Quickshifter for V85?

[inditx]

Anyone had any experience with this one or others?
https://www.motoracingshop.com/en/quick-shifter-healtech-for-moto-guzzi-v85-tt-19-21.html
inditx

[Huzo]

Anyone had any experience with this one or others?
https://www.motoracingshop.com/en/quick-shifter-healtech-for-moto-guzzi-v85-tt-19-21.html
inditx

Not me and I never will. It’s torture on the mechanicals and will quietly go about the business of damaging the gear dogs .
It slams the next gear in before the motor has the chance to drop the required revs to suit the new ratio and the spinning flywheel is forced to drop 1,000 or so rpm in half a second without the cushioning effect of the clutch disengaging.

[Bulldog9]

Not me and I never will. It’s torture on the mechanicals and will quietly go about the business of damaging the gear dogs .
It slams the next gear in before the motor has the chance to drop the required revs to suit the new ratio and the spinning flywheel is forced to drop 1,000 or so rpm in half a second without the cushioning effect of the clutch disengaging.

100% agree

[davethewelder]

I had a V85TT, with only 75 HP QS isn't going to help, besides you won't get to hear the clunk that we all enjoy while riding a Moto Guzzi.

[PeteS]

I am hardly an expert on quick shifters. A few months ago I didn’t know what they did nor what they looked like. I had to ask here what was the device mounted on my new V100. I also have a new 2025 V85. Having played some with the quick shifter I can say I wished my V85 had one. But I think their only real application is for drag racing. Hold the throttle WFO and hit the shifter at what you think the best RPM to do so. It shifts gears faster than any automatic.
Down shifting or shifting at less than full throttle the shifts are no where as smooth. Its not a way to make a manual transmission into an automatic. So unless you want to go racing, forget about it.
The reason I think the V85 could use one is it takes longer to pull in the clutch, shift gears, and let out the clutch while backing off the throttle and reapplying throttle than its takes my V85 to accelerate through that gear, at least the first four.

Pete

[azccj]

The first bike I owned with a quick-shifter was my 2023 V100 Mandello S. And having used it I thought, what's the big dealer with this quick-shifter thing. Nearly every time I used it, I thought the transmission was going to fall out of the bike. It was jerky and not at all smooth no matter how I used it. Then I bought a Husqvarna Norden 901 which has the same engine as the KTM 890 Adventure. That bike has an excellent quick-shifter, smooth both up and down. Very handy to use when off road. Then I bought a Suzuki GSX-S1000GT which also comes with a quick-shifter. This bike has the slickest quick-shifter yet. So smooth that most of the time up-shifting can't be felt and the only way you can tell the bike has changed gears is a slight change in the exhaust tone and a slight dip in the RPMs on the tach. I use the quick-shifters all the time on both the Norden 901 and the Suzuki. When I owned the V100 I rarely used the quick-shifter for fear that doing so would damage the bike's internals.

[inditx]

Great replies, thanks
I was wanting to use the clutch less as I age but it sounds like an A/S at least with the Guzzi is not the answer
inditx

[inditx]

I am hardly an expert on quick shifters. A few months ago I didn’t know what they did nor what they looked like. I had to ask here what was the device mounted on my new V100. I also have a new 2025 V85. Having played some with the quick shifter I can say I wished my V85 had one. But I think their only real application is for drag racing. Hold the throttle WFO and hit the shifter at what you think the best RPM to do so. It shifts gears faster than any automatic.
Down shifting or shifting at less than full throttle the shifts are no where as smooth. Its not a way to make a manual transmission into an automatic. So unless you want to go racing, forget about it.
The reason I think the V85 could use one is it takes longer to pull in the clutch, shift gears, and let out the clutch while backing off the throttle and reapplying throttle than its takes my V85 to accelerate through that gear, at least the first four.

Pete

Did you test ride a new Stelvio by chance?
Can you compare the 2025 V85 to older models by chance?
Thanks
inditx

[PeteS]

Great replies, thanks
I was wanting to use the clutch less as I age but it sounds like an A/S at least with the Guzzi is not the answer
inditx

Can’t comment on the one you are looking for but with the one Guzzi uses on the V100 you can use or not. Pulling in the clutch disables the quick shifter. There is no downside to having it available.

