Ridley Automatics

[arswagger]

My wife wants an automatic motorcycle and I was looking at getting her a ridley. I was curious if anyone owns or has ridden one and what everyones opinion on the bike is. Yeah I know its an automatic and I would never personally buy one but thats what she wants so thats what she'll get. But other then automatic, what is everyones opinion on the bikes they have? Maintenance, warranty, the company, performance, and anything else you can think of.

Thanks
Eddy

[LowRiderGhost]

I have seen those on a segment of American Thunder, and investigated them further at Ridley's own website some time ago. I could neither recommend or defer these, other then to say it does appear they’ve been around a while and does seem to be a genuine alternative Made in America motorcycle company. On a personal note I have a sneaking suspicion I might of actually had a job working for these same people a short time (in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) in the 80’s before they were called Ridley. At the time they were just a large machine shop building various Motorcycle Accessories for Harleys and others. Small world, ain’t it?! ;-) The workmanship there seemed to be top notch?! Nuff' said?!

My wife wants an automatic motorcycle and I was looking at getting her a ridley. I was curious if anyone owns or has ridden one and what everyones opinion on the bike is. Yeah I know its an automatic and I would never personally buy one but thats what she wants so thats what she'll get. But other then automatic, what is everyones opinion on the bikes they have? Maintenance, warranty, the company, performance, and anything else you can think of. Thanks Eddy

[Si]

It's just a v-twin with a snowmobile transmission.

[Steve Young]

If a Suzuki 650 Burgman/Skywave is too small or too scooter-y, then, apart from a Ridley (are they still available new?) the only options I can think of are a Honda CB750A or a Guzzi 1000 Convert - both OLD!! A pity the Yammy FJR1300AE is only available with auto trans in Europe............

[louturks]

I saw some Ridleys at a motorcyce show. They sit real low.

[Steve Young]

Of course, there's always the Can Am Spyder. One too many wheels for my liking, but at least it's available with a semi-automatic trans. Should be quite fast too, with a hundred-and-something hp.

[Hogrider]

Aside from the Ridley which I have seen operated by a woman roughly 50 years old and gone on rides with, there is the Aprillia mana and of course the Honda DN 01.

[Goliath616]

there is also, yes I know not American made, the Honda Silverwing, if it isn't too scooter-y looking (like someone else said, I like that description) I just realized you were not asking about other automatic bikes..hehe oops sorry LOL (I guess that will teach me to post before comprehension sets in huh)

[Steve Young]

Yeah me too sorry - should've read your post more carefully. I certainly like the look of what I see on the website. Of course, no chance of getting one in li'l ol' New Zealand..........

[solitude]

I checked out the ridleys just the other day. Seem like a great choice for your wife if she really wants an automatic. Nice little bikes, 750cc sit nice and low, not too heavy and looks great. Got a real cool pearl white with pink flames paint job on one of them. I say go for it if your still looking.