There's a reason why BOTH options are offered. What's right for one person is wrong for another. It's not a matter of "worth". It's a matter of OPTIONS. And options are always good.
Just look at all the 1100 Hondas. Every single one is offered as a DCT and a manual. Many new 1100s get sold with the DCT, but enough stay with the manual Yamaha offered the FJR1300 with a semiautomatic gearbox that only required gear shifter to be moved, no clutch.
Bob, you forgot to mention one of the most important thing, the fact that in D mode you can still shift up or down the gear Manually. So with that I see everyone using D mode and anytime they want a low gear they just shift down to obtain the most grip for the next curve if needed.
I actually love my Honda Africa Twin DCT. I love that it shifts on its own. I rode a CB500 for years & honestly don't miss the manual shifting. I was a bit iffy about it at first but I did the Honda Adventure Experience on a DCT & had a whale of a time, and really got to grips with it on slippery mud, shale and gravel, at slow speeds and fast. The back brake declutches it at slow speeds - any danger of stalling & it declutches.
@ haha that’s crazy, I was just watching one of your videos on Motoz tyres as you replied to my comment 😂 I’m looking at the Tractionator GPS for my DesertX, do you still rate them?
I agree with you also. The amount of bad press the R1300 has gotten. From its head lights, to the adventure version, now the ASA, either lots of bots or some people really need help. As for the ASA I have not test rode it yet, but my thinking is if you have lots of miles to travel, this is the bike for you, to travel around town maybe not.
I always think of my late friend when reading about ASA & DCT bikes. He lost his left leg in an accident, he never rode again because he couldn’t get someone to adapt a bike for him.
I have a Honda Africa Twin DCT; I bought that model due to having a total knee replacement, and it made riding so much more comfortable and easier to operate.
I've been legally riding for 55 years and the closest I've got to this is a shift assist on two bikes. Initially I didn't use it much but now I found it quite useful. I'm not particularly interested in automatics of any kind and find using the clutch and shifter satisfying and comfortable. Muscle memory makes riding and easy but I suppose I could adjust to automatics if I had to.. I could see automatics being useful for those with hand or foot issues but those issues would also preclude large motorcycles too.
It sounds like bmw's first attempt is pretty good & just as with all new technology will only get better. Definitely worth a test drive, if it works for you buy one, if it doesn't then buy a manual.
Excellent fair and considered review. My car is an auto but I don’t drive for fun, just to get from A to B. I’ll be sticking to fully manual on my motorcycle as long as I’m able 🇬🇧
Like most new technologies it will become acceptable. Personally, I like to have a clutch, I like to feel I am riding the bike and in control of it, I don’t want to hand over control to a computer. Having said that, for long journeys on A and M roads, it would be nice. One last point. For anyone with a disability that prevents riding due to mobility of left hand or foot, this may be a nice solution to allow riding.
but then if you accidentally pull the clutch you'll need to stop the bike, put it into neutral then start again to activate the auto clutch. Thats a big no no
I thinks its worth it considering it would remove 2 processes on riding a motorcycle but you still have all the other senses engaged! Less overall fatigue from what I see
Technological advancement brings out the same level of resistance every time. I'm sure traditionalists fought the corner for typewriters before computers took over too.
At the end of the day...if you ride off road it's not for you...most GS owners never go off road unless Starbucks is down the street. Great review as usual.
You can get it into neutral without starting it. You do need the ignition on but if you hold down the button or the gear leaver it will go into neutral. It also learns your riding style and will adapt in the drive/auto mode.
Thanks, this is a really nice walk through of the ASA. I am an observer for the IAM, and we are completely centred around IPSGA for our riding. This usually means that we have a responsive gear selected (use the throttle to “go” and “slow” for more rolling control when approaching hazards). It seemed to me that most of the time the bike was riding in the bottom 1/3 of the rev range where we would more typically use the mid 1/3. What are your thoughts on using this riding style with ASA? Is it more likely that we would be using manual shift and just avoid needing to manage the clutch, or could the bike realistically run in auto mode? Thanks for thoughts on this!
Even though, after nearly 50 years on bikes, I still ride with a standard change setup. I can see the benefit of this system, especially for riders who just want the convenience of cruising around, or even if they have limited control. Either way, it’s just another option…
I plan to buy the GS 1300 Trophy this coming spring, no doubt I am buying the manual version with the QS. I love the automatic on my BMW 330 D M sport 8 speed ZF. But on my bikes I always preferred manual.
