Do I need to install the Quick-Shifter on my R3GT?

[vsteel]

TBH I've only tried one once on a BMW S1000XR and I didn't like it at all. But that's a very high revving engine with its power concentrated in the upper range. Once it's in the power it eats gears very quickly so I can see the point of it.
The Rocket's the opposite, low-revving, high torque and holds gears for far longer. However, I'd like to see how a rocket fitted with a QS would get on against a Ducati V4 Diavel in launch control mode. I think the Diavel would win but it would be fun to have a go.

The quick shifter on the S1000XR shifts like a tractor compared to the Triumph quick shifter. I owned a S1000XR so this wasn't just a test ride.

I love the quick shifter on the R3 and if I had it to do all over again I would.

It is a blast and that is all that matters. People said automatic transmissions ruined drivers, they put synchronizers in manuals and that ruined drivers. Semi trucks when they went to 18 speeds instead of running the twin sticks removed the "real drivers". By that thinking we peaked at the horse because it has a mind of its own and everything else has been a downgrade because it does what you tell it. Just have fun with it and don't worry about it.

 

[Gimlet]

The quick shifter on the S1000XR shifts like a tractor compared to the Triumph quick shifter. I owned a S1000XR so this wasn't just a test ride.

I love the quick shifter on the R3 and if I had it to do all over again I would.

It is a blast and that is all that matters. People said automatic transmissions ruined drivers, they put synchronizers in manuals and that ruined drivers. Semi trucks when they went to 18 speeds instead of running the twin sticks removed the "real drivers". By that thinking we peaked at the horse because it has a mind of its own and everything else has been a downgrade because it does what you tell it. Just have fun with it and don't worry about it.

Oh I'm not worried about it. If the Rocket had a QS fitted as standard it wouldn't have put me off buying it. Whether I'd use it or not I don't know - probably would in time - but I won't be paying to retro-fit one now. Too many higher priorities in the exhaust, tuning and suspension departments.

I'm not anti-QS and I can see how they could be fun, it's just not a priority for me. Had I bought new, I wouldn't have paid extra for a QS as an option, if available.
It should be said, I come from a succession of pre-2020 KTMs and Ducatis, none of which were compatible with QS's. I had a gen 1 1290 Superduke and you can't fit a QS to those because it can wreck the top-end over time. Don't ask me how or why but KTM said it was a thing. Apparently they modified the heads for the gen 2 to make it QS compatible.
My Ducati has no electronics at all and no slipper clutch, so I don;t think a QS would be avery good idea. That probaby colours my judgement with ingrained mechanical sympathy coming into it.
As you say the S1000XR was not a smooth system at all and using it felt like I was abusing the engine and gearbox. It even felt odd doing clutched shifts, with a pronounced click and pushback at the lever when slotting a gear. But that was the first generation of S1000 BMW engines and they all felt and sounded like they were about to self-destruct at the best of times. That was ten years ago, mind. I appreciate things have moved on considerably.

 

[LTrain]

Best thing about the quick shifter is not having to let off the throttle to shift. Back in the day, I always up-shifted without the clutch, but it does require unloading the drivetrain (via closing the throttle). And, with Penner's tune, my GT loves to go fast. Best mod, IMO!

 

[Mongler07]

ill just add this... unless your ONLY goal is to go as quick / fast as possible... the shifting is all part of the "soul" or character of a motorcycle most of us want.... the same reason i wont ever own an EV...

 

[rick danger]

I use the quick shift passing people on short sections of double yellow. But most of the time its clutch as its always been.

 

[Deadeye]

The integration of the quickshifter is near seamless. It’s silky smooth when shifting both up and down. When you’re accelerating the rocket hard, the time in 1st and 2nd gear is really short before you hit the rev limiter; you can shift up much faster than clutching up IMA, so just makes sense to keep the momentum up.

 

[Dr.D]

ill just add this... unless your ONLY goal is to go as quick / fast as possible... the shifting is all part of the "soul" or character of a motorcycle most of us want.... the same reason i wont ever own an EV...

I have felt this way for years especially about these new automatic trans motorcycles and CVT bikes BUT the quickshifter on the Rocket is a fun gadget on wide open up the gears runs.

 

[Mongler07]

I have felt this way for years especially about these new automatic trans motorcycles and CVT bikes BUT the quickshifter on the Rocket is a fun gadget on wide open up the gears runs.

definitely. BUT i feel once you put a proper HP kit on it from Carpenter, really at any level, there is very few if any thing on the road you cant leave behind, i think the shifter kit is good for a 1st mod or a very last mod. the only drawback is if you accidentally shift and you are not ready for it it could mess you up on normal riding.

 

[Mav3rick]

All depends on what mood I’m in. And that can change throughout the ride! It’s nice to plod along without it but the quick shifter is a great asset.

Kinda like the riding modes; gives you two bikes in one!

 

[Kevin frazier]

Answer to OP, if you wanna go fast