The '06 Question No One's Asked

[06FJRAEPILOT]

Probably my first and last post on this issue (it's just not that important to me at this point)...
Almost everyone has said why this system is gonna suck, although there have been a few who've dissagreed and said it's the bees knees and will flog any manual shifting you can manage.  I disagree with both...  I think someone (not neccessarily me, but I might be close) can probably shift faster than the E model without using the clutch.  I can do clutchless shifting now without grinding or jamming the gears in, although I generally don't because I'm sure it's not incredibly healthy for my tranny.  But, I'd be willing to bet that if you were going for speed...  the A model can go toe-to-toe with the E model if you have the right rider doing it.

But... where I see the E model really making its sales is in major metropolitan areas with commuters.  I'd love the E model every time I get stuck in traffic.  After 15 minutes of DC stop and go traffic, my clutch hand is yelling at me.  The E model would rock for this.

As for how they do it...  doesn't really matter.  There IS a neutral there somewhere, it IS easy to find when you need it, the clutch DOES work at stop lights (on hills, parking, reversing, etc) and the bike DOES know when and where to use it.  Yamaha couldn't (and wouldn't) sell a bike that can't be handled by a normal rider.  Even though the clutch lever may be missing, the clutch and tranny essentially have to remain the same and the electronic gadgetry has to have the brains to figure out what your doing without dumping you on your ***.  I'd be willing to bet that other than a few disclaimers in the manual (like "Caution: Suddenly opening the throttle while stopped may lead to traffic violations, injury, death and public embarrasment"), it'll work, act and feel just like the A model.

Your right about clutchless shifting on an "A" model, but for how long? I doubt you would do as well with clutchless shifts when your downshifting. The "AE" will downshift seamlessly. I also think that your clutchless shifts, even though your good at it, would take their toll over time on the up-shifts alone.

That's my guess for what it's worth. Probably just what you paid for it!!

And you thought that was your last post on the subject.....

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

06fjraepilot said:

I also think that your clutchless shifts, even though your good at it, would take their toll over time on the up-shifts alone.
Well, I'm not so sure -- if, the actual shift is accomplished with a break in the power transmission through the gearbox (say, rolling off the throttle)? then it's essentially the same as using the clutch. There may be some problems with loading the shift lever (as some have reccomended) in that the shift forks have no (or, not much -- maybe hard-facing?) designed in bearing material (other than lube) to intercede when it's rubbing on one side of the groove. But, in the actual shifting of a constant-mesh transmission, the gears don't know if a clutch was used, or a throttle roll-off, or a kill button, or whatever.....

fwiw, there have been systems around for years that have done similar feats -- just not as sophisticated as the AE. Most Jawas and CZs (especially the road models) disengaged and the re-engaged the clutch with a movement of the shift lever -- clutch-less shifting. Also, many pre-unit Triumphs had Slick-Shift (similar to Jawa) which many a rider enjoyed.