Quickshifter, launch control and pit limiter.

Quickshifter, launch control and pit limiter.

We've all seen the latest generation of bikes that come with launch control as standard and watched in awe as the Moto GP riders launch off the line in free practice, often wishing there was a solution for our older bikes and we think we've found it.

When searching for a quickshifter you'll find lots of choices but there is only one after market manufacturer that can offer launch control, quickshifter and pit lane speed limiter in one plug and play unit, Shift Power.

SP full race unit packaging

We thought we'd give it a go on the ZX6R track bike to see if this unit can do everything it says on the box. If you follow the instructions, the installation process is very easy and takes under two hours, including a tea stop. So what's in the box?

Everything you get in the SP full race unit box

The kit comes with everything needed to install the system, including quick splice connectors. At first the thought of installing this system was very daunting, you mean we have to splice into the bikes main ECU terminals?! Rest assured, the instructions are very clear and the quick splice connectors make it easy.

Check the wires before you splice them

Only basic tools are needed, the hardest part is getting to the ignition coils which are located under the airbox, it comes in handy having a spare set of hands to hold the fuel tank up to save removal.

When ordering you need to supply the length of your standard shift rod, we didn't need to cut anything off the supplied shift rod like we've had to in the past with other units.

Quick shifter sensor and new shift rod fitted 

After two hours in the garage fitting the unit it was time to test it all out, off to Cadwell we went to try it all out.

The unit worked flawlessly, there have been no changes made to the kill time yet as it's delivered with a very good base settings. It feels a lot better than the quickshifter we had on the GSXR 750.

So how did the launch control shape up? If you've been to Cadwell before you'll know it's out the pit and straight into a series of bends, not great for trying launch control. It's been tested on a paddock and it was impressive being able to hold the revs, launch and use the quickshifter to go up through the gears, so what does aftermarket launch control sound like, we thought we'd try it without launching in the pits at Cadwell...

The speed limiter works in the same way, flick the button that can be mounted on the bars and hold the throttle open and it won't rise above the speed that you've set, simple really, sounds good too.

To set the launch control RPM and speed limit you have to use the programming board which plugs into the quickshifter connector on the full race unit. Hold the revs at your desired limit and press the button, all set. The speed will need to be set on a paddock stand allowing the wheel to reach your desired speed. We found one very minor flaw with the launch control system, if its going on a track bike or a bike you plan to take on track it will have to be set above the noise testing RPM limit for your bike.
We're hoping to get the bike on the dyno over winter so will be able to really test the launch system in a controlled environment.

Overall the system is great and at a price point very similar to any other standalone quickshifter.
£336 gets you the full race unit, even if you only use the launch control once a year it's still a competitive package. We can't wait to get back out there to try the launch control at a track like Snetterton or Brands. A big thumbs up from BirotarUK.

To see if the unit is available for your bike click here.

Birotar Jonjo at Cadwell Park testing the full race unit

All the best

BirotarUK 

#BirotarUK

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

Photography and videography are ©BirotarUK 2016