The Honda Automatics:

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Honda has a history of developing "automatic" transmissions for motorcycle use!

From 1959 till today, Honda has had what they call "automatics" in their smaller (100cc & under) scooters and small bikes.  These are just centrifugal clutches connected to a multiple speed transmission.  Automatic's yes, but not effective in larger motorcycles.  Honda developed automatics for the CB750 (CB750A), the CB400/450 (CB400A), and currently in the DN-1 and latest VFR1200.  The CB750A was sold from 1976 till 1978, the CB400A from 1978 through 1982, and a CB450A in 1983.  The DN-1 was sold in Europe after 2008 and in the US in 2009.  It continues to be on their list of available models.  The newest VFR 1200 (2010 model) has an optional innovative "twin clutch" automatic which may revolutionize automatic transmissions in motorcycles.  The newest unit is termed the HFT, human friendly transmission.

A CB750A:

The 750A has a very durable transmission.  I spoke with a man in 2009 who has continued to use his 750A for several decades without any mechanical problems of any kind.  Riders do say the bikes feel underpowered!  The 750's were detuned (51 horsepower vs 68 horsepower), they were heavier, and had a little different tank. They didn't sell well but with some, were well liked.  It's two speed transmission was durable but allowed much slower acceleration than the 5 speed and reduced the gas millage as well!  The rider had to move a lever to engage what gear he wanted, so shifting was not fully automatic but clutchless.

A CB400A:

There are few of the 1978 CB400A's around like the one pictured below.  The CB400A was a one year model! The CB750 Automatics were offered from 1976 to 1978, the CM400A from 1979 to 1981, and the CM450A from 1982 and 1983.  The 750's are most common, however, they are still rare machines.

Below, the DN-1:

The DN-1 was a very slow seller in the US.   It was offered in the US during 2009 and 2010.  It was offered in other markets as early as 2005.  The DN-1 had a CTV transmission rather than a torque converter.  Although it was a very modern bike and well engineered, it was expensive.  It was offered at $14,995 but many dealers had to unload them for under $9500.  What a shame, they were really advanced and well thought out bikes!

Below, the VFR 1200:

The new VFR is available with a 6 speed manual or the HFT automatic.  Time will tell how the automatic will sell and/or be accepted.

The transmissions of the 1976 to 1983 bikes was a simple two speed gearbox unit connected to a torque converter.  The 750 was sold in Canada as early as 1975  (one year before the US) and did not sell well in that country.  I would imagine that Honda was attempting to make larger bikes available to non experienced riders, women, or an attempt to start a new market!  The resale value of the "A" bikes is about the same as the manual transmission versions unless they are in very good condition, then they often get more than the manual transmission bikes.  Honda is again attempting to market automatics.  In 2013, they offer two models and will offer a third model in 2014.