Quickshifters - really that good on the road?

[Esceptico]

Never had a bike with a QS before. After initial excitement I am sort of wondering what is the point. Perhaps they make sense on the track but on the road I'm struggling to see any real benefit on the road. Had a test ride on a Fireblade this week and didn't really notice the difference as just did clutchless upshifts. Might be how I ride but unless chasing lap times who needs full throttle upshifts? On country roads I can happily stay in 3rd on the S 1000 R as it pulls so strongly from even tight corners and I'm not going over a 100 (apart from the odd occasion just for a laugh). Most times I'm changing up to 6th it is to cruise a bit so not that fussed how quickly I'm getting into 6th. And full power upshifts on the limiter above 3rd gear is "going direct to prison and don't pass go" sort of territory (if caught) so not something that crops up in my daily rides.

Am I just a Luddite or does anyone else agree?

[Esceptico]

But if you aren't doing full throttle upshifts you don't need the clutch so can still do the one hand thing. Not as easy though.

I can see the point about 600s needing more effort as used to ride them. But it is great having the flexibility a litre bike offers you. I'm converted to them.

[Esceptico]

LoonR1 said:

You roll the throttle off to do a clutch less up shift. You keep the throttle open on a quickshifter gear change. They're not the same. Whilst I sort of agree that there's no point in the road, it's a nice option to have.

True but I don't find myself doing too many full throttle upshifts. Of course I have done it for a laugh! I'm happy to have it on the bike but I wouldn't not buy a bike I liked just because it didn't have a QS.

[Esceptico]

I know it doesn't need to be full throttle but if you haven't got the throttle pinned open then what is the advantage over a normal clutch less shift? Except you don't have to think about it.

[Esceptico]

Apologies if I'm not being clear but I did understand what you are saying and know that clutch less is not the same because you do have to roll off briefly. I don't personally find that much of an advantage as gear changes are not slowing me down on the road (I could give you a long list of stuff that does!) It seems like I am in a minority of one that can take or leave the QS though.

[Esceptico]

gwm said:

As you're talking about the R, I can see why you'd take it or leave it. There seems to be a very small window where it works well, so I find myself using the clutch quite often. But agree you can't beat nailing it and using the QS.

Yes. Of the bikes I've tried the R has the least impressive QS.