Great video, but auto not for me. I just had my left knee replaced, 10 weeks off riding and it is difficult to get the knee to bend, but I still wouldn't get one. Back riding two weeks, turns out riding is good physio and it is improving every day I go riding.
It sounds like it suffers the same way Honda's DCT does, wanting to get to a high gear as soon as possible and needing to 'correct it' with a manual override. I own a VFR1200X DCT and D mode is terrible at wanting to get to 6th gear in the shortest time possible, regardless of the situation. I'm starting to use manual mode more often to get it to shift more like I normally would, especially on twisty roads or elevation changes, but then that defeats the purpose of an 'automatic'. For sportier riding I use my manual shift Yamaha Tracer.
I had my clutch cable breaking on me on the road at 90 kph. Had to find somewhere safe to stop, walk half an hour, take a bus to the nearest store to find some bicycle cable and go back to do the repairs. The bike was a year old and 1000 km. It could have happened on the freeway or a back road and I would have been stranded and in a lot more danger. So yeah, any progress towards less frail mechanical parts and more safety and electronics is a good thing to me.
@@Lecruque fr. If the clutch actuator breaks on this, you're probably not fixing it on the side of the road, and I don't think you'll be able to ride it either.
I haven’t tried this instantiation of an auto m’bike but love the DCT system on my Goldwing. I can’t imagine why I’d want a gear lever without a clutch, but how does BMW’s ASA compare to Honda’s DCT?
as an option for someone with a disability or to have it as an option in general is great, none is making anyone buy it... unless your yamaha with their top spec tracer 🤨
I bought a goldwing dct did all sorts of roads . Having 45 years of experience, I didn't like the way the transmission behaved , paddle shifting was not my thing. Auto is good for rolling highways ,traffic congestion, and easygoing . It's not good for tight roads and hills because it becomes overwhelmed put it in sport mode the bike becomes too aggressive and keeps the gears too long. The way I look at it, BMW seems to have it right , I am more satisfied with the quick shifting of my GS
Mmm, nope. Handy, I suppose if you're doing a lot of Himalayan Pizza deliveries.. Pretty sure I'll be sticking with my GS manual box for the foreseeable.
I dont agree with your observation that having a foot shifter instead of buttons on the left end of the handlebar is better because, as you say, “left hand is already very busy with indicators, horn, menu buttons etc”. Been riding Honda’s with DCT and it has never been a problem. That observation is simply not correct. Fact is, with these kind of systems which utilize shift buttons on the left end of the handlebars, left hand is often free to do whatever.
I test rode the 1300 GSA last week and as you note Bob, the gear changes in manual setting are liquid smooth……but in full auto!!……Let alone it wanting to change up all the time was stunned at how lumpy the changes were….snapping your head back and forward on each change…..put me off the bike I’m afraid
you criticise Yamaha but in the video it seems that you take off fairly smooth ... lets not forget the Yamaha is a bike for more progressive riders who will appreaciate a slightly faster take off
I tour a lot and have sold my GSA and my XR to order a new GSA ASA. Manual mode with ASA is so smooth. I agree, in Road and auto the bike up shifts quickly so I’ll probably ride in dynamic auto which is as close as it gets normal riding. I have an automatic car ( BMW) and even it comes into corners in what I consider a higher gear, as you say, the car doesn’t read my mind until I put it sport manual mode and then it does exactly what I want . We’re all going to have to learn how we use this gear box to best effect depending on where and how we’re riding. Great video as usual 👍
Yes this new clutch less technology is the cherry on the top of the cake when talking about ease to use and to ride on normal circumstances on public roads. If you intend to take this BMW 1300 GS off road and in more demanding and technical trails this ASA can be a bit of a problem. But for normal riding, it’s ASA for me anytime!
