displacement, vehicle classification, and the licensing test.
- Do not confuse a low workload with low risk. An automatic motorcycle still requires proper training, protective equipment, balance, braking skill, and respect for its weight and power.
Bottom line
Automatic motorcycles are no longer one narrow category. The Honda NC750X DCT is the sensible all-rounder, the Rebel 1100 DCT is the most convincing automatic cruiser, and the Africa Twin DCT proves that a clutchless motorcycle can be a serious adventure machine. The Gold Wing Tour DCT remains the luxury long-distance answer.
For a manual-bike rider who wants to retain more mechanical involvement, Yamaha Y-AMT, BMW ASA, and KTM AMT are the most interesting developments. For electric riders, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar, Zero SR/F, and Stark VARG EX show how different the experience becomes when the clutch and gearbox disappear entirely.
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The right conclusion is not that automatic motorcycles replace manual bikes. It is that they now offer credible choices for commuting, touring, adventure riding, sport riding, and off-road use. Choose the transmission that provides the kind of control you actually want—not merely the one with the most futuristic name.
Sources and current-availability notes
Prices, specifications, range, and availability are model-year and market dependent. Manufacturer pages should be checked before purchase, especially for Yamaha Y-AMT, BMW ASA, KTM AMT, Stark road legality, and electric-motorcycle inventory. Honda’s U.S. pages clearly identify the 2026 DCT models cited here, while several Yamaha and KTM examples are documented on international pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are automatic motorcycles easier for beginners to ride?
They are usually easier for launches, stops, hill starts, and traffic because the rider does not manage a clutch and foot shifter. They are not automatically beginner motorcycles: weight, throttle response, braking, balance, cornering, and rider judgment remain just as important.
Is Honda DCT the same as Yamaha Y-AMT or BMW ASA?
No. Honda DCT uses two clutches and shifts automatically through a dedicated dual-clutch transmission. Yamaha Y-AMT and BMW ASA use actuators to operate a conventional gearbox and clutch. All can operate without a clutch lever, but their low-speed behavior and manual controls differ.
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Are electric motorcycles automatic?
Functionally, yes: most have no clutch lever or gear changes. Technically, many are direct-drive electric motorcycles rather than automatic-transmission motorcycles because they use a single-speed reduction drive.
Can an automatic motorcycle still be shifted manually?
Usually, but the method depends on the system. Honda DCT uses handlebar controls, Yamaha Y-AMT uses a handlebar switch, BMW ASA retains a foot shifter, and KTM AMT offers both a foot lever and handlebar paddles. Electronic protections may still limit some gear selections.
Which automatic motorcycle is best for long-distance touring?
The Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT is the most capable luxury-tourer choice for passenger comfort, luggage, weather protection, reverse, and seven-speed DCT operation. The Honda NT1100 DCT and Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Y-AMT are more compact alternatives where those models are sold.
The Bottom Line
Best overall: Honda NC750X DCT. Best cruiser: Honda Rebel 1100 DCT. Best serious adventure bike: Honda Africa Twin DCT. Best premium automated manual: BMW R 1300 GS ASA. Best electric street bike: LiveWire S2 Del Mar. Automatic motorcycles are now credible alternatives to manual bikes, but the transmission type, market availability, charging or fueling needs, and low-speed behavior matter more than the word “automatic” on the badge.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
