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Automatic Motorcycle: A Bike Without A Clutch The secret of a Ridley By Genevieve Schmitt 3/1/2007

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You may have heard of a company making motorcycles without a clutch. It's Ridley Motorcycles. It's no secret that the Oklahoma-based manufacturer has been producing clutch-free motorcycles for more than 10 years, but for those who ride a Ridley -- well, they know the secret. They're riding a motorcycle that looks, sounds and feels just like cruiser, but there's no clutch to master. Just twist the throttle and go.

Un-intimidating Chopper: the 21-inch front tire and long rake give Ridley's Chopper its true chopper look, however, this Chopper is much easier to ride than similar models because it's light and handles so well.

I test rode Ridley's most aggressively styled motorcycle to date, the Auto-Glide Chopper, to get a taste of what it's like to ride a motorcycle without a clutch. The throttle action is just like a scooter, but any other similarities to a scooter end there. I point this out because some people think riding a motorcycle without a clutch is somehow riding less of a motorcycle, that you might as well be riding a scooter. Untrue. Erase that notion from your brain. Ridley's Auto-Glide Chopper and its four other cruiser models -- the Auto-Glide Sport, Auto-Glide Classic, Auto-Glide TT, and the Auto-Glide Old School are pure cruiser. No one will know you're riding a clutch-less bike, except you. That's the beauty of a Ridley. The styling, fit and finish on all of Ridley's bikes are top-notch with custom paint, plenty of chrome, LED turn signals, a custom seat, spoke wheels, and big, beefy tires.

Custom touches on the Chopper shown in this picture include custom grips, chrome switch housings, chrome front end, chrome LED turn signals and a powder coated frame to match the tank and fenders.

Aside from their good looks, the main appeal is that clutch-free action. Some people want that feeling of the wind in their face but are skittish about mastering the clutch/throttle action. People with joint issues are also interested in a Ridley because there's no clutch lever to squeeze. Ridley executives say, surprisingly, many of their customers are riders who want a fun, easy-to-ride and maintain motorcycle.

Nice and Low
Ever ride a bike with a 24.5-inch seat height? Even the most diminutive-framed folks can reach the ground on a Ridley. You sit very low in the saddle with your knees almost at a 90-degree angle (see Genevieve in photo at right). There's plenty of extra length in your legs for maneuvering the motorcycle in parking lots. All the bikes boast this low seat, but before you think this rules you out because youÕre tall, don't. Seat height and fit are relative to where you place your hands and feet.

On the longest of them all, the 77-inch wheelbase Chopper, my long legs met the forward controls and footpegs just perfectly, and my arms extended to the handlebar grips comfortably -- and I'm 5 feet 6.5 inches. Everything felt just right on this bike. Not too big, not too small. The other three Auto-Glide models have a 66-inch wheelbase with floorboards mounted forward just slightly, handlebars angled back towards the rider.

The bikes are extremely light with none weighing more than 460 pounds. The saddle on the Chopper was quite comfortable and positioned just right for me. Specs say it's made from memory foam, the same material those expensive mattresses are made of.

The rider's view of the Chopper. Notice the custom LED speedometer and tachometer, and the Harley-Davidson style controls.

The controls on the Ridley's are standard Harley-style with the turn signals, horn, lights and engine switches all in familiar places. The bikes are powered by a 750cc V-twin engine with a proprietary Ridley CVT transmission (Constant Velocity Transmission) pushing it forward. There is no gearbox. CVTs use a pulley system allowing for infinite variability between highest and lowest gears.

The Ridley motor and proprietary CVT transmission is small and compact, part of the reason why the bikes aren't heavy.

No shifting means you just twist the throttle and go. To get into neutral, simply take your hand off the throttle. When you start the engine you don't want your hand on the throttle "giving it gas" because you'll be propelled forward. To read more about how CVTs work, visit this Web site: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/cvt.htm.

The Auto-Glide Old School is styled after the old bobber bikes with a springer front end, whitewall tires, and a spring-mounted pan-style seat.

How a Ridley Rides
When you crank the throttle from a stop, the bike propels forward smoothly and evenly. It takes some time to orient yourself to this clutch-free way of riding, but I soon got my hands in sync with my brain and was rolling along just fine. Don't expect a jolt when you crank the throttle hard expecting more speed. CVT doesnÕt work that way. Twisting the throttle more simply moves you forward faster. You'll most likely get passed getting up to speed as other riders snick through their gears, but once you're at speed, you'll keep up just fine.

