Quickshifter: A Necessity For Daily Use or Just An Added Fun Factor?

Does a quickshifter really provide benefits for daily riding, or is it just a fun extra feature to have on a motorcycle?

Subscribe to our Instagram channel for the latest info and news!

Previously, quickshifters were only found on large-capacity premium racing motorcycles or superbikes. They were created to help riders change gears faster without losing their momentum while tearing it around the track.

Today, this technology is not only offered on 1,000cc motorcycles, but has also become a standard feature on some smaller motorcycles on the market today. Among the models that comes with quickshifters as standard from the factory are the Honda CBR250RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR, Yamaha MT-09, and many other models.

As more and more modern motorcycles offer quickshifters, many potential buyers have the same question, is this feature really useful for everyday use? Is it just a marketing gimmick, or can it actually enhance the riding experience to be more comfortable and enjoyable?

If you are considering a motorcycle equipped with a quickshifter, here are a few things you need to know.

What is a Quickshifter?

In short, a quickshifter is an electronic system that allows riders to change gears without having to pull the clutch while the motorcycle is moving.

When the gear lever is pressed or pulled upwards, a sensor on the quickshifter detects the movement and cuts off the motorcycle’s engine power for a few milliseconds. This short period is enough to allow the gear to change smoothly before engine power is reconnected.

As a result, gear changes are much faster than the conventional method which requires the rider to pull the clutch every time they want to change gears.

Quickshifter Up vs Quickshifter Up & Down

Not all quickshifters work the same way. There are two types of quickshifters that are commonly used on motorcycles in the market today; quickshifter up and quickshifter up & down.

Some motorcycles only offer up only quickshifters, a system that only allows the rider to upshift without using the clutch, but requires the clutch when wanting to downshift.

As for the up and down quickshifter, it allows the rider to upshift and downshift gears without having to pull the clutch lever while the motorcycle is moving.

The up & down quickshifter system is usually found on more premium motorcycles, and provides a smoother riding experience, especially when entering corners or during more aggressive riding.

Advantages for Daily Use

1. Less Fatigue When Riding

Although quickshifters are always associated with performance, one of their main advantages is actually riding comfort.

If you ride to work every day and have to travel through city roads or highways, you may have to change gears dozens of times along the way and it could be quite an exercise for your arm.

With a quickshifter, you don’t have to pull the clutch every time you want to change gears, reducing left hand movement and making the ride feel more relaxed, especially for those who often ride for long periods of time.

2. Faster and Smoother Gear Shifting

One of the reasons this technology was developed was to shorten the time it takes to change gears.

If it is done correctly, a quickshifter can produce faster and more consistent gear changes than using a manual clutch.

Apart from that, the motorcycle is also able to maintain its momentum when accelerating because the engine power is only cut off for a very short period of time.

3. Makes the Ride More Fun

This is the main reason why many riders fall in love with quickshifters.

As the road clears up and you twist the throttle, each gear change feels faster and sportier. There’s no need to pull the clutch every time you want to change gear, just move the gear lever and the bike will do the rest.

On motorcycles with high-performance engines such as inline-fours, this experience becomes even more enjoyable because the engine sound is uninterrupted when changing gears.

4. Helps Maintain Focus While Riding

When one movement can be reduced, the rider can pay more attention to the road.

Although it is not that big of a difference, quickshifters allow riders to focus more on throttle control, braking and traffic conditions rather than having to think about coordinating the clutch and gears every time they accelerate.

For those who often ride on highways or mountain roads, this advantage is easier to be noticed.

Is the Quickshifter Suitable for Use in Heavy Traffic?

The answer is, yes and no.

In slow-moving traffic, you still need to use the clutch when the motorcycle stops or you want to start moving from first gear.

However, when traffic starts moving a little faster and you start to shift up a gear, the quickshifter will start to play its role.

So, even though it’s not used all the time in traffic jams, it can still reduce fatigue a bit when traffic is moving fast, especially for those who ride every day.

Does It Have Disadvantages?

Despite having many advantages, quickshifters are not a perfect system.

Most quickshifters are designed to be used when the bike is accelerating. If used at a very low RPM or when the throttle is fully closed, gear changes may feel a little rough depending on the bike’s setup.

Apart from that, some riders also need some time to get used to it if they they are already used to using the clutch every time they change gears.

So, Is It Worth It?

If you only use your motorcycle for very short trips in urban areas, a quickshifter may not be a must-have feature on your motorcycle.

However, if you often use the highway, enjoy weekend rides or simply want a more modern and enjoyable riding experience, a quickshifter is definitely a worthwhile feature.

Many riders who have used quickshifters admit that after getting used to them, it’s quite difficult to go back to a motorcycle without the system because changing gears feels much easier and more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Quickshifter is not just a technology created for professional riders. Today, it has become a feature that can enhance the overall riding experience for everyday use as well.

Although it’s not an absolute necessity, quickshifters offer faster gear changes, reducing riding fatigue and making every ride feel smoother and more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a new motorcycle, this feature is definitely worth considering, especially if you ride long distances. It may not completely change the way you ride, but after trying it out for yourself, you might understand why more and more riders are opting for bikes equipped with this feature.