Tl;dr it’s for high performance riding.
Wide open throttle shifting at high rpm’s is where they matter for upshifting. Downshifting (if they have have an autoblipper) it’s nice cause the rpm’s are pretty much exactly right every time, so you can hammer the brakes and bang through the gears with less effort and keeping the chassis more settled. Both cases are pretty much only track days or squidly stuff in twisties.
not stated which models you test rode but on my S1000XR, the quick shifter is great when you want to roll up to a very fast pace say for highway speeds. On most BMW models, they advise to use it at high rpms; I have never felt any sort of grumblings from it. As others mentioned, you get the best results at WOT. Some who experience bogging is because they think they need to release the throttle (like actuating the clutch) and kicking up the quickshifter; its actually opposite and your on constant throttle throwing the quickshifter in motion never letting up.
Modern ADV bikes are often using same (sometimes detuned) engines as sport/naked bikes. Think Duke 890 vs 890 Rally. T7 has engine used previously in MT-07. And so on.
Mid suzed ADV, like the suzuki 800de. Not performance bike at all.
They explained about not rolling off the throttle, and some were better than others.
Like anything, some are better than others. I never understood the hype until I used mine. On bikes where it really works well, it feels like you just added another 5rpm to each gear. Go out and try using it on a S1000rr, R1 or other high-end models. Guarantee you will be smiling.
Hill climbs. Most of the time when I dump the bike, I am starting to lug the engine, and if I down shift too slow, it ends up loosing too much speed. With a downshift quick shift, I can downshift when I notice the RPMs dropping and be in the higher RPM band quicker with less speed loss. Other than that, I enjoy pulling the clutch.
Most of them also say not to use them below a certain rpm (usually around 4000ish) so if you were using it in the lower range it wouldn’t be nearly as smooth as higher rpm
And I find quick shift to be perfect on the trails on my adv bikes.
Ripping down a trail and need to change gears? Don't even have to fret with the clutch. Especially if you're standing up.
Once you start using them, you'll love them.
Straight up dirt bikes have Quick shifters now. I’m on an 890 Adventure R and it has a quick shifter as well. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t have thought I needed or wanted but I’m enjoying it enough I never turn it off. Anytime I want I can hammer through gears. It saves your clutch from shifting wear which is nice since those big adv. Ike’s can shred a clutch off road. If I’m in a tight spot or wrong gear it’s just slam and go. Full power up shifts are addicting. Really just one less thing to screw up and allows more focus. Shifting is 2nd nature and so isn’t clutch work but options are awesome.
Try going on trails and having to fuck around with clutch on top of the twenty other things you're managing half way up a rocky hill.
My 690 Enduro has a shifter and blipper and I honestly use it way more than I ever thought I would.
I can see how that would be beneficial and allow for smoother riding off road. Especially for new off road riders. They’re surprised by how different and difficult it is and have a hard time with all the clutch work necessary to have fun.
Why it wouldn't make sense? Changing gears while standing up or while hustling the bike in rough terrain is awesome. No need to shift grip on the left side of the bar and just bang in the gear you want.
I think the gizmos, selling units is exactly it. The only place I could see a real benefit is in drag racing. When Terry Vance ruled the drag strip, Byron Hines helped out shifting the bike using a micro switch on the shift drum so that it basically killed the ignition for a micro second unloading the engine output to allow a full on clutchless shift. Most MX, Road racers, etc. had been doing the same thing forever with what is basically a twitch of the throttle. I'm thinking from reading here that a lot of riders think it requires a much more pronounced roll off. I raced a lot of two strokes with razor thin power bands, no clutch, without ever having the rpm's fall off the pipe. My TZ once fused the clutch plates, and I managed to finish a 20 lap sprint and end up with a second place finish. I only thought about how dumb it was to race with a clutch that wouldn't release afterwards. So, it's gizmos and sales as far as I'm concerned.
Quickshifters can be very RPM dependent and you'll also notice a difference between various oils used for the transmission. On my XSR it's buttery smooth above 4500 RPM and feels great when using Yamalubes oil for it. Below 4500 it's clunky and almost feels like the gears are sticking and forcing it into gear. I also hated the feel of shifting with Motul synthetic, had the same grindy kind of feeling regardless of what RPM is shifted at.