The Auto-Glide Classic is Ridley's most popular model. Customized options are available to make your bike fit your personality such as the new two-tone paint, a chrome springer front end, and a polished engine.

When you let off the throttle, the motorcycle's otherwise throaty exhaust gets stone quiet. The bike is now coasting along. I noticed this when I was going downhill on a twisty road. Normally, you'd downshift to slow down and then brake. On the Ridley, you brake to slow down and that's done the normal way -- by pulling in the right hand lever to actuate the front brake, and the right foot pedal for the rear brake. There's no downshifting because there are no gears. It's kind of weird at first to hear a running motorcycle sound so quiet upon letting up on the throttle, but I got used to it. Just another quality that makes the Ridley a unique motorcycle.

As I rode the Chopper through some twisties, I found it carves like a charm going exactly where I point it. Even with the fat 240mm rear tire (the only model with that big of a rear tire), I managed to lean the bike into the turns without the bike pulling me upwards. I've found tire size becomes an issue when it's larger than 250mm.

The Auto-Glide Sport is for the purist rider who likes things on the "dark" side. Blacked-out handlebars, triple trees, fender struts and frame make this a bike with attitude.

When up to speed this bike feels like a 750cc motorcycle, not overly powerful, but not a dog either. The suspension is your standard Softail style setup, but with two rear shocks. It glides over imperfections in the pavement, despite being so low to the ground. I was never once jolted out of the saddle.

Braking is superb thanks to the 4 piston high performance Ferodo brakes in the front and in the rear. I only needed the front brake most the time to slow me down, until I came to a complete stop and used both brakes.

The Chopper is Ridley's priciest model starting at $18,775. Ridley didn't skimp on anything with this bike though: chrome LED turn signals, spoke wheels, custom handgrips and footpegs, chrome belt cover, headlight housing and forks, LED speedometer, and custom paint job É and that's just the stock version. My test bike had the optional metallic paint and powder-coated frame, about a $500 upgrade. This is a custom motorcycle through and through.

Genevieve Schmitt, at 5 feet 6.5 inches, fits perfectly on Ridley's Auto-Glide Chopper.

In terms of maintenance, the only major item to be aware of is the belt will need to be changed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles; every 5,000 miles if all you do is in-town riding. With a CVT transmission, wear and tear on the belt drive happens on take-off. The narrower the belt the less gear range it has. Riders will notice the bike won't go as fast as it used it to, so Ridley recommends replacing the belt, an $80 part, at certain intervals depending on your style of riding. Jay Ridley says it beats having to replace clutch plates and fluids.

With nearly 50 dealers nationwide, five in Canada, expansion into Japan and Puerto Rico, and a NASCAR sponsorship in the works, Ridley is a force to be reckoned with. If you have a chance to ride an Auto-Glide Chopper or any of the Auto-Glide models, you'll be pleasantly surprised to feel how the bikes compete in the big leagues, but in such a user-friendly package. No one needs to know the clutch-free secret but you.

Specs at a Glance: 2006 Ridley Auto-Glide Chopper
Displacement: 738cc
Seat Height: 24.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3 gallons
Dry Weight: 460 pounds
MSRP: $18,775

WRN Recommendation
Ridley is no newcomer to the market and it shows in the fit and ride of its motorcycles. These are well-made, solid bikes that deserve a second look if you've been considering a clutch-free motorcycle, or looking for an easy-to-ride bike. Ridley offers demo rides at all the major rallies. Go ahead and test ride one. Then you'll know what the secret is all about.

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Most interesting article. I would love my wife to ride with me, but she has nerve damage in her left hand that precludes her from normal motorcyle driving. She can close her left hand, but can't open it up without using her right hand. Other then that she is in good health.
Is there a Ridley dealer in Ontario?

Richard Hamilton
Brighton, Ontario, Canada
10/2/2009

Best thing I ever did was trade my Kawasaki 800 Drifter for my 2007 Auto-Glide Classic last August. While my Drifter was a beauty, it just wasn't my "size." My Classic keeps up with hubby's H-D Road Glide quite well (I lead the pack most often). Be prepared to "show and tell" at virtually every stop. Even had die hard Harley riders want to listen to her motor run!


