Simply put, the Shiftcam is a way of
delivering more power effortlessly, by
swapping a smaller, smoother cam for a
lumpier more powerful one – on demand
ENGINE
So, now, why is it so good? Well first up are
the obvious engine changes. Bigger pots and
pistons taking the 1170 boxer to 1254cc, deliver
9% more power and 14% more torque (143Nm
at 6250rpm) than the former.
134bhp is considerable, and that eight-valve
horizontal twin fires up with a distinctly joyful
growl. Pushing the envelope on empty, dry
roads the engine leapt under my coaxing as the
confidence-inspiring cornering angles became
more pronounced. The ”3/4” road knobbies
– Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres – never
hinted at a lack of grip, and delivered further
new found confidence as time wore on. The
variable valve timing system, which frankly I
acknowledge, but understand the technicals
of only dimly, produces silky-smooth custard
creaminess in the engine bite, throughout
the rev range, but the new Shiftcam system
pokes the engine further into stratospheric
cleverness.
Simply put, the Shiftcam is a way of delivering
more power effortlessly, by swapping a smaller,
smoother cam for a lumpier more powerful
one – on demand. A shaft holding the cams
has a notched channel at one end, and on
cue, triggered by the ECU, a pin slips into this,
and slides the whole shaft seamlessly along
– replacing the operating lower profile cam
with the stroppier lobe. There seem to be
varying reports as to what makes this occur,
whether asking for more power urgently, or
whether this occurs only above 3, or 5000rpm,
it all seems a bit unclear. So, although I was
unable to discern when and how it changed,
cranking on the right hand not only produced
a wonderful rev response, it also increased the
aggression with which it rolled on.
In practice this is extremely satisfying, even if it
is slightly beyond my pay-grade to explain the
full arcane nature of its alchemy. The Shiftcam
change may be undetectable by mere humans,
but damn, it’s good.
KIWI RIDER 65