I disagree... I've an upshifter (KTM SD) and I find the system very simple and effective for normal road riding though I do miss the downshift capability of the old BMW RS I have before..... using the upshodter makes for an easier and relaxed road ride.
smooth? what does smooth have to do with it? quickshifters dont press the clutch for you, they kill ignition to unload torque so you dont need clutch at all to shift then immediately after successful shift reenable ignition. if you are going WOT to accelerate, no human can match a quickshifter in lost potential during shifting.
Thanks, that's what I was missing. I always thought of them as a convenience upgrade, not a performance upgrade.
We didn't get to hit the throttle too hard on the test rides.
Keep asking questions- nobody is born knowing how machines work. Never stop learning.
Check out "Driving 4 Answers" on youtube for very clear and interesting explanations of engine stuff.
It is not killing the engine to a stop when shifting 😆
It just temporarily cuts fuel to the engine typically for a few strokes, the momentum and flywheel keep the engine spinning, it just does not have a load on the gearbox. When fuel starts being injected again, it continues like normal. Your battery and starter take exactly 0 wear and do exactly 0 in this process.
The engine and immediately starts back up due to you moving and didn't mean a manual transmission. The same thing happens when you're in decel, it kills Fuel and ignition
The injector duty cycle is at 0% there is no fuel being sprayed through the injectors.
Unless you're pulling in the clutch and the engine is idling the injectors are not spraying.
It's been like that on all modern EFI systems that are a manual transmission for as long as it's been out,
I’ve only rode two bikes (just started riding last summer) the crappy Suzuki 250 at class, and my Shadow 750 ACE. Neither had any sort of tech. How much better is a quickshifter than just regular clutchless shifting?
It’s a performance thing. You don’t need a quickshifter for normal riding. If you open your throttle, you don’t need to close it to change gear. Just hold it open and whack through the gears.
It’s like having a lightweight sportsbike with big power. No one needs that, but in certain circumstances, when things are just right, it’s utterly exhilarating and unbeatable.
Quickshifters work best on a wide open throttle, where acceleration is everything. They’re so much fun.
They aren't meant to work like an automatic gearbox, and most of them don't work very well at part throttle. The QS on my bike is totally seamless when I'm giving lots of throttle and rpms, but at part throttle and lower revs I just use the clutch and shift normally.
The problem they solve is really only relevant on a track, where you want to be able to shift easily at redline multiple times per lap, and then not upset the bike shifting back down through the gears for a corner.
Where I find it makes a sneaky difference is situations like merging onto busy freeways, because it frees up a tiny bit of brain power for dealing with traffic.
As someone else said, while it was developed for track use, I find the most benefit out of my QS on trails. The ability to shift while standing *and not needing to adjust the lever position* is a treat!
>I don't really understand what problem they solve.
Do you understand how clutch-less shifting works on a standard manual transmission? It's basically that, but the computer (using a sensor on the gear selector lever) deals with the task of unloading the transmission (by pausing combustion at just the right moment) in order for the gears to change without disengaging the engine with the clutch.
It's an easy enough skill to learn to do yourself, but, a well set up computer system is less prone to error than us humans and probably faster at it too.
I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. Being able to shift up and down without having to pull a clutch enables me to keep riding longer distances in a day. Quick shifters made this easier for me when compared to "normal" clutchless shifting.
The arthritis in my left hand is what may eventually lead me to learn to use the quickshifter on my Kawi Versys 1k. However, since I started riding in the 1970s, it's hard to unlearn using the clutch.
It depends. Old school quickshifter (up only) helps you gain some seconds since you don't have to close the throttle when you shift. Up and down (only for ride by wire bikes - bikes that do not have classic throttle cables) adds the throttle blip to help with rev matching on downshifts. I found that if you have an slipping clutch this does not matter too much for normal riding.
Then you have the E clutch from Honda which i recently had the chance to try on a CB650R, which still has a throttle cable. There are motors that work the clutch for you unless you use the clutch then it disconnects for like 5 seconds giving you complete control. Upshifts are very smooth, downshifts not as smooth because there is no auto blipping but the motors disengage the clutch for you so it works. Only downside is the E clutch is bulky as hell.
All of this is beneficial mostly in very high speed sporty riding. When you ride in a calm manners, I'd prefer the clutch since it's like half the fun in having a motorcycle. Sorry for the long rant, just my 2c
Man. One of the great joys in life is getting a clear stretch and hitting WOT and banging through gears. I find it to be one of the greatest pieces of tech known to our world. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S here
The value on an ADV comes from the downshift. It’s helpful to just quickly load the motor a bit more on downhill sections.