Rebecca
Victoria, TX
6/3/2009

I'm looking for a Ridley Auto-Glide. Does anyone know of a dealer that offers in-house financing?

Tiffany
Killeen, TX
5/27/2009

So glad to hear about the positive side of Ridley. Most of what I've read on the Web has been about fixing them and buying parts. This lead me to believe they weren't well built. After all, we buy bikes to ride - not repair.

Mary Anne
Blue Springs, MO
5/19/2009

I currently have a H-D Sporty, but would much rather be riding a Ridley. How long have they been making these automatics and where can I find older used models? Are they as pricey as the new ones? Most of the ones I've seen are way out of my price range.

Lorrie B
Jamestown, RI
5/7/2009
The company has been around for more than 10 years. Be sure to visit their Web site to learn more.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Hey "Alison" in Orlando, FLoirida: I have a 2006 Ridley with low miles waiting on an enthusiastic owner. Was previously my ex wifes, and barely been ridden. Make me an offer. Email: parkerjonathan205@gmail.com



Jonathan Parker
Charlotte, NC
4/18/2009

I am interested in Ridley bikes. Any dealers in New Mexico?

William
Albuquerque, NM
3/30/2009
Check their Web site.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

I just saw one of these beauties in Daytona. I want one so much! I'm just worried about two things:

1) Cost: I would definitely need financing and I think even with that it may be out of my range.

2) MSF Classes: The MSF class uses a clutch and I am scared to death of using one. I wish I didn't have to suffer to get my dream automatic bike. Plus, I hope they have a bike I can drive for the classes. I'm barely 4 feet 11 inches with a 26-inch inseam, so a lot of bikes are too tall for me as it is.

This is definitely the bike I'm considering above any other if I can make it happen. Thanks for the review!

Alison
Orlando, FL
3/3/2009

I own a Ridley, and I am in love with this motorcycle. I have riden Hondas, and I use to own a FLX Low Rider Harley. What I love about this bike is how it handles. It handles and performs better than any motorcycle I have ever owned (sorry Harley). It is well balanced. I live in the mountains and the way it performs in the curves is unbelievable.

I own a 2006 Auto-Glide Classic. I will never get rid of this motorcycle. If I have had any questions I can call Ridley and everybody has always been very helpful. Did I say that I was 61 years old and still riding.

Earline Lockhart
Ball Ground, GA
12/17/2008

I am looking for an Auto Glide. My only requirement is that it is silver with purple trival flames. No location too far to get the bike of my dreams. Alas my name (Purpleryder). Email me at purpleryder7@aol.com.

Karen Steelle
Pittsburgh, PA
11/14/2008

I saw the chopper at Daytona this month and fell in love with it. Now I am taking the motorcycle course so I can buy one. I was talking with a dealer who said once girls purchase the Classic, they trade their bike for a Chopper within a few months. My husband said the Classic is the bike I should get as it will be safer and easier to ride. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?


Kristi
Melbourne, FL
10/31/2008

For anyone looking for a used Ridley, I have a 2003 Auto-Glide for sale.
Pearl white, Excellent condition, 3,600 miles. Garage kept. This like-new bike is just a fraction of the cost of a new Ridley. Only $11,000.




Joan McClellan
Suffolk, VA
9/18/2008
Joan left her email out of the posting but I assume she wants it included since she's seeking a response to her ad -- so here it is: Horsepilot@aol.com.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

I'm getting ready to take the motorcycle safety course in Iowa City. I'm really intrigued by this bike. With a limited number of dealers, where would you go for routine maintenance? Can you take the bike to local shops? The article and comments are really helpful.

Jill
North Liberty, IA
8/27/2008
When you buy a Ridley, you can check with the dealer you buy it from for a list of approved dealers in your area who could work on it. Ridley won't leave you high and dry. It's a very reputable company that stands by its product.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

The Ridley is an awesome bike! I bought an 0eight Auto-Glide Classic on 6/5/08 and have ridden almost 1500 miles on the beautiful backroads of Pennsylvania. I took the motorcycle safety program sponsored by the PA DOT (excellent class by the way) and got my license last summer. Problem was I was scared to death to move from a little 250cc bike onto a big cruiser and have to shift in traffic -- or worse I pictured myself stalling at lights or rolling backwards on inclines!