100% would spec ASA on the GS buttery smooth. but ride it in the manual as its ace . quickshifter on the big boxer is not really an improvement from the 1250
I love the grounded reality of this channel!!! ❤Retirement took a toll on my finances, but I am so excited and grateful with my involvement in the digital market.$57k weekly has been life changing. Regardless of so many financial challenges and how bad it gets on the economy…
They aren't complicating this is more to do with emissions? ie the computer changes gear for fuel and emissions efficiency you now don't to get to hold the revs high causing more emissions
Well, if honda, Yamaha, etc. thinks they can sell more automatics, let them sell em. I'll never buy a motorcycle with an automatic transmission. It's a fnk abomination 😂
Too many electronics in bike is recipe of disaster. Imagine 200+ kg electronically shutdown automatic bike Stuck in the knee high watery muddy terrain middle of nowhere. New Fear Unlock
Am i the only one that absolutely hates how the giant engine protrudes out the sides of these bikes ,like giant tumors? That alone has kept me from ever considering a GS. It just looks so stupid
There's a reason why BOTH options are offered. What's right for one person is wrong for another. It's not a matter of "worth". It's a matter of OPTIONS. And options are always good.
Just look at all the 1100 Hondas. Every single one is offered as a DCT and a manual. Many new 1100s get sold with the DCT, but enough stay with the manual
Yamaha offered the FJR1300 with a semiautomatic gearbox that only required gear shifter to be moved, no clutch.
Bob, you forgot to mention one of the most important thing, the fact that in D mode you can still shift up or down the gear Manually. So with that I see everyone using D mode and anytime they want a low gear they just shift down to obtain the most grip for the next curve if needed.
That’s what I do on my Africa Twin DCT.
I actually love my Honda Africa Twin DCT. I love that it shifts on its own. I rode a CB500 for years & honestly don't miss the manual shifting. I was a bit iffy about it at first but I did the Honda Adventure Experience on a DCT & had a whale of a time, and really got to grips with it on slippery mud, shale and gravel, at slow speeds and fast. The back brake declutches it at slow speeds - any danger of stalling & it declutches.
I think the question is wrong, it shouldn’t be is it worth it, but rather is it right for you? The only way to find out is to ride one.
Totally agree
@ haha that’s crazy, I was just watching one of your videos on Motoz tyres as you replied to my comment 😂 I’m looking at the Tractionator GPS for my DesertX, do you still rate them?
I agree with you also. The amount of bad press the R1300 has gotten. From its head lights, to the adventure version, now the ASA, either lots of bots or some people really need help. As for the ASA I have not test rode it yet, but my thinking is if you have lots of miles to travel, this is the bike for you, to travel around town maybe not.
I always think of my late friend when reading about ASA & DCT bikes. He lost his left leg in an accident, he never rode again because he couldn’t get someone to adapt a bike for him.
I have a Honda Africa Twin DCT; I bought that model due to having a total knee replacement, and it made riding so much more comfortable and easier to operate.
I've been legally riding for 55 years and the closest I've got to this is a shift assist on two bikes. Initially I didn't use it much but now I found it quite useful. I'm not particularly interested in automatics of any kind and find using the clutch and shifter satisfying and comfortable.
Muscle memory makes riding and easy but I suppose I could adjust to automatics if I had to.. I could see automatics being useful for those with hand or foot issues but those issues would also preclude large motorcycles too.
It sounds like bmw's first attempt is pretty good & just as with all new technology will only get better. Definitely worth a test drive, if it works for you buy one, if it doesn't then buy a manual.
Excellent fair and considered review. My car is an auto but I don’t drive for fun, just to get from A to B. I’ll be sticking to fully manual on my motorcycle as long as I’m able 🇬🇧
Like most new technologies it will become acceptable. Personally, I like to have a clutch, I like to feel I am riding the bike and in control of it, I don’t want to hand over control to a computer. Having said that, for long journeys on A and M roads, it would be nice. One last point. For anyone with a disability that prevents riding due to mobility of left hand or foot, this may be a nice solution to allow riding.
The anti theft non wheel away feature is interesting and not one I’d considered. Thanks
Honda did it better retaining the clutch lever so it can still be ridden like a real manual
but then if you accidentally pull the clutch you'll need to stop the bike, put it into neutral then start again to activate the auto clutch. Thats a big no no
Agree 👍
@@donkeizluv Not really, it activates automatically on the go after 5-6s of no manual clutch interaction.
@@Jeroto idk. Thats how Honda saleman told me how to use it. So you dont need to stop and shift to neutral?
@@donkeizluv that would be a most stupid way of clutch implementation... I think it will return to auto in few seconds :)
I thinks its worth it considering it would remove 2 processes on riding a motorcycle but you still have all the other senses engaged!
