Hi Guys, I converted my 1999 to auto and left the clutch cable hooked up. If you pull in the clutch and rev the motor, and release the clutch it really takes off quickly.
I was just riding my Ambassador and was thinking how nice the automatic clutch works. It slips just enough to get a good start and then locks [like RdKryton said "it slides into lock"].
I had the 3rd MEl. version on my 1999 last year and the needle bearings froze [locked], and was the second one to do so. No thanks to 3rd Mel. I did manage to find the bearings from a company in NY. If any one has one of their clutches, don't plan on them ever supplying replacement parts [thanks for nothing Brett], but contact me and I will help you.
Have fun,
Quenton