I wasn't too concerned with having the gear shift assistant when I was looking but the RT I found came with it and I'm glad it did. It actually works very well and is fun to use. I believe it can be dealer installed if you really want it.

 

I believe that you can add the shift assist as a dealer installed option

Pro shift assistant
• Permits upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch or closing the throttle in the load and rpm ranges generally relevant for riding situations
• Available as factory option, retrofit to motorcycles without this option is available from an authorized BMW Motorrad Dealer

 

If I didn't have $100K of hardware in my left arm, this feature would be merely convenient. But, since I do, it has proven to be a fantastic option which allows me to ride much longer without experiencing fatigue in my hand due to constant manipulation of the clutch. I rarely use the clutch for anything other than 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 1st.

 

I think it's great and I understand that to have the dealer install it is much more expensive than buying it installed from the factory. I, like you, did not want to spend this much money and not get it loaded.

 

Your instincts are right. Once you go this far,you might as well go all the way. It is a good feature. People who pooh, pooh it, usually are pre-judging. You will not find many people with it who do not ever use it. When it comes time to sell your bike it is just one more thing to draw attention. Go big or go home.

 

Negotiate with the dealer to add it to seal the deal.

 

I would want central locking and theft Alarm as well.
But since using the bike, Shift Assist is probably "THE" best option of the whole bike. This is a whole different animal once you get the hang of it.

 

I have it and really like it. Like others have said - I don't use it for 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd but everything else is great. It's a real hoot!

 

Haven't got the hang of it coming down through the box - changes are generally jerky, but going up is better. any advice on how to use it smoothly would be appreciated...

Cheers

David

 

I shut off the throttle all the way, step on the gear shift, get a kick out of the blip in the throttle better than I could do, and get on it coming into a curve. Works great at the right rpms.

 

Agree with the comments,I love it. By the way I thought the price you were quoted seemed a little high considering end of model year etc, and the fact that the Navigation System is free. Just my 2 cents.

Ian

 

+1 here.
I'd go all in (and I did). Really like the Shift assistant, and I think central locking is really great. No more double and tripple checking the bags for the one I forgot to lock.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll try to find a fully loaded left over 14. I also agree with Ian's comment that this didn't seem like all that great of a deal anyway.

Tom

 

Pointless for me. I do my own speed shifting, up and down. Not from 1st to 3rd, but apparently the BMW Shift Assistant doesn't do it very well either. Actually, I've done it for years on air cooled boxers twins, but for downshifting, the new LC boxer is the first one that really shifts smoothly down with just a slight press of the foot, a well timed blip of the throttle and a minute clutch action, or none at all.

 

I'd like to add the shift assistant to my 2014 R1200RT. The device itself looks like it just replaces the shift arm on the transmission. Surely it plugs into something but I don't see anything that looks like an unused connection. My dealer is going to check to make double sure my bike can be retrofit. I understand the dealer must enable the feature.
Where does the wire for the device originate?

David in Clute, TX

 

Works really well. I use it for all gears but 1st. Many say 2nd and 3rd don't work and every now and then 2nd is a bit of a clunk going down the rest are smooth as. Saves getting a tired left hand when in the twisties.
I made sure it was on mine before I brought it.

 

I had it added to my 2013 GS and it was around $700 as I remember. My 2014 RT came with it.

When downshifting the throttle must be fully closed or the computer won't activate the quick shift rev matching.

When shifting up hold the throttle at a steady position as you're accelerating. If you close the throttle it won't work.

I like it for downshifting through all the gears including 1st. Upshifting for me works best from 3rd and up. Too much of a jolt in the lower two shifts. Its really fun when you're accelerating hard at higher revs and hold the throttle open. You can barely feel it shift it does it so smooth and fast.

One thing I noticed is that on my friend's 2015 GS it upshifts with even lighter toe pressure than my RT or the '13 GS did. Downshifting seems the same. I don't know what's different on his GS compared to the RT but there is something.

Marc

 

When downshifting the throttle must be fully closed or the computer won't activate the quick shift rev matching.

Actual, if you blip the throttle on downshift, you find that it works even smoother.
You can upshift from 1st gear as long as you shift fast just as you start to open the throttle as you accelerate.

 

Another ":yes" for the pro shift. I don't know what it would cost for a dealer install. Could it be more than the addition on a new bike with it?

I also like the electrically locking bags and, now that I have it, the keyless option on new 2015 RTs. Yoiu might want t go for a '15.

The only option I neither want nor need is the radio.

Am I just spoiled?