Why Electric Motorcycles Without Gears Are Changing the Game

Self-confessed ‘rev head’ Sam Carter has been won over by the smooth handling and exceptional control of electric motorcycles. But, he says, there are many more reasons for shifting to a gearless ride.

For years, motorcycles have been built and ridden on the same simple principles, with a combustion engine engaging with a manual gearbox through a handlebar-mounted clutch. The easy feeling of comfort and control this system engenders is legendary: nearly every motorcyclist over the past 150 years has been plugged into this ‘loop’, which puts all the power in the rider’s hands.

So when someone comes along and tells you that gearless motorbikes make riding safer and simpler – more in control – you can forgive some of the old timers for responding with a curt – if not expletive-laden – “forget it!”

As a traditional ‘rev head’ – albeit a slightly younger version – I’m here to tell you that riding without gears is the thing, and it lives up to every word of the hype. Like automatic cars, it’s simply not going away. Here’s why you should embrace the change.

Photo Credits: Seven82Motors 

The Chevrolet Bel Air wasn’t the first automatic car, but its popularity and affordability helped normalize automatic transmissions for everyday drivers, marking a pivotal moment in the widespread adoption of automatic gearboxes in the 1950s.

The adoption of the Automatic Gearbox

I wasn’t even alive when the first automatic cars came along, but to this day, Old-school purists, especially the ‘open road’ variety, have been opposed to the idea of the automatic transmission – simply because it defeats “the whole point of driving”.

But what actually is that point?

Fast forward to today, and the vast majority of cars on our roads are automatic, for the simple reason that most people have grown to prefer them. And we can already see the same thing happening with electric motorcycles, as well as a growing number of combustion bikes being made by several major OEMs, which supplement their automatic gears with the option of manual override, similar to the systems already offered by brands like Yamaha (Y-AMT) and Honda (DCT and the new E-Clutch).

Of course, we’ll continue to have those who are against the movement, but there’s a reason that most of the largest OEMs are making the switch – and that’s because there are masses of benefits.

Benefit 1: reduced maintenance

I’d be lying to you (and myself) if I was going to instantly start hating the idea of a gearbox and clutch. I won’t put it all down in writing to incriminate myself, but there are some very exciting manoeuvres you can do with a clutch – not least the instant acceleration from the time-honoured practice of ‘dropping the clutch’. But such practices are generally not good for bikes, and I still have bikes in my garage that need some well overdue maintenance,  and eventually a well deserved gearbox rebuild, courtesy of one too many clutch dumps. 

Benefit 2: smoother commutes

While it’s great smashing through the gears in the right circumstances, the second you hit that stop-start traffic and find yourself having to drop a gear as soon as you’ve geared up, your gear cogs aren’t the only thing that start to wear thin. I’ve had times when I’ve sat in high revs refusing to go up another gear, knowing that in half a second I’ll have to drop back down again. And let’s not even mention the heavy clutch on one of my bikes, which eventually stains your hand when you’ve been doing this for 30 minutes in heavy commuter traffic. This benefit of gear-free riding will leave some urban riders struggling to go back…

Benefit 3: calmer passengers

Taking a pillion passenger changes the way you ride regardless of your bike: the added weight, suspension adjustments, earlier stops to prepare for the additional braking distance. But having smooth takeoffs, and regen to slow you down at a steadier pace, removes that shifting back and forth, with your helmets smacking every time you release the clutch to change gears. And it gives you better control of the bike by letting you hold onto both handlebars without the usual juggle between the clutch and the front brake. And of course, with the lack of idle noise, it's much easier to chat at the lights!

Benefit 4: instant power delivery

With our electric single speed, you’re always riding at the right speed, in the ‘right gear’ to access the power and torque you might need to get out of a tricky situation – or simply to itch the urge to roll on the throttle. Those occasional situations where you might need to access the power band at the last minute, you’ll find that instant manoeuvres no longer require an extra second to find the right gear – but always have it there, available instantly on tap!

Benefit 5: focus on the ride

It’s not something that always comes to mind, as most riders will find they shift through their manual gears fluently, without ever putting much thought into it. But until you remove it completely from the equation, you won’t realise how much attention it really takes. With no gears to manage, your focus can stay entirely on the road, your cornering lines, changing surfaces, optimal braking points. The ride becomes that little bit more immersive and meditative – with your headspace entirely free from mechanical distractions.

Don’t knock it ’til you try it

As a passionate everyday rider, I still have days when a gearbox would be a thrill – depending on where I’m heading, the roads I’m riding on, the mood I’m in. But after riding the Savic C-Series for so many years during its development, there are many more days when I hanker for its gear-free simplicity, its effortless handling – with instant power always on hand when I need it!

For those ‘old school’ riders out there who are intrigued by the possibilities of electric technology, I’d say one thing: please don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I’m still obsessed with combustion bikes and love riding mine – but an electric motorcycle now holds a special place in my heart, and I’m all for it!

If you’re ready to experience the thrill of a single-speed electric motorcycle, check out the C-Series’ test ride schedule and book yourself a slot here: https://www.savicmotorcycles.com/pages/events-page-test-rides-2025