It was by sheer luck I found out about Ridleys. A friend of mine stopped into a local motorcycle shop that happened to be a dealer and saw them. When he explained how they looked and that they were automatic -- my eyes lit up! I did my research, read reviews, went to the dealer and literally bought the bike about two weeks after hearing about them. Now I am addicted!

And so true - it is a definite showstopper! I have the Classic in black with rose flames. It is beautiful and sounds like the big bad boys. My friend and I ride together - he has a Springer Softail with lots of chrome and yet everyone is always staring at my bike! People have stopped me at lights, at the gas station, at motorcycle shows and are always intrigued and ask me tons of questions. I can never say enough good things about these bikes. They are well made, sound deep and throaty, handle extremely well and are sooooo easy for a newbie to ride. My sister has joked I need to be a Ridley spokeperson since I become so animated when I talk about my bike.

Pricey? Yes, but the classic design, the eye-catching custom look, the safety (it has a parking brake!) and the unintimidating ride are well worth the money.

Cathy Radlein
Boiling Springs, PA
8/8/2008

I have the Ridley Speedster and love it, but am ready to move up to the Ridley Auto-Glide Classic. If anyone is interested in buying my Speedster please email me for pictures and details: Shorelinerach@yahoo.com.

The Ridley Company is first class with customer service!



Rachel Shelton
Lebanon, OH
8/6/2008

I'm 6 feet tall and have been looking at the bikes and reading reviews on them for the past week or so. My inseam is 33 inches. Anyone out there think I might be to tall for the Ridleys? I am going to call the dealership tomorrow and see if I can come out and test drive one.

Jesse
Yukon, OK
6/17/2008

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Wife is only 5 feet tall, hates shifting. We called the factory and asked about the Ridleys. We were invited to visit. We couldn't get there until nearly an hour after closing time, but were told to come on in. We were met at the factory by Clay Ridley, who introduced us to a couple of his very friendly staff. They all showed us around, talked to us for nearly two hours -- and with a bad storm on the way!

I was sincerely impressed with them. Brenda ordered a Cruiser the following day. With a little luck, she will be riding it in about two weeks!

Don Cleland
Fletcher, OK
6/8/2008
Glad you got to experience the kindness, friendliness and genuine-ness of owner Clay Ridley. We think he and his team are a pretty special group of people.
Genevieve M. Schmitt, Editor

I have been "bike dreamin" for years. I am in my 50s and want one bad. I have looked at numerous bikes but did not find one I was satisfied with until Ridley. I have not found one I could afford yet, but as soon as I find one I will have one.

If anyone out there has one they want to sell, and would be willing to owner finance, I am interested. I search the Internet every day for a used one. New would be good, but I am realistic. I won't settle for anything less than a Ridley. It will be my first bike since I was a teenager. I am anxiously awaiting one. Within a year I hope. Love the review. Thanks for reaffirming my choice.

Linda Marsh
Baton Rouge, LA
6/6/2008
If anyone has a used Ridley to sell, post it here and we'll put you in touch with Linda.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

I believe that a dealer in Bacliff, Texas, (Xtreme Motorcycles) sells Ridley motorcycles, but can you tell me where I can take lessons on a Ridley to safely ride? I signed up for the H-D Rider's Edge saftey class but found that I was not physically strong enough to manage the clutch as much as needed (I have several bruises to show for my efforts!). However, I would still like to learn to ride a motorcycle--without the bruises--and the Ridley sounds like the answer to my prayers. Please advise. Thank you.

Brenda Birdow
Texas City, Texas
6/5/2008
You need a motorcycle license to ride a Ridley, so you'll have to pass your state's DMV motorcycle test, or pass the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class to receive your endorsement.

There are no special classes that teach how to ride a Ridley, however the MSF offers a scooter class (msf-usa.org) which is basically the same as a Ridley in that you're learning how to ride a two-wheeled vehicle with an automatic transmission. That would be your best bet.

Your Ridley dealer, however, should give you a parking lot lesson how to ride the Ridley after you purchase one.

Annette Nicolson is the owner of Xtreme Motorcycles and a friend of WRN. She rides a Ridley herself. We highly recommend her dealership.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

I took delivery of a 2008 Ridley Chopper in Nov. 07 and I love it! I have 2,900 miles on her and there is not a thing I would change. This is my first bike and it's worth every penny. Clay & Jay Ridley and company are also great to work with.


Lisa
SW Florida
6/4/2008

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