Pete

[PeteS]

Did you test ride a new Stelvio by chance?
Can you compare the 2025 V85 to older models by chance?
Thanks
inditx

I didn’t ride a Stelvio but crossed it off the list after sitting on it. Its taller and heavier than the V85 and the Triumph 800XC I was looking to replace.
The V85 is a great all around bike for me at this point. The V100 fills my need for speed if not a long distance touring bike.

Pete

[inditx]

Thanks PeteS
inditx

[bad Chad]

Not me and I never will. It’s torture on the mechanicals and will quietly go about the business of damaging the gear dogs .
It slams the next gear in before the motor has the chance to drop the required revs to suit the new ratio and the spinning flywheel is forced to drop 1,000 or so rpm in half a second without the cushioning effect of the clutch disengaging.

“Get off my lawn you Dam kids!!”   
I don’t want any dam electronic ignition, all it’s going to do is break!”

Sometimes we all need to take a moment and relax.

[Huzo]

“Get off my lawn you Dam kids!!”   
I don’t want any dam electronic ignition, all it’s going to do is break!”

Sometimes we all need to take a moment and relax.

You have no idea what my point actually was.
 Quoting from a Clint Eastwood movie does nothing to support an argument opposing my point of view.
If you want to engage me with a factual based argument I’ll respond, but to enter with a banal comment like that does nothing, other than to reinforce an existing point of view.
Electronic ignition, disc brakes, better tyres, superior lights and all that stuff, is a welcome addition to our quality of existence and does nothing to the detriment of the machine.
A quick shifter on the other hand does, it’s only pandering to the fantasy that most riders have, that they are good enough to benefit from such a feature.
Please tell me why getting your gear through half a second faster to the detriment of gearbox longevity, holds any perceived advantage.
Then tell me where my reasoning is flawed, regarding the damage that will be cumulatively inflicted on the gearbox innards, without resorting to any lame analogies or misapplied anecdotal points of view.
Also by the way…
It’s “damned kids…”
not “Dam kids…”
Dam kids are kids that exist in a dam.
“Damned kids” are kids that are destined to be damned.

[inditx]

Sorry Huzo, all I meant was less clutch could be good on older hands that have arthritis rearing it’s ugly head.
I am not using an A/S to drag race or for track days, I do neither of those, at least not anymore.
inditx

[Huzo]

Sorry Huzo, all I meant was less clutch could be good on older hands that have arthritis rearing it’s ugly head.
I am not using an A/S to drag race or for track days, I do neither of those, at least not anymore.
inditx

Well there’s no need for apology inditx.
The benefit of not needing to use a clutch would doubtless be beneficial under those circumstances.

[kingoffleece]

My 2022 snicks into and out of gears as well as any motorcycle I've ever ridden.  It's super smooth with ZERO clunk.

[MikeP996]

I've had several modern bikes that came with quick shifters.  TBH, I don't really see any benefit for street riding.  If I had to pay more for the quick shifter option, I wouldn't.  Of course nowadays many bikes have optional "packages" that include a bunch things that you may not want/need to get the ONE thing you might want!!  That was the case when I bought my BMW R1200RS a few years ago.  I had the choice of custom ordering the bike - months-long wait - or riding one out of the dealer showroom with the max package which had mostly stuff I didn't want/don't use.  If the issue is to use the clutch less, I'd buy a new Honda E-clutch bike.  The E-clutch seems to be the perfect "solution" to either use the clutch or not!

[Bulldog9]

I generally only use the clutch for start/stop and shifts between 1+3 on the big block CARC bikes. It can still be a little clunky untill everything is warmed up. The Stornello is much better, and of course everything is easier as the miles build.

I just don't want a computer to take away the pleasure and enjoyment of riding. I could care less about the "speed" of it.

