Question 1

Can I ride an automatic motorbike on an A2 licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The A2 licence is defined by power — up to 35 kW (about 47 bhp) — not by gearbox. Many automatics, including DCT, Y-AMT and most scooters, are A2-legal or can be restricted to A2 with a dealer-fitted kit.

Question 2

Does a DCT motorbike count as automatic for the riding test?

Accepted Answer

In Great Britain, yes. Because a DCT bike has no clutch lever it counts as automatic for test purposes, so passing on one gives an automatic-only licence restriction.

Question 3

What is the difference between DCT, Y-AMT, E-Clutch and CVT?

Accepted Answer

E-Clutch keeps a normal manual gearbox but works the clutch for you. Automated manuals like Y-AMT shift a real gearbox electronically. DCT uses two clutches for seamless self-shifting. CVT (twist-and-go) has no fixed gears at all, and most electric bikes have neither gears nor a clutch.

Question 4

Are automatic motorbikes more expensive to insure?

Accepted Answer

Not simply because they are automatic. Insurance is driven by the bike's value and power, plus your age, experience and postcode.

Question 5

What is the cheapest automatic motorbike?

Accepted Answer

Small automatic scooters and entry-level electric commuters are usually the most affordable. Use the garage filters and the running-cost calculator to compare.

Used automatic motorbikes

2016 Honda NC750X DCT

New automatics, reviewed.