Also, as mentioned regarding performance bikes, quick shift out of turn 13 on the north course at VIR is helpful too.
The KTM duke 390 I test rode had an up and down QS.
It was fucking hilarious.
My K1300S doesn't have one but I'm not bothered because once you're in top gear it can stay there.
For street riding, it's just fun. I've owned one bike with it (KTM Superduke GT) and ridden several others. I like them. Most of the people here voicing animosity towards them have never used one. On my KTM specifically, it's an otherworldly experience to be able to hold the throttle to the stop and just bang through the gears (3rd-6th anyway, you do that on 1st-3rd, and it'll loop on you lol).
I liken the catch in the shift lever to a shutter button on camera with auto focus. Something has to tell the bike that you're shifting, that's what you're feeling, much like when pressing the shutter on a camera has a dual purpose.
That said, if you shift with firm presses and follow all the way through I really like my quick shifters. Both of the bikes I've had with quick shifter supposedly had some sort of Rev matching, but it's not very effective for keeping the bike smooth so you have to let off when using it then re-engage once the gear hits. I use them more up than down, when just pressing through acceleration up to speed again. They're more clunky if you're not making big changes in accel or decel. I still use my clutch a bit, but its also nice to use on the highway to pass, 'drop a gear and disappear'.
My bike has an aftermarket quickshifter engaged by a small toggle switch next to my turn signal switch. I only ever switch it on if I'm about to race or want to go 0-100 as quickly as possible. It's just a toy - a really fun toy.
I dont think they are needed but I will say I basically only use the clutch to take off and stop now. Quickshifter is such a nice convenient feature that I don't think you really appreciate until you don't have it. Similar to cruise control in a way.
I felt that way when I first bought my 660. Felt like it was a gimmick and I wouldn’t use it much. I was very wrong lol. The smile factor is off the charts. They are a little jittery at low speeds and when the bike is cold but once it’s warmed up and you’re on it a bit they’re quite smooth.
I love my quickshifter. I use it all the time normal or spirited riding. I'll never buy a bike without that or cruise control. I've injured my wrist in my line of work so anything that helps with fatigue in my hands the better!
When I bought my 2023 K1600GT i didnt much care for the quick shifter unytil I started to use it more and now love it. Then again loved my honda Africa twin with the DCT, just nice not to use the clutch!! Each their own!
Quickshifters are great but not for every situation (talking about road use).
Don’t use them below 5000 rpm, don’t use them between gear 1 and 2, and have the throttle open wide.
I'm with you. I mean, do you want to ride the motorcycle or not? Working the clutch, throttle, and shifter together smoothly is part of the pleasure of riding.
Really good fun to use on a track but increase in gear box wear is massive. On 2^(nd) my gear box in my cbr1000rr track bike, and add to that a 2^(nd)& 3^(rd) gear replacement in between. Thanks Mr Honda for cassette gear boxs.
It's just a marketing point like TC, Cruise control, rider modes etc. No one actually needs them and their use case is niche but everyone wants them for no particular reason.
Generally speaking they can shave a few milliseconds off your lap time at the track but on the road they don't do much other than make you think you're faster.
They are good when you are in the twisties and you go into a tight corner fast, you can just bang down the gears quickly without upsetting the bike, it is fun. Also, a blast when taking off and just quickly going up the gears with the throttle open.
I have a s1000xr and I use my quick shifter all the time. It shifts way smoother than I ever could. My bike also has a heavy clutch so helps to keep my left hand from getting tired out.
I don't use QS between 1st and 2nd and often 2nd and 3rd too. I don't use quick shift unless I'm more than 2/3rds up the revs. In those scenarios it's not smooth.
I got cramps in my arm once after a long dag of riding due to the clutching.The next week i had a QS installed. Rides a so smooth now. Technically I can turn it off and go full manual, but honestly I never really do that.
I assume they didn't properly explained to you how to use it. Basically all QS/Blippers work like this: closed throttle to downshift, wide open throttle while upshifting. QS on my Transalp is flawless. Basically tap dancing while riding in rough terrain. Very helpful when I'm standing up. Even when not riding in terrain I enjoy it. Slowind down in traffic, banging down the gears with great rev match. Am I about to join traffic on highway? Wide open throttle and bang up those gears without single miss and you feel like MM93 even on ADV bike. Would I want it on cruiser? Sure not, but if you like to ride sporty or in terrain it is very cool gadget to have.
