If you’re thinking of buying a dirt bike, you’ll be pleased to know that they are available in many different sizes and can also be equipped with either fully or semi-automatic transmission. With an automatic bike, you don’t have to worry about learning how to use a clutch to shift gears which is great news for young and new riders.

Manual vs Automatic Transmission in Dirt Bikes

Just like cars and motorcycles, dirt bikes with a manual transmission work by using a gearbox and a clutch. When accelerating, the clutch is engaged from the left handlebars and the gear change happens by pushing down or lifting a foot lever. Dirt bikes have anywhere from 3 to 6 gears. Operating a manual transmission takes some practice and for folks unfamiliar with the mechanism, they often struggle to get the timing of the clutch and the throttle correct and end up stalling the bike.

As the name suggests, an automatic transmission in a dirt bike (or any vehicle) works automatically, without the use of a clutch or foot lever that needs to be operated manually. With an automatic transmission, you just give the bike gas or power without the need to engage either a hand lever clutch or foot pedal. Unfortunately there aren’t many fully automatic dirt bikes on the market yet, and most are models for kids or fully electric dirt bikes.

A middle ground between fully automatic and manual dirt bikes is a semi-automatic transmission which works by the rider pushing down or lifting a foot lever, with the gears becoming engaged automatically (rather than with the clutch lever). Since the clutch is automatic and only the gear system needs to be operated by the rider, this type of transmission is less complicated than a manual and mostly available in bikes geared towards kids.

Should You Choose a Manual or Automatic Bike?

When choosing the transmission for your dirt bike, you will be limited in options due to the fact that there are fewer fully automatic transmissions available on the market currently, especially full, or adult sized bikes. Fully automatic bikes are lighter, and much easier to ride, which is why they are mostly made for kids who are just learning. Because these bikes are fully automatic, the rider has less ability to control the bike and ultimately the performance is less than a bike with a manual transmission.

If you’re not ready to learn to ride a manual transmission or have an injury that makes it difficult to engage the handlebar lever, a semi-automatic bike might be a good choice. Again, there are currently fewer semi-automatic bikes on the market, especially adult sized ones. There is an option to make a full sized dirt bike semi-automatic- there’s a company that makes automatic clutches that replace the stock OEM clutch that comes standard in a manual transmission bike.

If you want to get the most performance out of your dirt bike, don’t mind the learning process and want the most options in terms of models and size, then you’ll find yourself with a manual transmission bike. With this type of transmission, you’ll get faster acceleration, better control and a much more engaging ride from your bike.

Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned rider, we can help you find the perfect dirt bike to hit the track or trails. We also provide a full service department to keep your bikes and outdoor vehicles running smoothly and safely.

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