Less overall fatigue from what I see
Technological advancement brings out the same level of resistance every time. I'm sure traditionalists fought the corner for typewriters before computers took over too.
At the end of the day...if you ride off road it's not for you...most GS owners never go off road unless Starbucks is down the street. Great review as usual.
You can get it into neutral without starting it. You do need the ignition on but if you hold down the button or the gear leaver it will go into neutral. It also learns your riding style and will adapt in the drive/auto mode.
Thanks, this is a really nice walk through of the ASA. I am an observer for the IAM, and we are completely centred around IPSGA for our riding. This usually means that we have a responsive gear selected (use the throttle to “go” and “slow” for more rolling control when approaching hazards). It seemed to me that most of the time the bike was riding in the bottom 1/3 of the rev range where we would more typically use the mid 1/3. What are your thoughts on using this riding style with ASA? Is it more likely that we would be using manual shift and just avoid needing to manage the clutch, or could the bike realistically run in auto mode?
Thanks for thoughts on this!
Even though, after nearly 50 years on bikes, I still ride with a standard change setup. I can see the benefit of this system, especially for riders who just want the convenience of cruising around, or even if they have limited control. Either way, it’s just another option…
Auto gearboxes are great for some people but personally I love to change gear with a mechanical system. All part of the experience for me 😊
Very comprehensive video, congratulations!
I plan to buy the GS 1300 Trophy this coming spring, no doubt I am buying the manual version with the QS. I love the automatic on my BMW 330 D M sport 8 speed ZF. But on my bikes I always preferred manual.
Nice and simple. Nothing to go wrong with these.
Great video, but auto not for me. I just had my left knee replaced, 10 weeks off riding and it is difficult to get the knee to bend, but I still wouldn't get one. Back riding two weeks, turns out riding is good physio and it is improving every day I go riding.
I dont think I would want it but I sure can't wait to try it out.
It sounds like it suffers the same way Honda's DCT does, wanting to get to a high gear as soon as possible and needing to 'correct it' with a manual override.
I own a VFR1200X DCT and D mode is terrible at wanting to get to 6th gear in the shortest time possible, regardless of the situation.
I'm starting to use manual mode more often to get it to shift more like I normally would, especially on twisty roads or elevation changes, but then that defeats the purpose of an 'automatic'.
For sportier riding I use my manual shift Yamaha Tracer.
I had my clutch cable breaking on me on the road at 90 kph. Had to find somewhere safe to stop, walk half an hour, take a bus to the nearest store to find some bicycle cable and go back to do the repairs. The bike was a year old and 1000 km. It could have happened on the freeway or a back road and I would have been stranded and in a lot more danger. So yeah, any progress towards less frail mechanical parts and more safety and electronics is a good thing to me.
You can drive a bike without clutch by matching the revs.
@@Lecruque fr. If the clutch actuator breaks on this, you're probably not fixing it on the side of the road, and I don't think you'll be able to ride it either.
@@NicholasNormile true.
I've got a buggered clutch hand so DCT has been the only option until recently. Now it is all down to price and comfort....
What would it be like off road? Having ridden KTM enduro bikes with a Rekluse clutch fitted just wonder how the system would compare….
This gonna be great as it will become standard to other brand develop auto motorcycle gears. Honda,yamaha,now bmw mybe next is ducati, suzuki..
I’m not yet sure I would spec it up before trying it. I’m particularly concerned with handling in steep downhills
I haven’t tried this instantiation of an auto m’bike but love the DCT system on my Goldwing. I can’t imagine why I’d want a gear lever without a clutch, but how does BMW’s ASA compare to Honda’s DCT?
It's slightly better. But this is from someone they bought a manual Goldwing and a manual GS.
as an option for someone with a disability or to have it as an option in general is great, none is making anyone buy it... unless your yamaha with their top spec tracer 🤨
If you want it, it’s worth it. If you don’t want it, it’s not worth it. I want it because I have 71 year old wrists, knees and ankles.
I ❤❤LUV the jacket will purchase!!!
Do they have pants as WELL???
I live in Michigan 😊
I bought a goldwing dct did all sorts of roads . Having 45 years of experience, I didn't like the way the transmission behaved , paddle shifting was not my thing. Auto is good for rolling highways ,traffic congestion, and easygoing . It's not good for tight roads and hills because it becomes overwhelmed put it in sport mode the bike becomes too aggressive and keeps the gears too long. The way I look at it, BMW seems to have it right , I am more satisfied with the quick shifting of my GS
My experience of the DCT on a 22 plate Goldwing was significantly more positive but it took a lot of miles to adapt to it.
