Voge DS900X quickshifter: operating conditions and adjustment

The quickshifter allows a gear change to be made without operating the clutch lever and without closing the throttle. The system is fitted to some DS900X versions and not to others; where it is absent, the manual requires the clutch lever for every gear change.

How the system detects a change

The quickshifter reads the position of the gearshift spindle. When the pedal is loaded, the system recognises that a change has begun and signals the engine control unit, which interrupts drive for the interval the gearbox needs to complete the change.

Because the throttle is not closed, drive is not broken as it is during a clutched change. This is the practical benefit: on a gradient or during an overtake the motorcycle continues to pull through the gear change.

The operating condition

The quickshifter functions only above 2,000 rpm, in every gear. The manual states this without qualification.

Below that engine speed the system does not intervene. A clutchless change made at 1,800 rpm is therefore an unassisted change, and the resulting harshness is the gearbox being asked to work without the momentary interruption of drive it expects. Below 2,000 rpm the clutch lever should be used.

Clutch lever free play: 5 to 8 mm

The manual specifies a free play of 5 to 8 mm measured at the end of the clutch lever, and states that excessive free play causes wear and malfunction of both the clutch and the gearshift mechanism. The setting therefore affects the quickshifter directly.

To adjust it:

1. Remove the rubber boot from the adjuster.
2. Loosen the locknut.
3. Turn the adjuster until the free play at the lever end measures 5 to 8 mm.
4. Tighten the locknut.
5. Refit the rubber boot.

Gearshift pedal position

The pedal height is set by a connecting rod between two hexagonal locknuts, and the manual states that it is intended to be adjusted to the rider's position:

1. Loosen the two hexagonal locknuts securing the gearshift connecting rod.
2. Rotate the rod until the pedal sits at a comfortable height.
3. Tighten both locknuts.

A pedal set too low produces a hesitant, partially loaded movement, which is the input the system is least able to recognise. A definite movement of the pedal is what the spindle sensor reads.

Downshifts

The manual describes the system in general terms and does not state a downshift function. Until the behaviour has been confirmed on a particular motorcycle, the clutch should be used when changing down.

The manual's general instruction for gear changes remains relevant: before selecting a lower gear, reduce road speed and raise engine speed; before selecting a higher gear, raise road speed and reduce engine speed.

Related pages

The shift reminder arrows on the instrument display operate on their own engine speed thresholds and are a separate function; they are described in DS900X cruise control. Full specifications for the model are on the DS900X model page, and the source document is the DS900X owner manual.