VW automatic trans?

[akumabito]

How feasible would it be to use a VW diesel engine with an automatic transmission? The engines are plentiful, and although not many diesels were fitted with auto boxes this isn't really a problem - VAG loves to use engine architectures for both diesel and petrol engines. You could always it an auto box off a petrol engine..

I was thinking about a setup nearly identical to this bike - only with an auto box:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFyPyA5vVSc

No idea though if having an automatic in a bike is a good thing or not - I;d be worried about it shifting mid-corner for instance..

..any thoughts?

[tappy]

Yeah, I'd be worried about that too - especially with a huge diesel flywheel and shaft drive. Doesn't sound like much fun on roundabouts in the wet.
Why do you want an automatic?

[akumabito]

An h-pattern shifter seems like a PITA. Plus you'd have to deal with the heavy car clutch. I don't care much for a foot-clutch on a motorcycle..

[coachgeo]

An h-pattern shifter seems like a PITA. Plus you'd have to deal with the heavy car clutch. I don't care much for a foot-clutch on a motorcycle..

You sound like a canadit for a CVT set up. Not any simpler Automatic out there and used many times on diesel bikes from home brew to the Track 800

[akumabito]

True, a CVT would solve a lot of those issues. I'd want to use a car engine though, and a cheapy at that. Smart engines/transmissions are out of my budget. Perhaps something like a Fiat 'selecta' CVT could be mated to a diesel engine..