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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.