For the past decade, HONDA has offered a Dual Clutch Transmission on several larger/higher end motorcycles that allows riders to either shift manually or let the bike do the shifting. Honda's offering allows for various modes ranging from an aggressive 'sport' type mode to very tame and fuel sipping mode, which a couple options in between. The various Honda models offering this do not have a clutch lever.
BMW is jumping on the bandwagon. They had previously offered a semi-auto shift but kept the clutch lever. BMW is now ditching the clutch lever and going to a system that is much closer to the HONDA scheme.
I've been riding a HONDA NC750x for the past 6 years, it has the auto shift feature and honestly I have zero desire to ever shift gears on a motorcycle again.
BMW's new Automated Shift Assistant technology will let riders travel with twist-and-go throttle or clutchless standard shift.
www.advrider.com
BMW Ditches The Clutch Lever With New Automated Shift Assistant
Opt for clutchless shifting, or twist-and-go automatic
Zac / @kawazacky
5/3/2024
Wot, no clutch lever? BMW's new Automated Shift Assistant will do the clutching for you. Photo: BMW
BMW has just taken the wraps off its new Automated Shift Assistant technology, which offers users a choice. They can either continue to shift with their boot, but without using the clutch. Or, they can choose to let the motorcycle do the shifting for them and just ride with twist-and-go ease like a scooter.
BMW already has quickshifter technology available for most bikes in its lineup. Those shift-assist designs still require a clutch at stops and starts, and the rider must still shift the gearbox—it’s not an automatic. The new Automated Shift Assistant has two electromechanical actuators that actually automate the clutch and transmission for the rider. The system changes gear based on the engine’s rpm, load, lean angle and other dynamics, and it’s supposed to make for a smoother ride.
The ASA system comes with two modes. D mode is twist-and-go. Whichever mode you’re in, BMW says the ASA system makes for slick shifts that are less jerky. M mode allows the riders to still control the gearbox via shifter on left-hand side of the engine, same as almost all current models. However, if rpms drop and the bike is about to stall, the ASA system will auto-downshift for you in M mode as well.
All very interesting stuff, and while BMW hasn’t confirmed it will appear on any current models, no doubt we will see it appear on upcoming 1300-series boxers in the very near future.
Left-hand switchgear lets you easily switch between twist-and-go riding or shift-with-your-foot riding. Photo: BMW
Will it be an option for the GS series? Almost certainly. Will it be popular? Look at Honda’s history with the DCT-equipped Africa Twin. While many riders who’ve switched to twist-and-go riding say they like the system, others prefer the control afforded by a clutch. On its part, BMW’s PR says the ASA system much improves the riding experience—see their release below.
Press release
BMW Motorrad presents the Automated Shift Assistant (ASA)
Munich. With the new Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), BMW Motorrad presents an innovative technical solution that makes riding simpler and more comfortable. True to the motto “Simplify your ride”, the riding experience is further enhanced by the automation of the clutch and gearshifting, without sacrificing the emotionally important dynamics of shifting.
The Automated Shift Assistant features a clever functional design in which two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the six-speed transmission, which is the main difference to a conventional shift assistant. There is no need for a hand lever to operate the clutch manually. Starting, stopping and manoeuvring are made easy with the Automated Shift Assistant.
Riding with the Automated Shift Assistant also becomes more enjoyable thanks to fast, rev- and load-adapted shift sequences and the resulting precise gear changes. The rider’s workload is reduced, which makes riding even more enjoyable. In addition, the Automated Shift Assistant creates an even more direct connection with the powerful boxer engine, as the precise clutch actuation makes it even easier to control the riding experience via the throttle grip and gearshift lever.
In ‘M’ shift mode, gear changes can still be made by foot control, allowing the rider to decide when to change gears.
In ‘D’ shift mode, the Automatic Shift Assistant really comes into its own. Shift points are automatically selected by the engine control unit. In both “M” and “D” modes, the rider benefits from perfectly executed gear changes with a smooth interruption of traction. The result is efficient motorcycle acceleration and increased riding stability.
When shifting up, for example, the jolt associated with a classic manual transmission with a manual clutch is largely eliminated, as is the risk of helmet contact between rider and passenger.
Downshifts are also designed to be as smooth as possible, minimising chassis disturbances. Specific characteristics of the automated shift function are assigned to the different riding modes to ensure perfect shift behaviour in each riding situation. In combination with Active Cruise Control or front collision warning, the networking of functions also brings the future of motorcycling to life.
Automated clutch and gear shifting for a new riding experience.
In difficult riding situations, using the clutch and throttle takes a lot of concentration. If you are travelling with luggage and perhaps a passenger, using the clutch and gearshift takes up resources. The rider remains in control and has more freedom in every riding situation with the Automated Shift Assistant. Riding becomes a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
The powerful boxer engine enables almost effortless pulling away on uphill gradients, for example, thanks to automated clutch operation, which also pays dividends in terms of better vehicle control off-road or on difficult surfaces.
Riding pleasure takes on a whole new meaning when you choose the automated D mode. Optimally selected gear changes create a new riding sensation with a more intense driving experience. The right gear is automatically selected according to the rider’s individual riding needs, resulting in a harmonious and extremely smooth driving experience.
Electromechanical clutch and gearshift actuators combined with sophisticated electronic controls.
The Automated Shift Assistant is the logical and technical evolution of the BMW Motorrad Shift Assistant Pro. Two electronically controlled electromechanical actuators operate the clutch and gearshift, enabling easy starting and automated gear changes.The rider’s shift request is transmitted to the control unit via a gearshift lever sensor, which is actuated by the conventional foot-operated gearshift lever. Additional sensors determine the revs of the transmission input shaft and the clutch position. These values are transmitted to the TCU (Transmission Control Unit), which is closely linked to the engine control unit, for modelling and control of the clutch, shift actuation and status.
The clutch is operated by an electro-mechanical actuator combined with a hydraulic system with a direct hydraulic connection between the clutch master and slave cylinders. The actuator regulates the required clutch slip, engages the clutch when changing gear and disengages it when stopping.
In manual shift mode “M”, the rider can move the gearshift lever in the desired direction in the usual way. If the revs in the desired target gear are within the maximum or minimum rev range, the shift is made directly. If the engine revs fall below a gear-dependent minimum speed, downshifts are also performed automatically in manual mode. This prevents the engine from stalling.
In shift mode “D” the gears are changed automatically depending on the riding mode, engine revs, throttle position and lean angle parameters. Gears are shifted according to the riding situation and dynamic requirements.
The benefits of the Automatic Shift Assistant (ASA) can be summarised as follows
· Completely eliminates the need for the rider to operate the clutch.
· Dynamic and comfortable gear changes for more riding pleasure.
· Choice of manual or automatic gear shifting.
· Automatically adapts gear shifts to the rider’s dynamic preferences in automated D mode.
· Eliminates the possibility of engine stalling due to unfavourable gear shifts.
