While automatic transmission has existed for decades in our cars, it is still not yet unanimous on 2-wheelers, transmission to a variator apart on scooters. The fault, it is true, to an audience more passionate than pragmatic and who still appreciates being able to “play” with mechanics, which does not necessarily allow an automatic transmission. If the first attempts at automation in the motorcycle do not date from yesterday – the Moto Guzzi V1000 Convert was launched in 1975 -, it was Honda who has democratized with its VFR1200 DCT in 2010. A “Dual Clutch Transmission ”, translate with double clutch, taken up since other flagship models in the range (Africa Twin, Goldwing, etc.). And now BMW is now entering the dance by the big door, since it is its new R1300GS Adventure which inaugurates the ASA, for Automated Shift Assistant, which remains optional (900 €).
A well -managed automatic transmission
Concretely, ASA is a traditional gearbox assisted by two small electric motors, one for the clutch and the other to manage the reports. Suffice to say, this voluntary technical choice on the part of BMW is immediately felt by the handlebars. After waking up the 1300 cc flat twin -cylinder, you still have to give a boost on the selector to trigger the 1st, but without any clutch lever. Anyway, there is none! Then, it is as if you were on the handlebars of a standard motorcycle, where gear passages are synonymous with couple and time of time of a slight “Klong”. But thanks to a well -refined management, the reports go up and descend wisely depending on the rotation of the accelerator and the pressure on the brake. Clearly, it is not necessary to switch to sport mode so that the box makes the right decisions, even in more dynamic driving. As for the very low paces in town, the gearbox remains stalled on the second report, with a very well managed skating so as not to unbalance the motorcycle and its pilot. It is only in the case of a slight free deceleration that the transmission is slow to enter the reports. A rather natural functioning, especially in any time, it is possible to regain control via the traditional selector at the foot.
Once this user manual, which obviously demands several hours on the handlebars before being completely assimilated, remains to benefit from the road qualities of the new R1300GSA and its hellish boxer. A flat-twin including the 145 hp and almost 150 Nm of couple know how to take you gently at low-regime and catapult you in the ropes at the first acceleration. On the other hand, do not expect a more harmonious melody than before, this twin -cylinder remains of the genre … rough in the ear.
-A motorcycle always above the lot
Technically identical to the standard BMW R1300GS, this XXL trail therefore displays the same forces, a hint of less agility, especially due to the 270 kg in working order. But you have to be tatillon so as not to be satisfied with a behavior that is difficult to default. Has all the gaits and whatever the route, the Bavaroise manages to make you fly over the road, without cutting you out of the asphalt. A rigor to braking and precision on the angle which was already the prerogative of the “small” GS to which this adventure adds an undeniable touch of comfort. Especially due to increased protection with a huge tank (30 liters) between the legs and a high bubble (electric too) so that bust, hands and legs are sheltered from the wind and rain. Some will nevertheless find that ergonomics loses it, because the driving position involves spreading the legs a little more. And we despair that BMW does not manage to manage the projections of water which come to repaint the back of your calves when the road is wet …
For a first, this automatic transmission is therefore quite successful. Even if it should not be expected of a double clutch, the efficiency remains there regardless of the driving style. Keep in mind that a 30-minute test at the dealer may not be enough to identify all the qualities. Also be aware that the ASA is available on the standard R1300GS, for € 900. A “small” GS which remains more handy and easy on a daily basis in the face of an adventure to reserve for large travelers.