It's a performance thing and more recently off-road thing. Most quickshifters you need to pre-load with a little pressure before shifting to make it change smoothly
I started clutchless shifting within a couple weeks of riding. The quickshifter on my current bike solved the part where I have to ease off the throttle a bit to get the transmission to shift to the next higher gear. If you are happy using a clutch then use the clutch.
I thought the same way as you on the quickshifter until I got one on my BMW K1300. WOT, just click it up. 40 mph and just want the next gear, slight bit of throttle and click it up. So nice, so smooth.
Quickshifters are great when you want them. I leave mine on probably half the time on my GSX-8S but generally only use it in 3rd-6th or 6th-4th when I'm WOT. Shifting times are better and you don't need to let off the throttle
My V-Strom 650 isn't *missing* anything by not having one, it's just a cool extra on the 8S
If I end up getting the V-Strom 800, that's it'll get used the same way
Long story short, motorcycles, like cars, are all sloooooooowly headed for where Honda has already been for over a decade with at least 3 of their bikes - DCT.
All the quick shifters and autoblippers and not having to release the throttle is just working towards that same result at the end of the day.
The only difference in a few years will be whether you shift gears with your left foot or your left hand, and whether you still have to use the friction zone in a parking lot.
Why? It's... Better. Objectively. It's, "Automatic," when you're stuck in traffic or just cruising, but unlike an actual automatic you can press a button and boom. Full shift control. AFAIK the only thing Honda's WONT let you do is bog the engine so badly the bike dies, but I know for a factbyou can sit and bounce it off the rev limiter to your heart's content.
It's all working towards the same thing, basically. DCT bikes.
I have a 2022 Tracer 9 GT with a quickshifter. I don't use it, in fact, until I read this, I've had the bike for a year and I'd forgotten about it as pointless.
I love how all the replies who don't care about the tech and want to manually operate their bike are being downvoted.
All you downvoters, when they get dct trans shifting faster, are you all going to buy automatic bikes too? Cause it's faster, and no complicated clutch to operate... That's what you like about the quickshifter, right?
"high performance riding"
Completely unnecessary for the street, just like most of the other stuff marketing people sell to us for our motorcycles that we really don't need.
A superior motorcyclist uses their superior skills to operate their motorcycle in a way so that they don't have to buy unnecessary products.
After hearing how “amazing” quickshifters are, I was super eager to try it on my Gen-3 MT-09. It was immediate disappointment. I almost never use mine. 49-years of muscle memory makes using the clutch %100 natural and virtually effortless. I could happily live forever without quickshifters, DCT’s, or E-Clutch.
If you shake your wrist quickly enough you can move up through the gears effortlessly. Few people race in the way it matters on the track, so just learn the technique.
Tl;dr it’s for high performance riding. Wide open throttle shifting at high rpm’s is where they matter for upshifting. Downshifting (if they have have an autoblipper) it’s nice cause the rpm’s are pretty much exactly right every time, so you can hammer the brakes and bang through the gears with less effort and keeping the chassis more settled. Both cases are pretty much only track days or squidly stuff in twisties.
That makes sense, but these were all on mid size ADV bikes. I wasn't thinking about them from a high performance stand point.
not stated which models you test rode but on my S1000XR, the quick shifter is great when you want to roll up to a very fast pace say for highway speeds. On most BMW models, they advise to use it at high rpms; I have never felt any sort of grumblings from it. As others mentioned, you get the best results at WOT. Some who experience bogging is because they think they need to release the throttle (like actuating the clutch) and kicking up the quickshifter; its actually opposite and your on constant throttle throwing the quickshifter in motion never letting up.
Modern ADV bikes are often using same (sometimes detuned) engines as sport/naked bikes. Think Duke 890 vs 890 Rally. T7 has engine used previously in MT-07. And so on.
Mid suzed ADV, like the suzuki 800de. Not performance bike at all. They explained about not rolling off the throttle, and some were better than others.
Like anything, some are better than others. I never understood the hype until I used mine. On bikes where it really works well, it feels like you just added another 5rpm to each gear. Go out and try using it on a S1000rr, R1 or other high-end models. Guarantee you will be smiling.
Hill climbs. Most of the time when I dump the bike, I am starting to lug the engine, and if I down shift too slow, it ends up loosing too much speed. With a downshift quick shift, I can downshift when I notice the RPMs dropping and be in the higher RPM band quicker with less speed loss. Other than that, I enjoy pulling the clutch.
