![]() ![]() ![]() Under acceleration, as your foot moves the gear shift lever upwards, this mechanical sensor informs the ECU of an impending gear change. The way this is achieved in most cases is by simply replacing the gear shift rod with another gear shift rod incorporating a mechanical sensor, which is then connected to the ECU. Since quick shifters dispense with the rider having to fiddle about with the clutch and throttle, we have to inform the engine and ECU of gear changes just as they happen. So how can we take such a complex action and effectively squeeze down its operation time to double digit milliseconds and still retain seamless transitions? Surprisingly, in most cases all that is required is a sensor and access to a bikes’ ECU (Engine Control Unit). When switching gears, we briefly cut power with the clutch and the throttle and smoothly reapply it in order to minimize a disruptive or harsh re-engagement of engine parts. The clutch provides a way to incrementally and linearly engage/disengage the power from the engine’s crankshaft, acting as a sort of go-between for the engine and the transmission. ![]() Most of us grasp the concepts behind shifting gears, the use of the clutch and transmission, and the relation to engine speed and thus road speed. So what if we wanted to have perfect upshifts performed entirely in 50 milliseconds or less? That’s where quick shifters come in. Our conscious thoughts have a lag time of 80 milliseconds, meaning there is a discrepancy in what happens and when our brains perceive it happening clocking in at slightly less than a hundredth of a second. If they’re sport riding and also concerned with body position, evaluating corners, executing proper lines and assessing road factors, that average time can go up. Even skilled riders performing clutchless upshifts only drop that number to 300 milliseconds, and that still requires deft hands and impeccable throttle timing. That’s 600 milliseconds to pull in the clutch, briefly roll off the throttle, move the gear shift lever, blip the throttle, and re-engage the clutch. The average motorcyclist focusing on perfect upshifts will usually complete the task in around 600 milliseconds. ![]()
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