One day with all the damage to my left hand/arm I will have to go with a clutch less MC if I am still able to ride. May be others, but Honda seems to have several options.

[bad Chad]

Huzo, buddy, I’m just dicking around with you, you should know that by now!

But to your point regarding longevity of the clutch and drive system when combined with a quick shifter, what actual evidence do you have to support your claim?  Or are you just assuming that it must cause premature damage?

By the way, I wasn’t quoting Clint, yes his character did utter something very similar in a movie,  however the “get off my yard” colloquialism has been a meme for at least several decades.

And here’s a pro tip, if you get to the point of needing to correct someone’s spelling or punctuation, it almost always means you’re talking things far too seriously.  Maybe try some deep breathing exercises instead?

[inditx]

A quick update;
I spoke to one of our favorite MG dealers and he said that if it was a factory blip/quickshift, it was actually less wear and tear on the tranny, drivetrain etc.
The big problem is with aftermarket shifters as the ECU and the bike cannot compensate for them.
Ymmv
inditx

[Huzo]

To provide evidence that quick shifters damage gearboxes over the long term, I’d have to have two identical bikes from new and then have two riders do the same kilometres under the same conditions simultaneously over 50,000 km or more and then compare the innards, one using a qickshifter and one not.
Clearly not possible, so I’ll have to rely on critical thinking and common sense, with a bit of engineering accumen and recognition of the bleeding obvious thrown in…
But follow me through this.
I can accept that a quick shifter will pop the gear through in more or less the same fashion as a skilled rider, but here’s the thing…again.
It never was about the the gears themselves, it’s about the shock loading that is transmitted through the internals when forced to accelerate or decelerate the spinning flywheel with absolutely minimal cushioning.
I will ask a set of questions and seek an answer to each before moving on, to see where our opinions begin to diverge.

#1
If you are doing 50 mph in 6th gear at 3,000 rpm and select 5th gear, what is your approximate rpm immediately after the change has gone through ?…(within 100 rpm).

[inditx]

Hey Huzo,

Not sure if you were asking me this or BullDog.

At any rate, you’re beyond my depth so for now, I’ll be content with accepting a quickshifter only if it comes with the bike, read no aftermarket ones and probably not use it much anyway.

inditx

[Huzo]

Hey Huzo,

Not sure if you were asking me this or BullDog.

At any rate, you’re beyond my depth so for now, I’ll be content with accepting a quickshifter only if it comes with the bike, read no aftermarket ones and probably not use it much anyway.

inditx

It was/is in response to Bad Chad’s question as to if I had any evidence to support my theory that quick shifters come at the cost of gearbox longevity.
I’m awaiting the tsunami of answers to question #1 so we can clear up differences of opinion as we move forward.
I think it was Bulldog that indicated he agreed with my opinion.

[michaell32]

A quick update;
I spoke to one of our favorite MG dealers and he said that if it was a factory blip/quickshift, it was actually less wear and tear on the tranny, drivetrain etc.
The big problem is with aftermarket shifters as the ECU and the bike cannot compensate for them.
Ymmv
inditx

Either the guy at the dealership is lying or has no idea what he is talking about.  A quickshifter will create more wear however it likely won't be enough wear for anyone to notice during their ownership of a guzzi. There are some junk aftermarket quickshifters (dynojet) that relied on a pressure switch however the ones that use a strain gauge are just as good as the factory because they are functionally identical. They both cut the ignition for a set amount of time when the strain gauge senses the shift. I used annatori on my gsxr when I was younger. The more you raced those bikes, the more often you had to get the dogs recut.

[Huzo]

Either the guy at the dealership is lying or has no idea what he is talking about.  A quickshifter will create more wear however it likely won't be enough wear for anyone to notice during their ownership of a guzzi. There are some junk aftermarket quickshifters (dynojet) that relied on a pressure switch however the ones that use a strain gauge are just as good as the factory because they are functionally identical. They both cut the ignition for a set amount of time when the strain gauge senses the shift. I used annatori on my gsxr when I was younger. The more you raced those bikes, the more often you had to get the dogs recut.

