Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I still shift manually?
A. Yes. If you or another rider prefers to shift manually, simply place the rocker switch in the OFF position. When a rider wants the system to shift automatically, simply place the switch in Auto mode.
A. Yes. If you or another rider prefers to shift manually, simply place the rocker switch in the OFF position. When a rider wants the system to shift automatically, simply place the switch in Auto mode.
Q. What modifications have to be made to my bike during installation?
A. No cutting, drilling, or wire splicing is necessary to install this kit. An OEM-matching switch is included and installs in place of the existing switch blank on your console.
A. No cutting, drilling, or wire splicing is necessary to install this kit. An OEM-matching switch is included and installs in place of the existing switch blank on your console.
The kit’s wiring harness comes complete with all necessary connectors and simply plugs inline with your bike’s existing shift-control harness.
The average DIYer can complete the conversion in approximately one hour.
Q. Can I have my local dealership install this kit?
A. Yes. The system installs in a manner similar to many light kits or throttle-control systems.
Q. Can I move the system to another bike if I plan on upgrading down the road?
A. Yes. Kits designed for late-model (2024+) RT and Canyon models can be transferred to another compatible current-model RT or Canyon.
A. Yes. Kits designed for late-model (2024+) RT and Canyon models can be transferred to another compatible current-model RT or Canyon.
Models prior to 2024 require a different harness than the late-model bikes. If you plan to upgrade from a 2020–2023 model to a later-model bike, please contact your distributor for available upgrade options.
The kit can be completely removed from the bike, allowing the bike to be returned to its original configuration.
Q. Is any programming or “flashing” required to install this system?
A. No. There is no programming or flashing required for installation. The kit is completely Plug-and-Play and requires no modifications to the bike’s existing electronics.
A. No. There is no programming or flashing required for installation. The kit is completely Plug-and-Play and requires no modifications to the bike’s existing electronics.
Q. Are any engine or transmission modifications necessary for this conversion?
A. No. The kit connects only to the bike’s existing electronics and utilizes the engine and transmission in their stock configuration, providing a true Plug-and-Play installation.
A. No. The kit connects only to the bike’s existing electronics and utilizes the engine and transmission in their stock configuration, providing a true Plug-and-Play installation.
Q. What happens to the +/- paddle shifters in Auto mode?
A. They remain fully active.
A. They remain fully active.
For example, if you are cruising and the tachometer is reading 3,300 RPM and you know you will not need to accelerate anytime soon, you can press the + upshift paddle to select a higher gear and operate the bike at a lower RPM.
The same applies to downshifting. If you are at 2,700 RPM and approaching a curve, preparing to pass another vehicle, or simply want to operate at a higher RPM, you can manually downshift using the – paddle.
If the system determines that your manually selected gear places the engine outside its desired operating range, it may automatically return to the previous gear shortly after your selection. This is normal operation and allows the system to maintain an appropriate RPM range for the bike’s current speed and load.
You can also switch between standard manual shifting and Auto mode while riding.
Q. Will the system automatically downshift if I accelerate hard?
A. Yes. When the engine RPM is within the appropriate range, the system can initiate a downshift when the throttle is opened quickly or far enough.
A. Yes. When the engine RPM is within the appropriate range, the system can initiate a downshift when the throttle is opened quickly or far enough.
The system will not initiate a downshift if doing so would cause the engine RPM in the selected gear to exceed the system’s predetermined limit.
Q. How does this system work?
A. The system includes a microprocessor-controlled module that reads data from the bike’s CAN bus network. It monitors information including engine RPM, throttle position, front and rear wheel speeds, current gear selection, and rider paddle-shift inputs.
A. The system includes a microprocessor-controlled module that reads data from the bike’s CAN bus network. It monitors information including engine RPM, throttle position, front and rear wheel speeds, current gear selection, and rider paddle-shift inputs.
The system can also electronically emulate the +/- shift-paddle commands just as the rider would.
A sophisticated algorithm continuously evaluates these variables to determine appropriate upshift and downshift targets based on current engine load and riding conditions. As a result, shift points automatically change depending on throttle input and operating conditions.
In general, the farther the throttle is opened, the higher the RPM before an upshift occurs. Under normal cruising conditions, the lowest upshift target is approximately 3,600 RPM, with that target increasing during acceleration.
Likewise, the lowest downshift target is approximately 2,500 RPM under normal cruising conditions and increases as operating conditions change.
While RPM is one of the primary factors used by the system, shift decisions are based on a more complex calculation involving multiple operating parameters.
Q. Why does the system seem to shift through the gears more quickly at lower speeds but hold gears longer at higher speeds?
A. This is primarily due to the bike’s gear ratios.
A. This is primarily due to the bike’s gear ratios.
In the lower gears, the engine delivers greater torque multiplication to the rear wheel. As a result, the bike accelerates more quickly and the engine reaches its target RPM sooner, resulting in shorter durations between shifts.
As speed increases and the transmission moves into higher gears, acceleration becomes more gradual. This allows the system to hold each higher gear longer.
This behavior is also beneficial during normal cruising because it reduces unnecessary gear changes and provides a smoother, more comfortable riding experience.
Q. Will this kit void my warranty?
A. When properly installed, this kit is designed to operate as an aftermarket accessory without modifying the engine or transmission. As with any aftermarket product, warranty coverage is ultimately determined by the vehicle manufacturer or servicing dealer based on the specific repair or warranty claim.
A. When properly installed, this kit is designed to operate as an aftermarket accessory without modifying the engine or transmission. As with any aftermarket product, warranty coverage is ultimately determined by the vehicle manufacturer or servicing dealer based on the specific repair or warranty claim.
Q. Will this kit increase my fuel economy?
A. It may. Maintaining optimal gear selection at all times can be difficult for a rider, particularly as speed, load, and throttle position continually change.
A. It may. Maintaining optimal gear selection at all times can be difficult for a rider, particularly as speed, load, and throttle position continually change.
The system performs approximately 1,000 calculations per second to continuously evaluate operating conditions and select appropriate shift points while balancing performance and efficiency.
Depending on riding conditions and riding style, optimized gear selection may help improve fuel economy and reduce unnecessary clutch wear.
Q. Is this kit well suited for new riders or riders transitioning from other bikes?
A. Absolutely. Learning when and how to shift can add another task for a new rider to manage. Auto modeeliminates the need to manually select each gear, allowing the rider to focus more attention on controlling the bike, observing traffic conditions, and enjoying the ride.
A. Absolutely. Learning when and how to shift can add another task for a new rider to manage. Auto modeeliminates the need to manually select each gear, allowing the rider to focus more attention on controlling the bike, observing traffic conditions, and enjoying the ride.
Manual shifting remains available whenever the rider chooses to use it.
Q. What if my bike is modified?
A. The system is compatible with common upgrades such as aftermarket exhaust systems and throttle-control devices. It can complement these upgrades while maintaining the convenience and functionality of the automatic shifting system.
A. The system is compatible with common upgrades such as aftermarket exhaust systems and throttle-control devices. It can complement these upgrades while maintaining the convenience and functionality of the automatic shifting system.
