Enduro motorcycles are bought for off-road use and roads with obstacles. This is the perfect bike for off-road riding. Enduro models have a durable design for riding on forest, mountain roads and off-road. Enduro motorcycles 250cc are considered the most popular among Russian riders and are suitable for learning to ride enduro bikes.
Characteristics of enduro 250cc
Enduro motorcycles with an engine capacity of 250 cc are suitable for traveling on mountain trails. On 250cc bikes you can ride on country roads, overcome off-road conditions, ditches, rough terrain and various obstacles. They can be used for driving around the city or traveling on highways at high speeds, reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h.
The class of enduro motorcycles over 200cc also includes a rigid version of a bike with a sporty bias. Such models have stronger suspensions, a small-sized gas tank and a narrow saddle. Motorcycles of this type can be called cross-enduro. These bikes are not recommended for beginner motorcyclists.
The first motorcycles with automatic transmission
Honda came up with the idea of creating a motorcycle with an automatic transmission in the 1970s. The company created sports two-wheeled vehicles, and safe riding was one of the priorities. To expand the market, Honda tried to attract new motorcycle riders and people who consider a motorcycle to be a dangerous vehicle.
In 1975, the company developed the CB750A Hondamatic , a bike with a 4-cylinder engine and a semi-automatic transmission without a clutch pedal. The box was a torque converter with 2 speeds, which were switched manually. In the future, this automatic transmission was modified for the Civic.
The CB750A was the first and not very successful experiment in automation. The power of the 736 cm3 engine reached 20 hp, and the maximum speed reached 158 km/h. The weight of the motorcycle was 245 kg. The CB750A turned out to be tedious, heavy and expensive, so production was closed in 1978. Taking into account the early mistakes, Honda launched a new project - the CB400A. The motorcycle was successfully sold from 1978 to 1981.
The only competitor to the CB750A was the Italian Moto Guzzi V-1000 Convert. Later came the Suzuki GS450GA and Husqvarna 420AF. All models were equipped with two-speed “semi-automatic”.
The principle of operation of the automatic machine on bikes
The automatic transmission of a motorcycle is different from those found in cars. Modern motorcycle automatic transmissions are CVTs and DCT. All the rider needs to do is turn on the ignition, wait a few seconds for the initialization process, press the starter button and enjoy the ride. The electronic control system does all the work itself.
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The variator is a continuously variable belt drive. The engine torque is transmitted using a V-belt or chain stretched over pulleys with variable diameters. For sports motorcycles, a chain drive is preferred, and for cruisers and tourists, a belt drive is preferred. As the speed increases, the diameter of the drive pulley increases, and the diameter of the driven pulley decreases. As a result, the gear ratio becomes smaller. The situation changes in the opposite way when the speed drops.
DCT - Dual Clutch Automatic is a manual transmission with electronic shifting and two clutches from Honda. Torque from the crankshaft is supplied to three-disc clutches, and then transmitted to 2 shafts that fit into each other. The outer shaft drives the 2nd, 4th and 6th gears, and the inner shaft drives the 1st, 3rd and 5th gears.
When starting, the electric motor engages 1st and 2nd gears at once. This allows you to reduce the gap between switches. During the transition to 2nd gear, the inner shaft clutch opens, and the outer shaft clutch closes, “preparing” 3rd gear. And so on.
The electronic transmission unit receives data from sensors of engine speed, pressure, motorcycle inclination angles, etc. According to the established algorithms, the computer analyzes the information and issues commands to the actuators. For example, when the bike is tilted, the electronics will not send impulses to switch.
An automatic transmission most often has modes “D” and “S”. In sport mode “S,” the transmission shifts sharper, keeping the engine speed close to the limit. In normal “Drive”, the electronics select algorithms with a smoother transition and fuel economy.
For adrenaline
Is the forest like a race track for you, and do you enjoy the road itself rather than the destination you're heading to? Then at your service are numerous enduro and motocross bikes , specially designed to turn gas and time into your pleasure. They are not suitable for the role of a motorcycle for hunting or fishing; their task is to show the owner from which place on his body adrenaline is released, and they cope with it perfectly.
Advantages of a motorcycle with an automatic transmission
No need to listen to the speed, no need to control the tachometer. The left hand clicks the turn signal, and the foot rests on the footrest - this is what riding a motorcycle with an automatic transmission looks like. Comfort is the main, but not the only advantage of an automatic transmission.
