In a motorcycle race every advantage matters, even the ability to accomplish gear shifts in a split second. The quickshifter is a device initially created for motorcycle road racing that allows the rider to shift instantly without using the clutch, providing uninterrupted forward momentum on acceleration. Quickshifter technology has trickled down to street bikes, where riders may appreciate the convenience of clutchless shifting, or just the ability to feel sporty. Let’s take a look at the technology behind a motorcycle quickshifter and how it could improve your riding experience.
A motorcycle quickshifter is an electro-mechanical device that enables up-shifting gears without modulating the clutch or throttle. Exactly what does a quickshifter do? The original function of the quickshifter on a motorcycle was to enable motorcycle racers to make instant up-shifts – faster than would be possible by using the clutch in a normal fashion – without damaging the transmission.
Some quickshifters also enable down-shifting gears, again without modulating the clutch or throttle. Most are controlled by the rider’s left foot on the motorcycle shift control, but a few are controlled by up/down shift buttons on a hand control. A motorcycle quickshifter should not be confused with an automatic transmission; shifting still requires an action by the rider, and use of the clutch will still be required when stopping and pulling away from a stop.
To shift gears smoothly without damaging the transmission, the motorcycle engine needs to momentarily disengage from the transmission. When there is no power transmitted to the transmission, the gears are “unloaded,” and the mechanical action of changing gears can take place. In the traditional shifting sequence, pulling in the clutch lever and rolling off the throttle relieves the transmission of engine power so we can make a smooth shift. A quickshifter places a sensor in the motorcycle shift linkage. When the rider engages the foot shift control the sensor cues the motorcycle engine control module (ECM) and fuel and/or ignition are cut within milliseconds, which unloads the transmission permitting precise, rapid up-shifts without modulating the throttle or disengaging the clutch. Advanced quickshifters also use the electronic shifter signal to “blip” the throttle for seamless down-shifts without using the clutch.
For sport or street riders, the quickshifter serves mostly as a convenience, or a race accessory. The quickshifter is especially popular with riders of adventure touring motorcycles who appreciate being able to shift quickly to maintain momentum when riding off-road or on trails, especially if they are standing on the motorcycle foot pegs.
Quickshifters are best used during acceleration at moderate and higher RPMs. If an engine is being lugged in the lower RPMs, the Quickshifter may feel jerky.
Older motorcycles with carburetors can usually be fitted with a quickshifter that only interrupts the ignition to enable upshifts. Newer motorcycles with drive-by-wire throttle control may be able to utilize a quickshifter that enables both up- and down-shifts because downshifts require the motorcycle ECM to momentarily blip the throttle. Aftermarket quickshifters usually fit in line with the shift control rod and may be designed for a rod that “pushes” or “pulls” the transmission control, depending on the how the motorcycle is designed. Quickshifters that are standard equipment or designed as an accessory offered by a motorcycle manufacturer, may be more integral to the motorcycle operating system.
Yes, Harley-Davidson offers the Screamin’ Eagle® Quickshifter for 2022-later Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250 models from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories.
The Screamin’ Eagle® Quickshifter for 2022-later Harley-Davidson® Pan America® 1250/Special models from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories accomplishes instant clutchless up and down shifts without risking transmission damage, enabling smoother, stress-free control in on- and off-road situations. With the Screamin’ Eagle® Quick Shifter installed, a rider can focus more on the road or trail ahead and less on shifting, over any terrain.
Looking to soup up your ride? Browse more Harley-Davidson® motorcycle parts and accessories today. For more expert advice on Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, visit an authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer, or schedule a test ride on a new or Harley-Davidson Certified™ motorcycle.
$0 Down and as Low as 3.99% APR
*Financing Offer available only on select, untitled 2022 and 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Adventure Touring, Trike, CVO™, Softail® and Custom motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank and is subject to credit approval. Touring models Road King® Special and Electra Glide® Highway King are excluded. Harley-Davidson® Anniversary and Icons Motorcycle Collection are excluded. Not all applicants will qualify as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. Financing offer is available only for up to a 60-month term. For example, a 2023 Street Glide® Special motorcycle in Bright Billiard Blue/Billiard Gray with Chrome Finish and an MSRP of $29,499, no down payment and amount financed of $29,499, 60-month repayment term, and 3.99% APR results in monthly payments of $543.14. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. Customer must take delivery by October 31, 2024. This Financing Offer is valid during the period of August 27, 2024, to October 31, 2024. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime. See your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
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**Up to $2,000 incentive valid for in-dealership purchase of Genuine Harley-Davidson® Parts & Accessories and/or Apparel & Licensed merchandise in connection with the purchase of select Grand American Touring, Trike and Softail motorcycles valid at participating Harley-Davidson® dealerships within the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. Offer valid toward the purchase of select new, untitled 2022 or 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Trike and Softail motorcycles available and in stock at participating H-D® dealers between August 27, 2024 and October 31, 2024. Offer may not be available in all states. Touring models Road King® Special, Road Glide®, Street Glide® and Electra Glide® Highway King are excluded. Harley-Davidson® Anniversary, CVO™, Icons Motorcycle Collection and Police Duty Motorcycles are excluded. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Offer is subject to change at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Dealer participation may vary. Additional restrictions apply, see your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
Financing Offer available only on new 2024 Street Bob® 114 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 4.35% APR offer is available only to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for a 48-month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2024 Street Bob® 114 motorcycle in Billiard Gray with an MSRP of $16,999, 10% down payment and amount financed of $15,299.10, 48-month repayment term, and 4.35% APR results in 47 monthly payments of $188.72 and a 48th balloon payment of $8,514.41. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. This Financing Offer is valid during the period of January 2, 2025 - March 31, 2025. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime.
Handlebar height is regulated in many locations. Check local laws to ensure your motorcycle meets applicable regulations.