JARGON BUSTER
What is Twist-and-go (CVT)?
Twist-and-go means a scooter or maxi-scooter with a CVT — a Continuously Variable Transmission. There are no gears and no clutch lever at all: you twist the throttle and go. A belt-and-pulley system varies the ratio automatically as you accelerate.
How it works
A CVT runs a drive belt between two variable-width pulleys; as engine speed rises the pulleys change diameter and the ratio shifts smoothly, with no fixed gears. Engine size — not the transmission — decides the licence: up to 50cc it is a moped, larger machines up to big maxi-scooters are motorcycles. Twist-and-go is the easiest way to ride in town.
Pros
- The simplest bike to ride — just accelerate
- Cheap to buy and run
- Usually has under-seat storage
- Effortless in traffic
Watch-outs
- Less efficient at motorway speed than gears
- Test on one is automatic-only
- Can feel buzzy when worked hard
Clutchless bikes with Twist-and-go (CVT)
- Yamaha TMAX 560 Power Index 69
- Honda Forza 350 Power Index 65
- Yamaha XMAX 300 Power Index 65
- Suzuki Burgman 400 Power Index 64