There was another thread about the Ridleys recently here, and I remember somebody made the comment that with it's CVT transmission there wouldn't be any engine-braking available while riding it, and that you'd be relying solely upon the brakes alone to reduce your speed and/or stop on one. That sounded like a reasonable assumption to me, and seeing as how learning to use the engine's compression to help scrub down speed on a motorcycle is a must, and even with over 40 years of riding under my belt I'd be a little hesitant to ride one of these babies myself, let alone advise a newbie to experience this.
This "automatic" transmission effect is mostly the reason that the few times I've ever ridden a scooter, I couldn't wait to get off and ride a motorcycle, a machine where you can feel your engine's torque and horsepower effect much more directly upon your tire's contact patch with the tarmac.
Last edited by Dwight; 05/26/2008 6:18 PM.
