BMW ASA Transmission—A Smooth operator

BMW is gearing up to launch  the Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) automatic transmission for the GS motorcycle family in the second half of 2024. In an ASA-equipped GS bike, the foot shift lever is still present, but the clutch lever is missing.

This technology has already been incorporated into the design of the completely new engine housing of the R 1300 GS. BMW has provided sufficient space to accommodate the additional components, and no changes are visible from the outside.

The core of the new system is the fully automated clutch, which is actuated via a linear gear and a clutch actuator. The rider no longer has the option of intervening with the hand lever. The same applies to the shift drum, which is controlled by a shift actuator and a step gear that moves it.

These complex processes are controlled by a dedicated electronic transmission control unit, which receives information on driving conditions and machine data through various sensors.