Automatic motorcycle models: 2023 best options

Having an automatic motorcycle has always been perceived as not having a real motorcycle. Maybe because, for a long time, the vast majority of automatic two wheeled vehicles have only been mopeds. That being said, we are always eager to explore new horizons.
So, here is a list of models that are worth riding.

Honda Rebel 1100T

Honda dominates the automatic motorcycle segment. Considering the load of research and development the company has dedicated over the years, we are definitely not surprised about it.
Honda, with the Rebel 1100T, created a classic cruiser  motorcycle, complete with hard panniers, a fat exhaust, a low, wide, and comfortable seat. Cruisers like this are known for their relaxed riding position, and with the addition of DCT technology, things get even more relaxed as you ride uninhibited by gear shifts, giving you more time to focus on the road.
The package offered by this motorcycle is incredible: the engine – plenty of low-end torque – is a 1084cc parallel twin engine borrowed from the Africa Twin; the suspensions are Showa; headlights are LED; and all instruments are the perfect mix of modern technology and old school style. A plus is the three-liter under-seat storage compartment for stashing essentials and valuable items. You all know that Honda motorcycles are really easy to ride, and this one makes no exception: the automatic transmission is incredible and makes the motorcycle ride smooth as butter. Plus, when you are tired of cruising and want to spice things up a bit, there’s paddle shifting!

Honda NCX750X DCT

If you are a bit into off-road riding but do not want to miss out on the usual road rider, this is the automatic motorcycle that will meet your needs.
The motor is a 750cc parallel-twin that delivers enough torque to grant easy passage over almost any terrain or on any highway; its upright seating position is comfortable and offers a commanding view of the road ahead while facilitating comfort for long days of riding.  The motorcycle has standard forks, one single disk and a relatively small TFT display, but it is perfectly in line with the price range. This is a great automatic motorcycle that checks most boxes when it comes to adventure touring.

Honda Africa Twin DCT

We were not kidding when we said that Honda rules the automatic motorcycle segment. Here is another clever motorcycle made by the Tokyo based company.

The Africa Twin is one of the original adventure motorcycles, having been in production since 1988. It has performed in the Dakar Rally and the Baha 1000 competitions and was re-released in 2016 as a competitor to the segment-dominating BMW GS series. Later in its development, one of Honda’s engineers came up with the wild idea of adding an automatic dual-clutch transmission to its flagship ADV, and the Africa Twin DCT was born. Capable of tackling almost any terrain imaginable, this is the best you can find in automatic motorcycle tech: it rocks selectable ABS for customized braking according to surface conditions, it has ride by wire for programmable power delivery, it has electronically-controlled suspensions, and a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The touchscreen LCD panel has three switchable displays for various essential data and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Africa Twin DCT is also very comfortable, with its high seating position, tall handlebars, a full fairing to protect against the elements, and a narrow seat to facilitate easier movement when riding on rugged terrain.

Whether or not the Africa Twin DCT is the ultimate automatic motorcycle is subjective, but it cannot be overlooked when discussing the best of the best.

Livewire One

Lately we have been talking a lot about electric motorcycles. Needless to say that an e-motorcycle also is an automatic motorcycle. We discussed about the S2 Del Mar by LiveWire, but we cannot forget about the ONE. We encountered the Harley Davidson Livewire in its infancy in Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s biking documentary, “Long Way Up” (I know that I always mention the series but hey…it is simply awesome. If you have not watched it yet, you must). This is a highly capable road runner that is also practical and stylish. The Livewire One combines power, agility, looks, and technology to bring you a comprehensive package that would thrill any biker. Typically for an EV, it has lightning-fast acceleration and masses of torque. Add to this the latest safety features like traction control and cornering assists, mobile connectivity, and onboard music and directions, and the Livewire One leaves little to be desired, aside, perhaps, from a freeway range that extends beyond 70 miles.

Our thoughts on automatic motorcycle models

These are the best automatic motorcycle models that, in our opinion, is possible to ride at the moment. Everything else is scooters and mopeds, or something that – in our opinion – is either old or not as well as the motorcycle listed above.
Honda is the best of the best in this segment and has options available for any pocket. We believe that their best model, at the moment, is the Africa Twin DTC. It is just packed with everything you can dream of. Of course, e-motorcycles are all automatic, we talked about it in last week article. We decided to take the LiveWire One as ambassador for the e-motorcycle category.

What do you think? Would you ride one of these? Let us know in the comments.