ZeroShift

[Coyote]

Saw an article on this is the Sunday Star Times. They said it was 'The holy grail of gearboxes', and it was invented by a Kiwi. They also said it called be used on all vehicles. Couldn't find you the article on stuff.co.nz but this site might explain it further http://www.zeroshift.com/index.htm

[Coyote]

ZeroShift Limited (ZSL) is a UK company formed in 2002 by its inventor, Bill Martin. The company has invented a manual transmission that minimises loss of power between gear changes. The ZeroShift™ gearbox changes gear without the need to decouple the engine from the transmission (the job of a clutch). In other words, ZSL has developed a technology where the gears do not need to stop or slow to change from gear to gear. Because the gearbox can be automated, the gearbox can replace an automatic, but at the same size, weight and cost as a manual. The concept is simple. The effect is dramatic.

WTF, too short?!?!? I'll too short you ya f'n blighter

[Waylander]

Wonder if they make a bike version...

[R6_kid]

definately looks/sounds interesting. Spose it will go through track testing first and then cost an arm and a leg anyway. We can always dream :ride:

[Coyote]

Supposedly they'll be able to make a version for bikes (along with cars, trucks, boats, etc.) and also it's meant to be cheaper with less parts involved and no clutch to wear down

That gearbox and Nitrous, hoo hoo hoo {devilish laugh}

[StoneChucker]

Do we really want automated gearboxes in all vehicles? I personally would never buy an automatic car or bike. The idea is interesting though, but mainly for racing in my opinion.

[Waylander]

Do we really want automated gearboxes in all vehicles? I personally would never buy an automatic car or bike. The idea is interesting though, but mainly for racing in my opinion.

From what I understand of it it's not fully automated. You still have to tap the lever/move the sift knob to change gear. You just wont need a clutch anymore.

[StoneChucker]

From what I understand of it it's not fully automated. You still have to tap the lever/move the sift knob to change gear. You just wont need a clutch anymore.
Not so good for people who like to clutch up wheelies, or ride the clutch while doing u-turns, or do burnouts, or again ride the clutch in very slow traffic (briefly, not for long mind you), and for, and for... :msn-wink:

[Waylander]

Not so good for people who like to clutch up wheelies, or ride the clutch while doing u-turns, or do burnouts, or again ride the clutch in very slow traffic (briefly, not for long mind you), and for, and for... :msn-wink:
Yea I know what you mean mate. Don't worry it'll be a while before these go into production bikes and if they don't prove popular they won't make it. But if they do I'm sure there are people out there whole will figure out how to do it.

[Coyote]

I read there was going to be software to make these gearboxes autos, so they might look into having some kinda clutch. The F1 guys are sure to develop a clutch so they can rev at the starting grid

I'm all for the idea, all those precious seconds saved shifting up and down

[Jamezo]

Not so good for people who like to clutch up wheelies, or ride the clutch while doing u-turns, or do burnouts, or again ride the clutch in very slow traffic (briefly, not for long mind you), and for, and for... :msn-wink:

I've read the site, and the clutch is not replaced, in fact you need to feed in the clutch for first gear. the system in effect replaces the syncromesh mechanism, rendering clutching between shifts completely unneccessary.

[TwoSeven]

I believe most companies are adopting alphas implementation of the variable belt system which kind of removes the need for a gearbox as well.

[N4CR]

Is this similar (I don't understand how this one works) to the 'cone gear box' where a belt is moved between two cones that as the cones move, diameter changes for the belt (moving over the cones) hence changing speed...?

E.g cones:belt:cones [>:||:<] hopefully this helps explain if you don't know what it is.

[Motu]

The web site has a lot of words but says nothing.I think seeing as it's not a revolutionary new ''gearbox'' it is just a shifting device,such as in F1 where the computer adjusts the rpm to match gear and road speed.

[Roadrash]

technonlogy is good, but i like my gearbox the way it is, it would be alright on a commuter but not going for a thrash

[Wolf]

Not so good for people who like to clutch up wheelies, or ride the clutch while doing u-turns, or do burnouts, or again ride the clutch in very slow traffic (briefly, not for long mind you), and for, and for... :msn-wink:
Or hold the clutch in while they keep the revs up because "the bastard just won't idle".

[Lou Girardin]

It's a bit late. VW/Audi have the DSG box which operates like a sophisticated pre-selector unit. Clutches engage/disengage drive for each gear as you shift.

[Sniper]

I like my gearbox too. Not too keen on something I cant feel change my gears

[Motu]

I don't think I'd mind - just being able to nail it and ride.Husky had an auto dirt bike in the 70s,but it was complicated and never took off as usual.Yamaha had a system in a scooter that was kinda like what Lou talks about - each gear is engaged by a centrifical clutch as the gear came up to speed,it was a 3 speed and seemed to work ok.

[Pixie]

Is this similar (I don't understand how this one works) to the 'cone gear box' where a belt is moved between two cones that as the cones move, diameter changes for the belt (moving over the cones) hence changing speed...?

E.g cones:belt:cones [>:||:<] hopefully this helps explain if you don't know what it is.

Wrong.
It is a manual gearbox ( as in it uses real gears ) with a system thats replaces synchromesh and allows clutchles changes when in motion.The clutch is still use to disengage drive at standstill.

[ZeroIndex]

From what I understand of it it's not fully automated. You still have to tap the lever/move the sift knob to change gear. You just wont need a clutch anymore.

What's the point in not having a clutch to play with? I suppose they want the front to stay on the ground?

I love my clutch, well, maybe not MY clutch... I like clutches when they work nicely... like on nice stuntbikes...

[N4CR]

wow! that's one of the better necros i have seen for a while :)

[Skyryder]

Saw a bit on tele the other night about this. General commentary was that it will be years away before this is standard. Once it's track proven it'll go into production on fuel economy figures alone.

Skyryder

[breakaway]

Is this similar (I don't understand how this one works) to the 'cone gear box' where a belt is moved between two cones that as the cones move, diameter changes for the belt (moving over the cones) hence changing speed...?

E.g cones:belt:cones [>:||:<] hopefully this helps explain if you don't know what it is.

It's not a actually CVT, they are fixed ratio gears.


Do we really want automated gearboxes in all vehicles? I personally would never buy an automatic car or bike.

Quoted for truth.

Here's a video from Campbell Live - http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/CampbellLive/tabid/367/articleID/29693/Default.aspx#video