ZeroShift

**Coyote** · 8th May 2005, 17:13

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** · 8th May 2005, 17:16

Originally Posted by ZeroShift site

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** · 8th May 2005, 17:21

Wonder if they make a bike version...

**R6_kid:Me** · 8th May 2005, 17:25

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

**Coyote** · 8th May 2005, 18:03

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** · 8th May 2005, 18:16

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** · 8th May 2005, 18:20

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 8th May 2005, 18:26

Originally Posted by Waylander

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...

**Waylander** · 8th May 2005, 18:31

Originally Posted by StoneChucker

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...

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** · 8th May 2005, 18:47

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** · 8th May 2005, 19:34

Originally Posted by StoneChucker

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...

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** · 8th May 2005, 20:23

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** · 8th May 2005, 21:51

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** · 8th May 2005, 22:22

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.