In response to Honda, which was a pioneer in this area, all MotoGP bikes currently use a seamless gearbox which allows the gears to be already engaged before changing gears, thus drastically reducing downtime and cuts in traction.
These gearboxes are extremely expensive and require ongoing maintenance.
However, Aprilia, who has just finished 9th and 10th in the Aragon Grand Prix, announces a partial technology transfer from this kind of seamless boxes to the series…
From seamless gearbox research to Aprilia Quick Shift technology
Another area of research for the Aprilia team is seamless gear shifting, the latest developments of which have led to a reduction in the weight of the transmission components, therefore an improvement in its efficiency.
Thanks to seamless gearbox technology, the gears are engaged as soon as the rider presses the gear lever, without having to interrupt the throttle flow or touch the clutch. In terms of benefits, from a MotoGP perspective, this means continuity of engine torque, which limits loss of grip, and ensures smooth acceleration.
From this starting point, Aprilia is working on improvements that can be transferred to Aprilia's Quick Shift technology, which is already present on some models, such as the RSV4. This technology ensures a smoother and more comfortable experience on the road, by adapting the gear change according to the rider's preferences.
