Techtronics Quickshitter

Techtronics Quickshitter

Seamless Power Delivery

TIME IS A PRECIOUS COMMODITY, PARticularly in racing where tenths of a second can be lost to a gear change. Since this can easily become several bikelengths, a competitive edge is available with a Techtronics Quickshifter. Working through an electronicignition cutout, this allows split-second upshifts without backing off the throttle or fanning the clutch.

Installation on our Yamaha YZF-R1

was a 30-minute job that included raising the hinged fuel tank and removing the airbox. Simply secure the compact electronic-control module in the bike’s tailsection with velcro, and route the kit’s wiring loom. Then, connect color-coded leads to the bike’s battery and ignition coils.

A pressure-sensing linkage rod replaces the stock item, and triggers the module’s ignition kill during upshifts. (Downshifting is done the old-fashioned way.) A rotating collar on the rod adjusts trigger sensitivity, while the module’s turn-screw sets kill duration. On our Rl, the factory settings worked fine, but tweaking pro-

vided the best results.

With the system dialed-in for high-rpm, open-throttle conditions, performance was excellent up top.

But we experienced occasional less-thanslick gear changes at low revs. In all fair-

ness, however, the Quickshifter wasn’t intended to be an automatic transmission around town. For such circumstances, normal clutch use is still available. And a system-override switch can disable the ignition kill.

Once you get used to the idea of staying on the gas during upshifts, you’ll probably wonder how you rode your late-model sportbike without a Quickshifter. □

DETAILS

Williamsville Competition 182 South Main St. Holland, NY 14080 716/537-2534 www.techtronics.co.uk Price $475

A Makes shifting while wheelying a snap A Linkage rod looks GP-trick

v Costs more than a DVD player v Some riding-technique adjustment may be required