Driving stick

njchopper87 · 11-15-2012, 09:47 PM

I grew up driving automatic cars. My dad used to let me shift from first to second in his little truck a while back, but other then that I have no experience with it. I learned how to shift at the MSF class (which made me REALLY wish I took my dad up on his offer to teach me). Now, with that said would it be difficult to transition to a manual car?

I ask because while I'm on the lookout for a car I don't want that to be a deal breaker.. especially if it's a damn good deal. I'm cheap and would rather spend my money on another bike.

Porkchop · 11-15-2012, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njchopper87

I grew up driving automatic cars. My dad used to let me shift from first to second in his little truck a while back, but other then that I have no experience with it. I learned how to shift at the MSF class (which made me REALLY wish I took my dad up on his offer to teach me). Now, with that said would it be difficult to transition to a manual car?

I ask because while I'm on the lookout for a car I don't want that to be a deal breaker.. especially if it's a damn good deal. I'm cheap and would rather spend my money on another bike.

Learned on automatics. Bought a manual as my current car a year ago. If you understand the concepts (which you do

) its no big deal. The first month is rough, you often look like an idiot. Months 2-3 are much better, still a few mistakes here or there. After 3 months you're golden....

shmike · 11-15-2012, 10:09 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8p2NF0nFyo

Rangerscott · 11-15-2012, 11:54 PM

If you're in a LOT of stop & go traffic I'd go automatic. My only vehicle I've ever owned is stick and it sucks balls. You don't have to worry about the tranny overheating but all I think about is the clutch wearing out. lol

Other than that, I'd drive stick anywhere, anytime.

pauldun170 · 11-16-2012, 12:25 AM

I haven't had an automatic since 1993.
Traffic has never bothered me.

I'd rather be stuck in traffic in my car than my wife's automatic.

MikeSP1 · 11-16-2012, 04:48 AM

I drive a five speed twin turbo subaru with a twin plate clutch in northern Japan. If I can get around here in bumper-to-bumper traffic with no issue, then I can safely say that there's no excuse for anyone to drive an automatic

VatorMan · 11-16-2012, 07:16 AM

Traffic and steep hills-stay in an auto. Stick shift is only mandatory in sports cars. Only chicks drive a sports car with an auto.

CasterTroy · 11-16-2012, 07:42 AM

My 14yr old son mastered the manual transmission in less than an hour.

(I had forgotten this myself) He said that his seat time on his motorcycles really helped him get the hang of it.

I want my kids first car to be a stick (intentionally) so that they never have to be in a situation where they can't drive someone else's car.

You should have no problem learning it if you NEED too to get the car you want for the price you want.

defector · 11-16-2012, 07:58 AM

As a kid, learning how to operate a manual was sort of a rite of passage. That, and backing up a trailer.

azoomm · 11-16-2012, 08:21 AM

I've taught a lot of adults how to drive a manual transmission car at the track. It seems to be a pretty popular class, not racing... Just learning to shift. I think, given your experience shifting a bike, you'll be fine. Though part is teaching friction zone and downshifting.

11-15-2012, 10:09 PM	#3
shmike Follower Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,549	http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8p2NF0nFyo __________________ Racing For Smiles

11-16-2012, 04:48 AM	#6
MikeSP1 Perpetual trouble Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: at the base of the Alps Moto: VTX 1300C, RC51, CBR600RR, CBR929RR Posts: 715	I drive a five speed twin turbo subaru with a twin plate clutch in northern Japan. If I can get around here in bumper-to-bumper traffic with no issue, then I can safely say that there's no excuse for anyone to drive an automatic __________________ "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"

11-16-2012, 07:42 AM	#8
CasterTroy ................ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NC Posts: 3,028	My 14yr old son mastered the manual transmission in less than an hour. (I had forgotten this myself) He said that his seat time on his motorcycles really helped him get the hang of it. I want my kids first car to be a stick (intentionally) so that they never have to be in a situation where they can't drive someone else's car. You should have no problem learning it if you NEED too to get the car you want for the price you want. __________________ “Being tolerant does not mean that I share another one’s belief. But it does mean that I acknowledge another one’s right to believe, and obey, his own conscience.” Viktor Frankl

11-16-2012, 07:58 AM	#9
defector My balls, your chin Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The desert of Az Moto: 929, SV650, YZ250 Posts: 1,917	As a kid, learning how to operate a manual was sort of a rite of passage. That, and backing up a trailer. __________________ Reading this signature may give you special powers, including the ability to run through walls. You should try it immediately.

11-15-2012, 11:54 PM	#4
Rangerscott Viff6N Mutated Warrior Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Moto: '01 Honda VFR 800 & '09 ER-6N Posts: 8,704	If you're in a LOT of stop & go traffic I'd go automatic. My only vehicle I've ever owned is stick and it sucks balls. You don't have to worry about the tranny overheating but all I think about is the clutch wearing out. lol Other than that, I'd drive stick anywhere, anytime.

11-16-2012, 07:16 AM	#7
VatorMan Wrap Yo Ass in Fiberglass Join Date: Feb 2008 Moto: Feet Posts: 1,605	Traffic and steep hills-stay in an auto. Stick shift is only mandatory in sports cars. Only chicks drive a sports car with an auto.

11-16-2012, 08:21 AM	#10
azoomm moderator chick Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hill Country TX Moto: Pasta Rockets Posts: 8,917	I've taught a lot of adults how to drive a manual transmission car at the track. It seems to be a pretty popular class, not racing... Just learning to shift. I think, given your experience shifting a bike, you'll be fine. Though part is teaching friction zone and downshifting.