gear to the next , minimising the shock of engagement . It works superbly on open roads , but I found some limitations in use ; in traffic , on steep hill-starts and offroad . I am sure in many hands these things would not be an issue . However , the new E-Clutch system completely changes that scenario ; no longer automatic , the gearbox is manual , with just the clutch itself being automatic , except - and here ’ s the trick - when you don ’ t wish it to be . A simple engagement of the clutch lever reverts the bike to full manual control – traffic , hill starts , and offroad scenarios - all sorted . Smart and simple . So why develop this clutch ? “ Every rider should learn the old way ”, I hear the OG crew mutter into their beards . In operation on road , in effect it becomes a slick quickshifter . As you change gear the E-Clutch automatically engages or disengages the clutch based on the optimal timing calculated by the computer . However , as soon as the clutch is manually engaged , the E-Clutch
relinquishes control to the lever . The best of both worlds . For a LAMS bike the system is simply brilliant , making clutch control super easy for the novice rider , smooth and slick on the road , with less wear , but still there when you need to feather the clutch for slow manoeuvring , traffic and hill control . It is switchable in the TFT modes , but I didn ’ t bother , just left it on all the time . An alert light on the dash shows when it is operational , and disappears when the clutch is manually engaged . On release the light reappears and the E-Clutch takes control , all in less than a second . Basically the bike is a ‘ twist and go ’ once a gear is selected , but with each shift being controlled by the rider . It is not an auto gearbox .. Sitting at the lights in neutral , and then selecting a gear without clutch use does take a second or two to get your head around , but in practise the system is simplicity itself and seems almost foolproof . Select gear , twist throttle , go .
KIWI RIDER 53