Extra Maintenace Requirements On An Automatic

[bushwacker]

Hi

I am thinking about purchasing an automatic bike. Looking at the Nouvo Yamaha. My Lady (who works at a bike shop) tells me that automatics are not good because they use too much oil (gas or petro), they need a lot more maintenance and they are very hard to sell second hand because thai people want the cheaper manuals. Well, I am not buying it to resell, the extra gas is no problem. But I do not know about the maintenance. She suggests that driving in the countryside is very bad for an automatic. I find this very hard to believe. So I have come to you experts ... or atleast you that are much more expert than me. What is your experiences.

cheers.

[CMX]

My experience with automatics, and the results of my reading about them, lead me to believe that they are very reliable. I drove a Honda "Dylan" in Europe for three years in a variety of conditions without a single problem. Most "experts" and manufacturers suggest changing the drive belt after 20,000 kms. Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha sell in the US "maxi-scooters" in the 400 and 650 range that have stellar reputations for reliability, automatics all. I do not speak of Chinese bikes. Here in Chiang Mai, you cannot look at a parking lot without seeing many Mio and Fino automatics, and Honda and Suzuki are adding fuel-injected models this year (depending, you might wait to see which bikes are introduced at the Motor Show in Bangkok at the end of the month).

Thai objections might well derive from initial costs and their longtime comfort with chains, which are simple and easy to fix, if not trouble-free. They must be serviced - cleaned as necessary and lubed, how frequently depending upon their being enclosed (very often now) and driving conditions. In any case, they must be adjusted. Neither is very bothersome for someone mechanically inclined with a few moments of time, but they must be done.

I have guessed at a cost in fuel - which I gather is not an urgent matter for you. Maybe an automatic will cost 15%, but on the other hand the driver does not have to fool with the clutch-free gears while other things are going on all around (this assumes busy city traffic). There have been a number of discussions about the trade-offs here on these forums.

Many of us have come around to the idea that test driving is the best way to assure one's self before buying. But one thing is sure in my view: For trouble-free driving, an automatic is a much better candidate. A number of posters (use some searches) have reported paying to replace a belt at the appointed time quite cheaply.

[guzzi850m2]

I agree with CMX.

My Fino now have 6k on it and no problems at all.

I used to drive Wave's (owned 3 previously), but the little Fino is so much better in Pattaya traffic, I will never buy the "old" type Thai bike again.

That said I have ordered a Tiger Retro with side car, but that is a different story, and we will keep the Fino .

[ttakata]

Don't worry about reliability as long as it's a Japanese bike.

Some guy here claims 140,000 miles on his Elite 250!

http://www.scootertrap.com/

Engine oil should have no relevance, both types of engines have the same principal parts only one engine has a chain sprocket on its output shaft and the other has a belt pulley.

Only 2 strokes eat oil but everything sold today is a 4 stroke.

Both bikes are cheap to maintain with cheap parts.

An auto scooter has a belt, variator weights, and the final drive oil that need changing but never adjusting.

The manual bike has a chain and sprockets that need oiling, adjusting, and eventually changing.

I see at least an equal amount of automatics in BKK, resale shouldn't be a problem.

I think the trend for most bikes is moving towards automatics just as most cars are now sold with autos.

In 10 years there will be only a few under 150cc manuals for sale and only racers will buy them.

Ask a dealer how much a belt and variator weights cost, in the US its ~$30.

It's such a minimal cost spread over 20,000KMs that it shouldn't even register as a concern.

Every Km on a manual bike in heavy traffic will annoy you when you see every automatic rider relaxed and just cruising.

For practical and lazy riding an auto is the way to go.

[katabeachbum]

I have replaced belts at 990 baht at yammy shop on my Nouvos. between 30k and 60k km depending on load, weight and driving habits.

my local Nouvo used to the beach every morning tows a dogtrailer at 70kg, my 105 kg and gf 55kg. 6 years old and belt replaced at 5 years

My oldest Yammy Nouvo Elegance 135cc is 2 years/20k km now. Still doing fine on first belt

None of the 3 waves I v had, cost less to maintain gear/chain/sprockets

[Kalyan]

Just like in cars, if you do a lot of start/stop work, an automatic (or even a "robotised" manual ala Honda Wave) works wonders.

And unlike automobiles where the torque converter of an automatic transmission eats up some percentage of power (10%), automatic bikes can be surprisingly quick.

Here we have Piaggo X9s routinely going 120-130kph and they reputedly reach their advertised top speeds each and every time. Few if any non-race 150ccs can do that on a daily basis.

I could eat up poorly ridden CBRs and Super4s at the stoplights in my Yamaha 125cc (because I'm much better at launching at high power) but against a hi-tech scooter, the other guy just needs to twist the throttle and literally fly off.

[bushwacker]

Gentlemen, thank you for your fast and very informative responses. You have answered my questions and put my mind at rest. I will go out and buy the automatic. I find the traffic here a bit nerve racking with everyone including the police scooting in and out .. and even driving down the wrong side of the road for half a mile because they do not want to make a proper turn. Hahahahaha ... seems here the rule of the road is there are no rules. Having an automatic will make the entire experience much easier to deal with. Thanks again for your help. Cheers.