BMW aims to improve the riding experience of its motorbikes, faithful to its motto “Simplify your ride”. The German manufacturer has therefore presented the new one Automated Shift Assistant (ASA)technical evolution of the BMW Motorrad Shift Assistant Pro. It is described as a system in which “two electromechanical actuators automate both the clutch and the gear changes of the six-speed gearbox“. In simple terms it is an automatic transmission.
There is no need for a manual lever to operate the clutch. Starting, stopping and maneuvering are facilitated by the Automated Shift Assistant. Several manufacturers are working on similar solutions. Let’s think, for example, of Honda and Yamaha. Now, comes the BMW system.
AUTOMATED CLUTCH AND GEAR CHANGE
According to what BMW says, in some contexts, using the clutch, gearbox and accelerator requires a lot of concentration. With the Automated Shift Assistant, the rider maintains control and has more freedom in every driving situation. How does it work?
In “D” mode Gears are automatically changed based on riding mode, engine rpm, throttle position and lean angle parameters. Instead, selecting the “M” mode, the rider can change gear using the gear lever in a classic manner. The advantage is that he won’t have to use the clutch.
If the revs in the desired gear are within the maximum or minimum rev range, the shift is made directly. If the engine speed drops below a gear-dependent idle speed, downshifts are performed automatically even in manual mode. This prevents the engine from stalling.
This system also brings other advantages. For example, the jolt associated with a classic gearbox with manual clutch is largely eliminated. For the moment we still don’t know when the new Automated Shift Assistant will debut and above all on which models but it’s easy to think that it will be offered on the German manufacturer’s top-of-the-range motorcycles.