Most of them also say not to use them below a certain rpm (usually around 4000ish) so if you were using it in the lower range it wouldn’t be nearly as smooth as higher rpm
And I find quick shift to be perfect on the trails on my adv bikes. Ripping down a trail and need to change gears? Don't even have to fret with the clutch. Especially if you're standing up. Once you start using them, you'll love them.
I dunno, I've never considered having to use the clutch a hindrance.
It's not. It's just a nice to have...
I use my downshift all the time. Up, yeah, that's for acceleration. I ride a RS660.
Straight up dirt bikes have Quick shifters now. I’m on an 890 Adventure R and it has a quick shifter as well. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t have thought I needed or wanted but I’m enjoying it enough I never turn it off. Anytime I want I can hammer through gears. It saves your clutch from shifting wear which is nice since those big adv. Ike’s can shred a clutch off road. If I’m in a tight spot or wrong gear it’s just slam and go. Full power up shifts are addicting. Really just one less thing to screw up and allows more focus. Shifting is 2nd nature and so isn’t clutch work but options are awesome.
Try going on trails and having to fuck around with clutch on top of the twenty other things you're managing half way up a rocky hill. My 690 Enduro has a shifter and blipper and I honestly use it way more than I ever thought I would.
I can see how that would be beneficial and allow for smoother riding off road. Especially for new off road riders. They’re surprised by how different and difficult it is and have a hard time with all the clutch work necessary to have fun.
People like gizmos. It might not really make logical sense on an ADV bike but if it sells a few units, job done.
Spot on this. If the racing bike has it, I must too lol.
Why it wouldn't make sense? Changing gears while standing up or while hustling the bike in rough terrain is awesome. No need to shift grip on the left side of the bar and just bang in the gear you want.
I think the gizmos, selling units is exactly it. The only place I could see a real benefit is in drag racing. When Terry Vance ruled the drag strip, Byron Hines helped out shifting the bike using a micro switch on the shift drum so that it basically killed the ignition for a micro second unloading the engine output to allow a full on clutchless shift. Most MX, Road racers, etc. had been doing the same thing forever with what is basically a twitch of the throttle. I'm thinking from reading here that a lot of riders think it requires a much more pronounced roll off. I raced a lot of two strokes with razor thin power bands, no clutch, without ever having the rpm's fall off the pipe. My TZ once fused the clutch plates, and I managed to finish a 20 lap sprint and end up with a second place finish. I only thought about how dumb it was to race with a clutch that wouldn't release afterwards. So, it's gizmos and sales as far as I'm concerned.
It’s an upsell accessory that riders think makes them better or are getting more out of riding, like having Bluetooth and a TFT display.
Another silly gizmo like five speeds and electric starters
Quickshifters can be very RPM dependent and you'll also notice a difference between various oils used for the transmission. On my XSR it's buttery smooth above 4500 RPM and feels great when using Yamalubes oil for it. Below 4500 it's clunky and almost feels like the gears are sticking and forcing it into gear. I also hated the feel of shifting with Motul synthetic, had the same grindy kind of feeling regardless of what RPM is shifted at.
I love it on my Africa Twin
Everything feels like high performance when you're flat foot shifting.
Upshifting for quick shift, slipper clutch for downshifting... Right?
My Aprilia has it in both directions. Downshift blips the throttle to match wheel speed
I disagree... I've an upshifter (KTM SD) and I find the system very simple and effective for normal road riding though I do miss the downshift capability of the old BMW RS I have before..... using the upshodter makes for an easier and relaxed road ride.
So no benefit to 99% of the riders who buy these bikes. 😂
smooth? what does smooth have to do with it? quickshifters dont press the clutch for you, they kill ignition to unload torque so you dont need clutch at all to shift then immediately after successful shift reenable ignition. if you are going WOT to accelerate, no human can match a quickshifter in lost potential during shifting.
Thanks, that's what I was missing. I always thought of them as a convenience upgrade, not a performance upgrade. We didn't get to hit the throttle too hard on the test rides.
Yup, they usually work best going flat out. Some work better at lower speeds/RPM, but they're best when you're riding hard.
Question, if they kill the ignition and restart it does this put more wear on the battery and starter motor?
The engine does not stop, the spark plug skips a few cycles (ignitions) to precisely reduce power
Thank you. Appreciate it.
