Photo: yamaha-racing.com
Good news for Yamaha MotoGP fans, as well as for the supporters of Rossi and Lorenzo. It looks like Yamaha Racing Team has gotten really close to the moment where they are ready to take the full seamless gearbox to the track. According to Yamaha’s Lin Jarvis, the introduction of the full seamless transmission is imminent, and even though he was not specific about the track debut, we have reasons to believe that it will be at Sepang 2.
MotoGP action continues in late February with the second official test at the Malaysian round, and Yamaha could use this opportunity to test the new transmission in conditions close to those in an actual race.
Honda’s seamless gearbox used by Marquez and Pedrosa during the 2014 season was already offering both clutchless upshifting and downshifting, and Yamaha officials and contracted riders believe it represented one of the major advantages. Corner entry with seamless downshifting is faster and safer, because of the increased stability Jarvis tells MCN.
Yamaha has to be 100% confident with any new piece of technology they bring at the track, says Jarvis. The need to have everything checked and tested in the harshest conditions before receiving track-ready green light is indicated as the source for the delay in delivering the latest-generation transmission, but it looks like the next weekend we’re seeing Rossi and Lorenzo receiving new high-tech toys.
Full seamless includes downshifting
Yamaha has been using a seamless gearbox last year, as well, but that transmission was not a “fully seamless” device. Clutchless shifting was only available for upshifting, whereas Rossi and Lorenzo had to use the clutch when engaging lower gears.Honda’s seamless gearbox used by Marquez and Pedrosa during the 2014 season was already offering both clutchless upshifting and downshifting, and Yamaha officials and contracted riders believe it represented one of the major advantages. Corner entry with seamless downshifting is faster and safer, because of the increased stability Jarvis tells MCN.
Rider safety is paramount
Both Rossi and Lorenzo have been waiting quite a lot to receive the seamless gearbox, even in its one-way version. Lin Jarvis adds that Yamaha took its time to test the gearbox thoroughly as a jammed transmission is a very dangerous scenario. The house of Iwata cannot afford to make mistakes as they are a major threat to rider safety, which is paramount.Yamaha has to be 100% confident with any new piece of technology they bring at the track, says Jarvis. The need to have everything checked and tested in the harshest conditions before receiving track-ready green light is indicated as the source for the delay in delivering the latest-generation transmission, but it looks like the next weekend we’re seeing Rossi and Lorenzo receiving new high-tech toys.
Google News