Clutchless gear shifting

[YellowDog]

I read this article some time ago:

http://www.sportrider.com/ride/0704_...ies/index.html

And have been occasionally changing up and down ever since.

I have been advised that, provided it isn't abused, modern gearboxes can cope with clutchless changing and it won't cause any problems or damage.

I am quite careful and cautions with engine speeds however I was wondering if any KBers had extensive experience or were aware of any problems associated with clutchless gear changing?

[NOMIS]

I dont often use the clutch, i do it with out realising tho. so it not like I do it on purpose just dont feel the need majority of the time.

[YellowDog]

It is very good if you have a pillion and you want a smooth non-helmet banging trip.

I heard that manufacturers won't endorse the technique as it would considerably reduce their sale of clutch plates.

My fear is that it could considerably increase demand for gearbox parts.

[slofox]

No problem. When the SV is under full acceleration and I am too shit scared to take my hand off the grip to use the clutch, I just kick 'er up without. Back in the olden days, when I used to race, everybody did it on the track all the time...just be positive - boot it through.

[johan]

I do it all the time when I'm at the track. I'll let you know when my gearbox fails.

I've setup my bike with reverse shifting, this makes clutchless shifting even more effortless.

You can also buy quickshifter kits that will cut the ignition when you press the shift lever so you don't have to let go of the gas. I'm keen to try this as well.

[Subike]

Is there any other way to do it?

Been doing it since the day I first started riding.....
Was taught by my Grand Dad, Dad, Mum and Uncles to do this.
They said the clutch was only any use for getting moving off the line.

For those who have never driven a crash gearbox truck, if you used the clutch all the time, you needed VERY strong legs.Sycomesh boxes are a relitivley modern development.Who remembers early GM & Ford 3 speeds, let alone the triumph heralds and morris minors grinding 1st gear!!

Now my oldies use to do it on AJS's, BSA's, Matchless 500's and "pre war" belt drive Harleys. I think that the modern bikes gearbox is far stronger than those old rides ever were.
I still forget to use the clutch sometimes in my present cage....no problems at all.
Just another one of those skills experianced riders/drivers learn.

[scracha]

It is very good if you have a pillion and you want a smooth non-helmet banging trip.

I heard that manufacturers won't endorse the technique as it would considerably reduce their sale of clutch plates.

My fear is that it could considerably increase demand for gearbox parts.

I only do it on upshifts as the clutch is my rear brake.

To stop pillions headbutting you, roll off the gas gently before shifting up. You can get on the gas as hard as you like once it's clicked into gear,

[YellowDog]

I only do it on upshifts as the clutch is my rear brake.

To stop pillions headbutting you, roll off the gas gently before shifting up. You can get on the gas as hard as you like once it's clicked into gear,

Great advice.

I was referring to hypothetical helmet banging though. I was trying to emphasise the point that you generally get a quicker and smoother gear change without a clutch.

[scracha]

Great advice.

I was referring to hypothetical helmet banging though. I was trying to emphasise the point that you generally get a quicker and smoother gear change without a clutch.

Umm...don't generally do it outside the racetrack myself. Even then none of my bikes will downshift easily without the clutch. Feels very harsh when doing clutchless upshifts in the first 3 gears (unless you're caning it).

[CB ARGH]

I used to do this on my old dirt bike... only when I was in such a position that the clutch was out of reach. No way would I recommend it though, the clutch is there for a reason, use it.

Subike: I find it hard to believe that you can do a clutchless gear change in a cage. Your gearbox must be stuffed man.

[MSTRS:Me]

When changing gear, all the clutch does is 'unload' the gears. Judicious use of the throttle achieves the same thing...blip off to change up, and blip on to change down.

[sinfull]

Subike: I find it hard to believe that you can do a clutchless gear change in a cage. Your gearbox must be stuffed man.

Try it man, it works !
Just hold the gear stick over the gear ya want it in and take ya foot off the gas when going up and a tap on the gas, then hold the pressure on when going down !
Works a treat even with an 18 speed road ranger gearbox in later model trucks ! Most all gearboxes will let ya in !

[fridayflash]

my first bike was an AC50 maverick with no clutch cable or lever,
i learned to ride on that devil and have been ignoring clutches
ever since hehe

[CHOPPA]

not a great idea on down shifting

[Subike]

Subike: I find it hard to believe that you can do a clutchless gear change in a cage. Your gearbox must be stuffed man.

Every manual vehicle I have ever owned I have been able to do this to.
As I said, it is a learned skill.
clutchless gear changes have been done since time began, by truck drivers,
there is no damage done to the gearbox at all once you learn how to do it.
I challenge you to drive and old ACE or an ald ACCO international truck for a day and use the clutch on EVERY gear change. I expect you to last about two hours before your leg muscles crap out from the pressure of the clutch.
Synconising (sp?) you trottle, pressure on the gear lever, and listening to the"feel" of the vehicle you are driving are all part of it.
Todays drivers are not taught this skill anymore as it is not needed with todays full syncromesh gearboxes and hydrulic clutches.
Try and old lever action or cable clutch one day...on a 100lb pressure plate ...then you will understand why the skill was needed.
There is no difference for a bike... it comes down in the end to knowing your machine and how it works, listening to it and working with it.
Take out the I Pod ear phones and listen to the bike you ride. It will talk to you.
Sound far fetched? Ask some of the older riders about how their bikes "talk" to them. I know mine does.