Smith impressed with new Yamaha gearbox
Posted on Mar 12, 2014 by George Penny
Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Bradley Smith has hailed the benefits of Yamaha’s seamless shift gearbox ahead of the start of the 2014 MotoGP campaign.
Smith tested the new transmission at the second Sepang test and during last weekend’s Qatar night session, and says it makes the YZR-M1 machinery easier to ride over race distance.
Improved stability on upshifts is also a major advantage of the seamless shift system, which Yamaha has been using with factory duo Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi since the Misano race last September.
Now Smith has had the opportunity to gauge its advantages, he is confident it will be a big boost in his bid to fight consistently inside the top six when the new season starts in Qatar on March 23.
Smith told MCN: “Rather than a big step, it just makes our job easier. In terms of performance it is difficult to say what is the difference. Over one lap I’d say absolutely nothing but in terms of race distance and energy expended it is a benefit. And it certainly helps keep the grip and a more balanced bike. I’m certainly finding it easier to do the lap time on old tyres.”