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With an automatic transmission, driving safety increases. The motorcyclist is not distracted by steering, but keeps an eye on the road. Although for some, this may be a disadvantage. To allow the driver to make decisions about changing gears on off-road or sharp turns, automatic transmissions also operate in manual mode.
Modern automatic transmission models have “learned” to start and shift quickly. If earlier the automatic transmission of motorcycles was bulky and power-hungry, unlike manual transmissions, now both transmissions are close in gas consumption.
In a motorcycle, the engine and automatic transmission work as a single unit. The system is balanced, which increases its resource. The electronics maintain the engine at the optimal rotation speed for acceleration and acceleration, not allowing it to be revved to the limit, as can be done with a manual transmission.
A motorcycle with an automatic transmission is suitable for measured city driving with its sluggish traffic jams. The machine will also be appreciated by tourists and lovers of long distances. True, the roads should be smooth and good... And now we come to the disadvantages of automatic transmission.
For fishing and hunting
The optimal motorcycle for hunting and fishing would be a Ural with a side stroller, ideally with a drive to this same sidecar. Modern products of the Irbit Motor Plant cost a lot of money, but at the same time they are distinguished by high reliability, good equipment and excellent maintainability even in field conditions. Well, those who don’t have the budget for a brand new boxer can always buy a more or less live Soviet-made Ural for 20-30-50 thousand rubles Even without a cradle wheel drive, this bike is capable of driving on quite severe off-road conditions, and everything you need can easily fit into the side trailer. Perhaps the Ural motorcycle is better suited for hunting than any other, since it simply has no alternatives. In China, of course, its replicas are produced under the name Chang Jiang 750, but how many of them have you seen in Russia? But a custom Harley-Davidson with a sidecar simply won’t drive through the mud, and no one will drive a bike worth several million rubles through the forest.
Disadvantages of a bike with an automatic transmission
The design of an automatic motorcycle is complex, so its reliability is lower than that of mechanical equipment. Also, due to the rarity of motorcycle automatic transmissions, parts and an experienced repairman are difficult to find.
For lovers of off-road driving, extreme sports enthusiasts and pilots, a motorcycle with an automatic transmission is not suitable. Despite the constant improvement of electronic controls, an experienced driver has better control of his equipment and reacts faster in emergency situations.
According to reviews from motorcyclists, driving with an automatic transmission “breaks” the unity of energy between the driver and the motorcycle. But perhaps they just haven't driven the best in the segment.
Chinese enduro motorcycles 250cc
For users with a small budget, purchasing Japanese equipment will be difficult. In this case, you can buy a new, cheaper, but no less high-quality Chinese analogue.
The 250cc engine capacity is considered the most suitable for Chinese enduro motorcycles. China mainly produces replicas of famous brands. There are two types of bikes on the Russian market:
- Models without the need to obtain a title, registration and obtaining a license plate.
- Models with PTS with permission to drive in the city, improved comfort and soft suspension.
Chinese enduros with an engine capacity of 250 cc have the following differences:
- low cost and availability;
- a wide range of;
- good build quality and components.
There are a number of low-cost Chinese models of good quality on the Russian market. For beginner motorcyclists and riders on a limited budget, Chinese enduro bikes are a suitable alternative to more expensive models.
Review of motorcycles with automatic transmission
The list of motorcycles with automatic transmission is updated every year. But certain models of Honda, Aprilia and Yamaha are of particular interest.
Aprilia Mana 850
Aprilia Mana 850 became the first motorcycle with automatic transmission on the world market, mass-produced. Engine configuration: 840 cc, 90° V-twin, liquid cooled, 76 hp. With. and a torque of 73 Nm goes well with the CVT automatic transmission.
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The transmission control system offers a choice of 3 auto modes: “Tourism”, “Sport” and “Rain”. By holding the select button on the steering wheel, you can switch to manual shift mode for 7 gears.
The motorcycle is equipped with ABS and a braking system with radial calipers. Driver safety, even on slippery roads, should be maximum. Practice shows that the Mana 850 moves easily on any road, corners stably and accurately. Still, you should be more careful when turning in the rain.
The Aprilia has proven to be a favorite motorcycle for those looking for a mid-class all-terrain vehicle with an automatic transmission and manual control. Mana is also suitable for daily trips to work, school or to the store. A helmet or small bag of groceries fits perfectly under the seat.