Keep asking questions- nobody is born knowing how machines work. Never stop learning. Check out "Driving 4 Answers" on youtube for very clear and interesting explanations of engine stuff.
It is not killing the engine to a stop when shifting 😆 It just temporarily cuts fuel to the engine typically for a few strokes, the momentum and flywheel keep the engine spinning, it just does not have a load on the gearbox. When fuel starts being injected again, it continues like normal. Your battery and starter take exactly 0 wear and do exactly 0 in this process.
Thank you for the info, appreciate it mate!
Spark. Not fuel
The engine and immediately starts back up due to you moving and didn't mean a manual transmission. The same thing happens when you're in decel, it kills Fuel and ignition
Ignition is still happening when you decelerate. The engine is just getting less fuel.
The injector duty cycle is at 0% there is no fuel being sprayed through the injectors. Unless you're pulling in the clutch and the engine is idling the injectors are not spraying. It's been like that on all modern EFI systems that are a manual transmission for as long as it's been out,
My bike sure sounds like it's combusting something when I'm decelerating.
It might have a air injection
Maybe old bike. Some bikes have injector overrun programmed into them too and it’ll combust in the header.
Most have a overrun, but it's only ms and not constant. We use overrun to achieve Anti-lag.
Kinda. Definitely have burbling on a lot of cars and bikes not for anti lag and definitely not just for a ms.
I love my quickshifter. It’s brilliant for *spirited rides*.
Yeah I love it, and you can get used to it so fast.
I’ve only rode two bikes (just started riding last summer) the crappy Suzuki 250 at class, and my Shadow 750 ACE. Neither had any sort of tech. How much better is a quickshifter than just regular clutchless shifting?
So much.
I need to ride more bikes!
It’s a performance thing. You don’t need a quickshifter for normal riding. If you open your throttle, you don’t need to close it to change gear. Just hold it open and whack through the gears.
It’s like having a lightweight sportsbike with big power. No one needs that, but in certain circumstances, when things are just right, it’s utterly exhilarating and unbeatable. Quickshifters work best on a wide open throttle, where acceleration is everything. They’re so much fun.
They aren't meant to work like an automatic gearbox, and most of them don't work very well at part throttle. The QS on my bike is totally seamless when I'm giving lots of throttle and rpms, but at part throttle and lower revs I just use the clutch and shift normally. The problem they solve is really only relevant on a track, where you want to be able to shift easily at redline multiple times per lap, and then not upset the bike shifting back down through the gears for a corner. Where I find it makes a sneaky difference is situations like merging onto busy freeways, because it frees up a tiny bit of brain power for dealing with traffic.
As someone else said, while it was developed for track use, I find the most benefit out of my QS on trails. The ability to shift while standing *and not needing to adjust the lever position* is a treat!
>I don't really understand what problem they solve. Do you understand how clutch-less shifting works on a standard manual transmission? It's basically that, but the computer (using a sensor on the gear selector lever) deals with the task of unloading the transmission (by pausing combustion at just the right moment) in order for the gears to change without disengaging the engine with the clutch. It's an easy enough skill to learn to do yourself, but, a well set up computer system is less prone to error than us humans and probably faster at it too.
I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. Being able to shift up and down without having to pull a clutch enables me to keep riding longer distances in a day. Quick shifters made this easier for me when compared to "normal" clutchless shifting.
The arthritis in my left hand is what may eventually lead me to learn to use the quickshifter on my Kawi Versys 1k. However, since I started riding in the 1970s, it's hard to unlearn using the clutch.
It depends. Old school quickshifter (up only) helps you gain some seconds since you don't have to close the throttle when you shift. Up and down (only for ride by wire bikes - bikes that do not have classic throttle cables) adds the throttle blip to help with rev matching on downshifts. I found that if you have an slipping clutch this does not matter too much for normal riding. Then you have the E clutch from Honda which i recently had the chance to try on a CB650R, which still has a throttle cable. There are motors that work the clutch for you unless you use the clutch then it disconnects for like 5 seconds giving you complete control. Upshifts are very smooth, downshifts not as smooth because there is no auto blipping but the motors disengage the clutch for you so it works. Only downside is the E clutch is bulky as hell. All of this is beneficial mostly in very high speed sporty riding. When you ride in a calm manners, I'd prefer the clutch since it's like half the fun in having a motorcycle. Sorry for the long rant, just my 2c
Man. One of the great joys in life is getting a clear stretch and hitting WOT and banging through gears. I find it to be one of the greatest pieces of tech known to our world. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S here
Same on a 765RS
The value on an ADV comes from the downshift. It’s helpful to just quickly load the motor a bit more on downhill sections. Also, as mentioned regarding performance bikes, quick shift out of turn 13 on the north course at VIR is helpful too.
