How Sequential Gearboxes Work

If -you have read the HowStuffWorks article How Manual Transmissions Work, then you understand the inner workings of a typical manual transmission, and you know why manual transmissions use the standard "H" pattern in the shifter.

If you have ever ridden a motorcycle, you know that the manual transmission in a motorcycle is nothing like this. On a motorcycle, you shift gears by clicking a lever up or down with your toe. It is a much faster way to shift. This type of transmission is called a sequential gearbox or a sequential manual transmission.

Transmission Image Gallery

It turns out that most race cars use sequential gearboxes as well. A sequential gearbox gives the driver several important advantages that are very useful in a race car. We will discuss these advantages later in this article.

In this article, you will learn how a sequential manual transmission works and why this type of transmission is now appearing on so many high-performance vehicles.

What does a sequential gearbox do?A sequential gearbox is used along with a manual transmission (specifically, a sequential manual transmission) to allow for faster shifts. However, with an automobile gearbox, drivers can only shift up or down to the next progression — or next in the sequence — gear.

Do you need a clutch for sequential gearbox?You do need a clutch for first gear with a sequential gearbox, but you don't need one for the rest of the gears.

Why don't cars have sequential gearboxes?Sequential gearboxes are really designed for motorcycles and race cars. However, some higher-end cars are beginning to appear with sequential gearboxes.

How do you shift a sequential transmission?Sequential gearboxes are simple. You just push upward to shift to the next gear or down to shift to the previous gear.

Are gearboxes and transmissions the same?

A gearbox is technically a component of the transmission. The gearbox is an enclosed gear train, while the transmission is the entire power transmission system (including the gearbox).

There are also many types of gearboxes, such as electric tool gearbox, home appliance gearbox and so on.

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