Yamaha
Are maxiscooters only suitable for relaxed driving on the highway and measured movement in traffic jams? No matter how it is. The Yamaha T-Max 500 combines the ergonomics of a scooter with the power and maneuverability of motorcycles with a capacity of up to 530 cm3.
The first generation T-Max 500 was released in 2001. Then the maxiscooter was modernized several times. Depending on the generation, the T-Max produces 35 - 46 liters. With. with a torque of 45 - 53 Nm. The engine is connected to a V-belt CVT.
The automatic transmission has a disc clutch and operates in an oil bath. The main drive is chain driven and located inside the aluminum swingarm spar. This design is closer to a motorcycle automatic transmission than to a scooter. Shifting the center of gravity made it possible to improve the controllability of the vehicle.
The T-Max 500 III generation is more dynamic than its predecessors due to the lighter engine and suspension. The new aluminum frame provides excellent maneuverability and precise turns. The predictability and adaptability of the motorcycle is exciting, and you can quietly accelerate to a maximum of 175 km/h. Driver safety is ensured by a disc brake system with the option of ABS. The fuel reserve is 14 liters, enough for 250 km, so you can enjoy the trip for a long time without refueling.
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Honda VFR1200F Auto
The VFR1200F was designed as a sport-touring bike with maximum use of new technologies. At the heart of the VFR1200F is a compact 1237 cc liquid-cooled engine with 76°V-4 configuration, based on Honda MotoGP technology. The engine produces 172 hp. With. with a torque of 129 Nm. The engine uses a ThrottleByWire throttle body system for precise and smooth fuel delivery.
The VFR1200F is unique in that it is the first to feature a Honda DCT transmission. The automatic transmission operates in “D”, “S” and “N” modes, and also switches to manual gear selection mode. The mechanism is implemented using a clutch release fork. The motorcycle starts off with a delay of a couple of seconds after the first degrees of turning the handle. This helps avoid disk slippage.
Other features:
- aluminum frame;
- adjustable suspension;
- cantilever rear swingarm;
- combined braking system with 6-piston front and 2-piston rear disc calipers and ABS;
- tank 18.5 l;
- fuel consumption - 6.5 l/100 km;
- maximum volume of “suitcases” is 115 l;
- The weight of the equipped motorcycle is 278 kg.
The VFR1200F is an ergonomic, powerful, dynamic beast. Automatic gear changes are flexible and smooth, so that transitions are imperceptible. The operation of the motorcycle is clear to the driver, although the automatic transmission lacks the adaptability that is implemented in car transmissions.
Honda NC700XD
The Honda NC700X series was produced in 2012 - 2014, as the Naked class. The bike is equipped with a 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine with a volume of 670 cm3. The engine produces 48 hp. at peak torque 68 Nm.
The NC700ХD received an automatic transmission with dual clutch DCT in 2013 as an option. In automatic mode, the settings for normal driving “D” and sports “S” are available. The transmission can also operate in semi-automatic mode, when the driver changes gears manually.
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The motorcycle is convenient for moving around the city and country roads. Drivers note the simplicity of the bike, comfortable fit and efficiency: fuel consumption is 4 liters per 100 km. In addition, the NC700ХD can be equipped with the necessary equipment for greater comfort.
Honda DN-01
The motorcycle was produced in 2008-2010. The futuristic design of the DN-01, combined with sporty performance and an HFT automatic transmission, did not find a mass response in the hearts of motorcyclists. Honda has classified this model as a motorcycle crossover.
The XL700V Transalp enduro-tourist engine, proven over the years, was taken as the basis - a V-shaped 2-cylinder engine with a volume of 680 cm3 and liquid cooling.
The automatic transmission in the Honda DN-01 motorcycle is hydromechanical - Human Friendly Transmission. The automatic transmission is an axial plunger hydraulic pump with a hydraulic motor. Since the system is hydromechanical, the quality of the oil affects the operation of the transmission and must be monitored. In addition to the automatic “D” and “S” modes, HFT switches to a manual mode with redundant 6 steps.
An interesting idea turned out to be ill-conceived. Drivers note:
- heavy weight 270 kg;
- weak engine 60 hp at 7500 rpm;
- lack of dynamics;
- uncomfortable low fit;
- lack of luggage compartments.
The streamlined shape creates good aerodynamics, but here the designers forgot about wind protection, and the motorcyclist is blown away already at 120 km/h. The problem is solved by installing a large windshield.
And yet there are drivers who appreciate the DN-01. The bike is used for moving around the city and for traveling long distances.
