F1 Technology on World Superbikes

[KC]

Recently at Valencia, Troy Bayliss tested the 2001 Ducati 998 WSB contender with paddle-operated computerized shifter system. The bike has an extra lever mounted between the left handlebar and clutch lever. I would imagine that the shifts are faster (though surely not by much) and without missed gear selection. Is this going to to be what it takes to compete in WSB in the near future as we have seen in F1?

[elephino]

Interesting to this development. I wouldn't have expected it on bikes as they already have the sequential gearbox and the shift speed wouldn't be that huge.

[Airhead]

Elephino,

Its more to do with restrictions that riding the bike through corners places on the ability to change gear. That is, especially through a left hander the rider is balancing their weight on their left foot, that often is braced against the bike rather than on the foot peg only. In this position and with restricted ground clearance the ability to change gear does not exist. Consequently you do not gear mid corner. This may be of more benefit with some tracks than others. Also, does it include a form of engine management to maximise revs at each change?

[djb]

Reminds me of the handlebar mounted rear brake handle I remember seeing of some of the AMA stuff last year or the year before.(are any still using that setup?) Same idea-to make it easier for the guys who like to back the rear end out braking into a corner. As you mentioned, they can position their feet and body properly and not have to worry about right foot movement and sensitivety as they back it in.
Does this new system have an automatic blipper for downshifts? re: clutchless downshifts. Personally, just as in F1 cars, I am against stuff that takes away the traditional talents of downshifting etc.

[elephino]

Good point.

Mick Doohan ran with a handlebar rear brake because of his leg problems.