You can shift gears on a motorcycle without using the clutch even without a quickshifter, by skilfully playing with the throttle. However, if your bike is equipped with a quickshifter, you don’t need to perform any additional actions with your right hand, the device does all the work for you.
Like many other technologies, the quickshifter came from professional motorsport. It was originally invented by racers to improve lap times by allowing faster gear changes. Today, such systems are installed even on large touring motorcycles, such as the BMW K1600. Quickshifters are now available even on relatively affordable models like the F750GS, and almost the entire BMW lineup. Moreover, BMW was the first manufacturer to start mass-installing quickshifters on production models, this happened in 2008. At that time, the system only worked for upshifting, but modern versions allow clutchless shifting both up and down.
How a Quickshifter Works
To shift gears on a motorcycle without a quickshifter, you need to roll off the throttle and pull in the clutch. This reduces the load on the gearbox gears and allows for a smooth, jerk-free shift.
Pulling the clutch on an average motorcycle requires a force of about 50–70 newtons. If you ride actively and make about a thousand gear shifts per day, your left hand does work equivalent to moving about five tons of weight. Impressive, isn’t it?
Now imagine that about 80% of your shifts can be done without using the clutch. With a quickshifter, you not only save effort but also enjoy smooth, seamless shifts. This is especially useful when upshifting mid-corner or while leaning, everything happens gently and effortlessly.
The Principle Behind the Quickshifter
A sensor is installed on the gear shift linkage. It detects the moment you start pressing the shift lever and sends a signal to the engine control unit (ECU). Depending on the direction of the shift, the ECU either slightly reduces engine speed (for upshifts) or performs a quick throttle blip (for downshifts).
This relieves the load from the gearbox gears, allowing the mechanism to shift quickly and smoothly, all in just a few milliseconds.
Another important advantage: when shifting gears the traditional way, you need to coordinate three limbs: your left hand, right hand, and left foot. With a quickshifter, only your left foot is needed.
The “Lazy Rider” Myth
Some people claim that quickshifters are for “lazy riders.” In reality, if you think that way, it probably means you’ve never ridden a motorcycle with a well-adjusted quickshifter.
The only real downside worth mentioning is that you may slightly lose the skill of traditional throttle blipping over time, because now, the electronics handle it for you.
The Simplicity of the Quickshifter device
A quickshifter is an extremely simple device. Essentially, it’s just a switch that sends a signal to the ECU. It either works or it doesn’t, that’s it.
If your quickshifter doesn’t always activate or feels inconsistent, it’s usually not the device’s fault but rather your technique. Possible reasons include:
- Unintentionally moving your right hand while upshifting;
- Not fully closing the throttle when downshifting.
Inconsistent shifting can also occur if you try to shift too early, before the engine reaches the optimal RPM range. Remember: the quickshifter was designed for fast, dynamic riding, not for leisurely cruising.
Can You Install a Quickshifter on Any Motorcycle?
Almost any modern motorcycle with electronic fuel injection can be retrofitted with a quickshifter — even if it didn’t come with one from the factory. To do this, you’ll need to purchase a retrofit kit from a third-party manufacturer.
There is one important nuance:
- If your motorcycle has a mechanical throttle cable, the quickshifter will work only for upshifts.
- To enable downshifts, your bike must have an electronic throttle (ride-by-wire) system.
Conclusion
A quickshifter is not just a convenient accessory, it’s a genuine step forward in motorcycle technology. It simplifies control, reduces strain on the rider and transmission, and makes gear changes faster and smoother. What was once reserved for professional motorcycle racers has now become standard even on touring and urban motorcycles.
With a quickshifter, the rider can focus entirely on the road and the riding line, without worrying about the clutch or throttle coordination. This improves not only comfort but also safety, especially during spirited riding.
If your motorcycle doesn’t yet have a quickshifter, it might be worth considering an upgrade. This technology truly transforms the riding experience, making it more precise, dynamic, and modern.
We hope we’ve answered all your questions about the quickshifter. If you have any questions, please leave a comment or use the CryptoMoto motorcycle app chat, and we’ll do our best to answer them.