You are right that it won’t affect YOUR ownership period. The problem will be when you throw it at the next poor sod when it has 125,000 miles on it.
Yeah, you can cut the ignition to unload the drive train so the gear goes through, but when the solid gear dogs have to mesh and the engine is STILL revving 500 rpm too high or low for the new ratio, tell me please, what is it that slams the revs down by 500 in 0.2 seconds ?
Will someone PLEASE answer my damn question, instead of telling me what “some guy” reckons.
If I’m wrong, it should be easy to tell me where.

[Bulldog9]

To provide evidence that quick shifters damage gearboxes over the long term, I’d have to have two identical bikes from new and then have two riders do the same kilometres under the same conditions simultaneously over 50,000 km or more and then compare the innards, one using a qickshifter and one not.
Clearly not possible, so I’ll have to rely on critical thinking and common sense, with a bit of engineering accumen and recognition of the bleeding obvious thrown in…
But follow me through this.
I can accept that a quick shifter will pop the gear through in more or less the same fashion as a skilled rider, but here’s the thing…again.
It never was about the the gears themselves, it’s about the shock loading that is transmitted through the internals when forced to accelerate or decelerate the spinning flywheel with absolutely minimal cushioning.
I will ask a set of questions and seek an answer to each before moving on, to see where our opinions begin to diverge.

#1
If you are doing 50 mph in 6th gear at 3,000 rpm and select 5th gear, what is your approximate rpm immediately after the change has gone through ?…(within 100 rpm).

Huzo, I hear what you are saying, and your theory is not flawed, but I don't think it's as bad as you portray.

MC transmissions are sequential, and many are shifted up and down successfully and effectively especially in the mid to higher gears. 132k miles on my XS11 without a single issue, and two of my CARC bikes are 50 & 70k miles and easily snick in and out of the mid-upper gears without issue or drama, and without any spooge on the drain plugs at fluid changes.

Admittedly the CARC tranny's are clunkier and take more precision, but proper technique of a light preload on the shifter and blip of the throttle and the gear slides with into the next up or down. The small blocks are MUCH better than CARC.

I'm opposed to the speed shifter because of the unnecessary complexity, layer of electronics, and promotion of what "I" see as laziness and lack of skill. I get it on race bikes where every micro second counting, but overall would avoid. Most systems have a sensor on the shift lever that blips fuel/spark, and the TBW just cuts throttle. I don't need a computer to do what my hands and feet can do..... (Grunt grunt Luddite grumbles)

IMO, a SS is completely unnecessary for the V85. With proper technique can easily do 2-6 up and down, possibly even down to 1, but if your going to 1, your likely gonna want to be on the clutch.

No shade cast to those who feel differently YMMV

[inditx]

Either the guy at the dealership is lying or has no idea what he is talking about.  A quickshifter will create more wear however it likely won't be enough wear for anyone to notice during their ownership of a guzzi. There are some junk aftermarket quickshifters (dynojet) that relied on a pressure switch however the ones that use a strain gauge are just as good as the factory because they are functionally identical. They both cut the ignition for a set amount of time when the strain gauge senses the shift. I used annatori on my gsxr when I was younger. The more you raced those bikes, the more often you had to get the dogs recut.

That is highly unlikely as he is renown for his Guzzi knowledge and many on here extoll his Guzziness (I just made that word up) and bikes in general for that matter.
At any rate, for the occasional user, read non racing or track days, like you said I can’t imagine most would notice any wear.
ymmv
inditx

[bad Chad]

Let me know when we get something more than theory or anicdotal evidence.

[bronzestar1]

I've been riding for 40+ years, and wouldn't use a QS anyway if the bike came with one.  Guess I'm old-school that way, just like how I think 3-pedals in a car isn't the same thing as one having paddle shifters.  I recently got a '26 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory that came with a QS, and I've only used it once, just to see how it works.  Totally useless on the street, IMO...

[Huzo]

When you blip the throttle without cracking the clutch, how does that serve any purpose ? The rpm will not change unless the clutch is feathered.