BMW is trying to revolutionize the way we shift gears, by launching a new automatic transmission called Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), which offers a manual and fully automatic setting.
According to MCN at an exclusive event at the BMW Enduro Park Hechlingen, near Munich, last week, the brand demonstrated the technology live, in pre-production form, on a BMW R1300GS adventure motorcycle.
BMW states that they have been working on the project for five years, with the goal of transforming their quick up/downshifting systems into a fully automatic transmission, with a “manual” mode where the driver selects their own shifts.
In both modes, the clutch operation is completely automated, with no clutch lever on the handlebars. There is still a gear lever on the foot, although it is just an electric “switch” with no mechanical function.
The entire ASA system is essentially a conventional motorcycle transmission controlled by a computer, with electric actuators that engage the clutch for starting and stopping and that change the transmission ratios.
However, the Transmission Control Unit adjusts the speed change parameters according to the driving style and driving mode in which the bike is – so, an Off Road mode would have different speed change characteristics than Rain or Sport modes.
Source:https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-tech/2024/may/bmw-automated-shift-assistant-gearbox-r1300gs/