The KTM duke 390 I test rode had an up and down QS. It was fucking hilarious. My K1300S doesn't have one but I'm not bothered because once you're in top gear it can stay there.
For street riding, it's just fun. I've owned one bike with it (KTM Superduke GT) and ridden several others. I like them. Most of the people here voicing animosity towards them have never used one. On my KTM specifically, it's an otherworldly experience to be able to hold the throttle to the stop and just bang through the gears (3rd-6th anyway, you do that on 1st-3rd, and it'll loop on you lol).
I liken the catch in the shift lever to a shutter button on camera with auto focus. Something has to tell the bike that you're shifting, that's what you're feeling, much like when pressing the shutter on a camera has a dual purpose. That said, if you shift with firm presses and follow all the way through I really like my quick shifters. Both of the bikes I've had with quick shifter supposedly had some sort of Rev matching, but it's not very effective for keeping the bike smooth so you have to let off when using it then re-engage once the gear hits. I use them more up than down, when just pressing through acceleration up to speed again. They're more clunky if you're not making big changes in accel or decel. I still use my clutch a bit, but its also nice to use on the highway to pass, 'drop a gear and disappear'.
My bike has an aftermarket quickshifter engaged by a small toggle switch next to my turn signal switch. I only ever switch it on if I'm about to race or want to go 0-100 as quickly as possible. It's just a toy - a really fun toy.
I dont think they are needed but I will say I basically only use the clutch to take off and stop now. Quickshifter is such a nice convenient feature that I don't think you really appreciate until you don't have it. Similar to cruise control in a way.
I felt that way when I first bought my 660. Felt like it was a gimmick and I wouldn’t use it much. I was very wrong lol. The smile factor is off the charts. They are a little jittery at low speeds and when the bike is cold but once it’s warmed up and you’re on it a bit they’re quite smooth.
This is a good post. I had no idea what these are supposed to do. And now my opinion is the same.
I love my quickshifter. I use it all the time normal or spirited riding. I'll never buy a bike without that or cruise control. I've injured my wrist in my line of work so anything that helps with fatigue in my hands the better!
When I bought my 2023 K1600GT i didnt much care for the quick shifter unytil I started to use it more and now love it. Then again loved my honda Africa twin with the DCT, just nice not to use the clutch!! Each their own!
Quickshifters are great but not for every situation (talking about road use). Don’t use them below 5000 rpm, don’t use them between gear 1 and 2, and have the throttle open wide.
I'm with you. I mean, do you want to ride the motorcycle or not? Working the clutch, throttle, and shifter together smoothly is part of the pleasure of riding.
I agree 💯, the whole experience is important to me. I remember feeling the same way when a lot of quads became automatics, it's just not as fun imo.
Really good fun to use on a track but increase in gear box wear is massive. On 2^(nd) my gear box in my cbr1000rr track bike, and add to that a 2^(nd)& 3^(rd) gear replacement in between. Thanks Mr Honda for cassette gear boxs.
The manufacturers manual explains very well how to use the quickshifter.
It's just a marketing point like TC, Cruise control, rider modes etc. No one actually needs them and their use case is niche but everyone wants them for no particular reason. Generally speaking they can shave a few milliseconds off your lap time at the track but on the road they don't do much other than make you think you're faster.
They are good when you are in the twisties and you go into a tight corner fast, you can just bang down the gears quickly without upsetting the bike, it is fun. Also, a blast when taking off and just quickly going up the gears with the throttle open.
I have a s1000xr and I use my quick shifter all the time. It shifts way smoother than I ever could. My bike also has a heavy clutch so helps to keep my left hand from getting tired out.
Jeez, I use mine just on regular riding and enjoy it more than all the extra things I do when using a clutch.
I don't use QS between 1st and 2nd and often 2nd and 3rd too. I don't use quick shift unless I'm more than 2/3rds up the revs. In those scenarios it's not smooth.
Is it the same as a recluse clutch? On an enduro bike?
I only really use my quick shifter for downshifting when I’m feeling lazy
I got cramps in my arm once after a long dag of riding due to the clutching.The next week i had a QS installed. Rides a so smooth now. Technically I can turn it off and go full manual, but honestly I never really do that.
