Cars are expensive -- to buy and to operate. Which is why you may have noticed that there are more motorcycles and scooters on the roads. They’re inexpensive to buy and most of them get much better gas mileage (as much as 60 mpg for the smaller ones) than the best hybrid or diesel-powered cars. You can park them almost anywhere a bicycle would fit, too -- making them ideal for city dwellers or people who don’t have garage space to spare.

And now, have you finally decided to take the plunge and buy your first bike? But wait, which one is really better -- Manual, Automatic or Semi-Automatic?

I can feel that excitement and curiosity you are feeling right now. So let's begin with giving simple definitions for the aforementioned types of motorcycles.

• Manual. The usual method of shifting gears (left foot lever) and clutch lever to release before shifting gears. Examples are Raider150, Sniper150, RS150 and many more.
• Automatic. No shifting gears needed. "Gear Shifting" is on the front pulley(driving) and its rear pulley(driven). Quickness and positioning of the "Gears" depends on the engine's revolution(RPM), weight of the ply balls and stiffness of the center spring, "gears" are almost infinite.
• Semi-Automatic. It has gear shifting foot lever but don't have any clutch lever, all you need to do is release on the throttle before down or up-shifting on the left foot lever.

Now we can start listing the pros and cons of each type. Are you ready to purchase your bike? Check this out first.

Manual Motorcycle

• Fuel Economy. Usually, fuel consumption numbers are lower on ~ 10% percent, so manual transmission is more efficient. But it isn’t always true. If you are inexperienced driver, you could over-rev your engine and shift in wrong times, then fuel economy with automatic could be even better, plus with it you will not be stressing your motorcycle so much.
• Acceleration Manual are better when it comes to acceleration. It happens because manual gearboxes weight less, has more speeds to choose from (gear ratios) and there is no torque converter, which “devours” some of the overall torque. However, it’s not always true once again.
• Reliability It’s another important factor, and usually manual transmission proves itself better in this area. It is because automatic transmission has much more parts and other sophisticated mechanics that could fail. Manual gearbox is much simpler.
• Traffic Condition. With huge traffic it gets really annoying and even tiring to change the gears and operate the clutch every minute.

Automatic Motorcycle

• Ease of Learning. Automatic transmission motorcycles are obviously easier to learn than the other types.
• Engine Size. Most scooter engines range from 50 cc to 250 cc.
• Turning and Maneuvering. A motorcycle’s longer wheelbase makes it less precise for maneuvering and turning at low speeds. A scooter’s smaller wheelbase makes for better maneuverability and turning.
• Rider Safety. Both motorcycles and motor scooters require proper training and education, protective gear and knowledge of the rules of the road. In 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 88,000 motorcycle or scooter accident injuries. Safety should always be a top priority.

Semi-Automatic Motorcycle

• Availability. There are more available semi-automatic sold at a lower price than automatic and manual motorcycle. Choosing semi-automatic will save you money and will definitely give you more options to choose from.
• Ease of Use and Beginner-Friendly. If you have just started learning how to drive and balance and you’re already aiming to own a Harley-Davidson or even Sniper150, choosing semi-automatic can be of great help. Balance is good because its parts and accessories are not too heavy. There is also gear shiftiing pedals in which you can play with gearing; thus preparing you for manual motorcycle. But of course, manual has clutch. Hehehe.
• Fuel Consumption. With the new invention in fuel effeciency, manual and new models of automatic transmissions have already surpassed the semi-automatic motorcycles. The new technology is called Fuel Injection (F.I.) and for everyone to know, that would definitely save your fuel consumption!

There you have it -- the simplified pros and cons of manual, automatic and semi-automatic motorcycles. With the information I just gave you, it's now up to you which of the three choices you'll choose. Don't be bothered if your close friend purchased a Harley-Davidson while you're close to choosing Mio Aerox 155. Just be sure you'll never regret the choice you are about to make. Good luck!

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Web Sources:
https://www.thoughtco.com/things-look-for-buying-a-motorcycle-2399394
https://www.motorists.org/blog/buy-motorcycle-pros-cons/
https://www.answerbag.com/q_view/53579
https://blog.nationwide.com/scooter-vs-motorcycle/
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812148
https://bikeadvice.in/pros-cons-motorcycles-auto-transmissn/

Photo credits:
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