Mmm, nope.
Handy, I suppose if you're doing a lot of Himalayan Pizza deliveries..
Pretty sure I'll be sticking with my GS manual box for the foreseeable.
The proper SUV of motorcycle world 😂😂
I dont agree with your observation that having a foot shifter instead of buttons on the left end of the handlebar is better because, as you say, “left hand is already very busy with indicators, horn, menu buttons etc”. Been riding Honda’s with DCT and it has never been a problem. That observation is simply not correct.
Fact is, with these kind of systems which utilize shift buttons on the left end of the handlebars, left hand is often free to do whatever.
I test rode the 1300 GSA last week and as you note Bob, the gear changes in manual setting are liquid smooth……but in full auto!!……Let alone it wanting to change up all the time was stunned at how lumpy the changes were….snapping your head back and forward on each change…..put me off the bike I’m afraid
you criticise Yamaha but in the video it seems that you take off fairly smooth ... lets not forget the Yamaha is a bike for more progressive riders who will appreaciate a slightly faster take off
I tour a lot and have sold my GSA and my XR to order a new GSA ASA. Manual mode with ASA is so smooth. I agree, in Road and auto the bike up shifts quickly so I’ll probably ride in dynamic auto which is as close as it gets normal riding. I have an automatic car ( BMW) and even it comes into corners in what I consider a higher gear, as you say, the car doesn’t read my mind until I put it sport manual mode and then it does exactly what I want . We’re all going to have to learn how we use this gear box to best effect depending on where and how we’re riding. Great video as usual 👍
As a 2nd or 3rd bike in the collection DGT/etc is a cool idea, but not for my #1....
I tried it on the GSA it was very very jerky and weird, the DCT is far far superior
I will always prefer a manual system over an automatic one. I don't like scooters... 😅
There is footshifter accessory available for Honda's DCT, pricey though
Did we really need this automatic technology on big bike? On scooter i can grasp it. On mt9, gs, ktm?
Yes - why not
Did we really need automatic transmission on cars.
@@GaryV-p3h no. Automatic sucks.
Yes this new clutch less technology is the cherry on the top of the cake when talking about ease to use and to ride on normal circumstances on public roads. If you intend to take this BMW 1300 GS off road and in more demanding and technical trails this ASA can be a bit of a problem. But for normal riding, it’s ASA for me anytime!
Seems like a solution to a problem that didn’t exist. Pointless.
I tried it on the new GSA: not for me. Quickshifter Pro rather than ASA
So basically a trans-scooter
100% would spec ASA on the GS buttery smooth. but ride it in the manual as its ace . quickshifter on the big boxer is not really an improvement from the 1250
What was your reaction to ktm going bankrupt?
They
Need to make their bikes more orange
No thanks👎
Honda did it right with manual or automatic ✅👍
Why peaple are getting so lazy??? Chance gears are the soul of motorcicle!!
What a great looking bike
I love the grounded reality of this channel!!! ❤Retirement took a toll on my finances, but I am so excited and grateful with my involvement in the digital market.$57k weekly has been life changing. Regardless of so many financial challenges and how bad it gets on the economy…
Why are manufacturers complicating things? I mean a manual 6 speed is just fine.
They aren't complicating this is more to do with emissions? ie the computer changes gear for fuel and emissions efficiency you now don't to get to hold the revs high causing more emissions
6 speed for you. Auto for those who want it. That was easy, wasn’t it?
Well, if honda, Yamaha, etc. thinks they can sell more automatics, let them sell em. I'll never buy a motorcycle with an automatic transmission. It's a fnk abomination 😂
Agree 👍
Coping and seething from purists and Fudds will always make me laugh. Technology progresses. Ride your own ride.
ASA, Gtfo. NO!
Too many electronics in bike is recipe of disaster.
Imagine 200+ kg electronically shutdown automatic bike Stuck in the knee high watery muddy terrain middle of nowhere. New Fear Unlock
Am i the only one that absolutely hates how the giant engine protrudes out the sides of these bikes ,like giant tumors? That alone has kept me from ever considering a GS. It just looks so stupid