sliphorn says: "Cuz two wheeled motorized vehicles are fekkin cool. Even ones with an auto trans."
Exactly!
However, I've owned exactly 1 (one) automatic transmission in my life and shall never own another. I find that in motorcycles (as in cars) riders (drivers) are divided into two distinct camps; those that gag at the thought of automatics, and those who gag at the thought of a manuals.
My observation: Aside from the handicapped or injured, most people who like or want automatic transmissions are really not interested in the act of riding (driving), and simply want transportation. If they get a bike or sportscar and want an automatic, it is because they are interested in being "seen" on/in a "cool" vehicle, even though they really don't care to use the full potiential of that vehicle.
Conclusions:
1.) Most sportbikes would probably sell just as well with automatic transmissions, because most sportbike riders don't care to (or can't) use more than 70% of the vehicle's performance envelope.
2.) There is nothing "wrong" with wanting to have a cool vehicle, or with "posing" on your cool vehicle. (But I just don't "get" that desire)
3.) Ferrari ("F-1" paddle-shift) and BMW (SMG)are being ruined by people who think the purely technical answer to gear selection and engagement, outweighs the passion and art of driving. In both cases their top of the line sporting street cars are not available with a traditional clutch pedal.
3-b.) I can no longer afford an Enzo or even a new M5 or M3 CSL, so what the hell do I care?
4.) Shifting is a hell of a lot of fun!
-Sean