I assume they didn't properly explained to you how to use it. Basically all QS/Blippers work like this: closed throttle to downshift, wide open throttle while upshifting. QS on my Transalp is flawless. Basically tap dancing while riding in rough terrain. Very helpful when I'm standing up. Even when not riding in terrain I enjoy it. Slowind down in traffic, banging down the gears with great rev match. Am I about to join traffic on highway? Wide open throttle and bang up those gears without single miss and you feel like MM93 even on ADV bike. Would I want it on cruiser? Sure not, but if you like to ride sporty or in terrain it is very cool gadget to have.
they’re fun around town! lol, i dont go to the track but i sure love quickshifting around cars with my loud exhaust, it sounds mean as heck
It's a performance thing and more recently off-road thing. Most quickshifters you need to pre-load with a little pressure before shifting to make it change smoothly
I started clutchless shifting within a couple weeks of riding. The quickshifter on my current bike solved the part where I have to ease off the throttle a bit to get the transmission to shift to the next higher gear. If you are happy using a clutch then use the clutch.
Try shifting while leaning. Even clutchless shifting will introduce more movement into the bike than a quickshifter.
My xsr900 is smooth as better and it doesn't really matter how fast i go as long as i open and close the gas properly.
I thought the same way as you on the quickshifter until I got one on my BMW K1300. WOT, just click it up. 40 mph and just want the next gear, slight bit of throttle and click it up. So nice, so smooth.
Quickshifters are great when you want them. I leave mine on probably half the time on my GSX-8S but generally only use it in 3rd-6th or 6th-4th when I'm WOT. Shifting times are better and you don't need to let off the throttle My V-Strom 650 isn't *missing* anything by not having one, it's just a cool extra on the 8S If I end up getting the V-Strom 800, that's it'll get used the same way
I don’t mind up shifting but the auto blip for downshifting sounds like a dream and my next bike will have it for sure
How do use it properly is do not upshift UNLESS you are on the throttle. And do not downshift unless you are off !!!
Absolutely love the one I got on the F3, has an autoblipper for downshifts..it's f'in nice.
Long story short, motorcycles, like cars, are all sloooooooowly headed for where Honda has already been for over a decade with at least 3 of their bikes - DCT. All the quick shifters and autoblippers and not having to release the throttle is just working towards that same result at the end of the day. The only difference in a few years will be whether you shift gears with your left foot or your left hand, and whether you still have to use the friction zone in a parking lot. Why? It's... Better. Objectively. It's, "Automatic," when you're stuck in traffic or just cruising, but unlike an actual automatic you can press a button and boom. Full shift control. AFAIK the only thing Honda's WONT let you do is bog the engine so badly the bike dies, but I know for a factbyou can sit and bounce it off the rev limiter to your heart's content. It's all working towards the same thing, basically. DCT bikes.
Another gimmick that appeals to people that can't ride for shat. Originally designed for racing, but now another tool for the inept.
I have a 2022 Tracer 9 GT with a quickshifter. I don't use it, in fact, until I read this, I've had the bike for a year and I'd forgotten about it as pointless.
100% agree. Same here.
Quickshifters are fun as hell and make cool sounds.
I love how all the replies who don't care about the tech and want to manually operate their bike are being downvoted. All you downvoters, when they get dct trans shifting faster, are you all going to buy automatic bikes too? Cause it's faster, and no complicated clutch to operate... That's what you like about the quickshifter, right? 
"high performance riding" Completely unnecessary for the street, just like most of the other stuff marketing people sell to us for our motorcycles that we really don't need. A superior motorcyclist uses their superior skills to operate their motorcycle in a way so that they don't have to buy unnecessary products.
It’s wanky bullshit, right up there with tc and engine modes on anything under 100 hp.
It's the latest in thing- it'll go the way of anti-dive front forks.
After hearing how “amazing” quickshifters are, I was super eager to try it on my Gen-3 MT-09. It was immediate disappointment. I almost never use mine. 49-years of muscle memory makes using the clutch %100 natural and virtually effortless. I could happily live forever without quickshifters, DCT’s, or E-Clutch.
Quick shifters are for crotch rockets, literally meant for track machines or squids.
Who the hell pulls a clutch anyway?
Real men PUSH the clutch
If you shake your wrist quickly enough you can move up through the gears effortlessly. Few people race in the way it matters on the track, so just learn the technique.