when to use the clutch

[clusker]

When riding i find it easy to stop accelerating and change gear with no use of clutch is this bad and should i use the clutch ??? Or is it OK to use only when stopping and stopped ??? and is that bad to to use when stopped or should i bring to neutral. by the way i have a wet clutch

[thehovel]

I have changed gear without the clutch for years. Only when I'm not in a hurry. I've had no trouble ever and I hit less false neutrals. I only do it because I'm old arthritic and lazy. Regards Richard

[onearmedbandit]

On my current bike I've put about 60,000km on, a lot of those (the majority) have been done with clutchless shifts both up and down the box and my transmission is perfectly fine. Upshits without the clutch are simple, downshifts take a little more practice. Around town and slow pace riding I'll use the clutch more often than not though.

[swbarnett]

I think the jury is well and truly out on this one. Some say using the clutch makes it last longer. My current bike has done just over 200,000k, clutched every shift, and I'm still on the original clutch. I'm just now thinking about replacing it as it slips a little at red line (only at or near red line and only a little).

[Akzle]

clutch is only for popping fokken sikk wheelies.

[AllanB]

It's really good to use the clutch. It's a good workout for your left hand, and given your right hand gets overused it is best to keep the left pumped.

[PrincessBandit]

It's really good to use the clutch. It's a good workout for your left hand, and given your right hand gets overused it is best to keep the left pumped.

Hahaha, wouldn't want an over-developed right hand and shriveled unused left hand!

I know this will sound "no shit Sherlock", but what is the point of bikes being built with a clutch if they're not meant to be used?

[Berries]

I know this will sound "no shit Sherlock", but what is the point of bikes being built with a clutch if they're not meant to be used?
I don't use my indicators.

[Zedder]

I don't use my indicators.


Apples with oranges Berries.

[Autech]

Hahaha, wouldn't want an over-developed right hand and shriveled unused left hand!

I know this will sound "no shit Sherlock", but what is the point of bikes being built with a clutch if they're not meant to be used?

I'm pretty sure everybody uses their clutch every time they ride, how else would you get going?

You should google "How a motorcycle transmission works" and have a gander.

[Mike.Gayner]

I think the jury is well and truly out on this one.

The jury really isn't out - it only takes the most basic understanding of how a motorcycle gearbox works to realise that clutchless shifting causes absolutely no extra wear, unless the rider is completely ham-fisted (ham-footed?).

[Jeff Sichoe]

hey op if it feels good do it bro

[Zedder]

I'm pretty sure everybody uses their clutch every time they ride, how else would you get going?

You should google "How a motorcycle transmission works" and have a gander.


The onearmedbandit doesn't, refer to his post above. Plus this:http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Can_I_ride_my_bike_home_if_the_clutch_cable_breaks %3F

[Autech]

The onearmedbandit doesn't, refer to his post above. Plus this:http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Can_I_ride_my_bike_home_if_the_clutch_cable_breaks %3F

Yeah I've used the old starter motor method in cars before whilst abusing them. Good fun!

[Zedder]

Yeah I've used the old starter motor method in cars before whilst abusing them. Good fun!


Heh, it's surprising what ya can do sometimes. A member here (FJRider iirc) used a convenient piece of number 8 wire off a farmer's fence to get his clutch working once.

[onearmedbandit]

The onearmedbandit doesn't, refer to his post above. Plus this:http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Can_I_ride_my_bike_home_if_the_clutch_cable_breaks %3F

Sorry I think you've misunderstood my post. I didn't say I never use the clutch, I said:


a lot of those (the majority) have been done with clutchless shifts both up and down the box and my transmission is perfectly fine

Of course I use the clutch for starting and stopping, I didn't think I needed to state that though.

[onearmedbandit]

And I guess that if it accelerates wear on gearbox's manufacturers won't be fitting quickshifters (that enable clutchless shifting by cutting the spark and/or fuel to the engine) to production road bikes anytime soon. Oh no wait a second...

[YellowDog]

Some gear boxes are better than others :shit:

[Zedder]

Sorry I think you've misunderstood my post. I didn't say I never use the clutch, I said:
Of course I use the clutch for starting and stopping, I didn't think I needed to state that though.


No misunderstanding. The first part of my post was in response to Autech's post "I'm pretty sure everyone uses their clutch every time they ride..." plus a second part with the link about starting etc without using a clutch.

[onearmedbandit]

No misunderstanding. The first part of my post was in response to Autech's post "I'm pretty sure everyone uses their clutch every time they ride..." plus a second part with the link about starting etc without using a clutch.

And he's right, well as far as normal conditions go. Even I use my clutch when starting and stopping, so I use it every time I ride.

[Zedder]

And he's right, well as far as normal conditions go. Even I use my clutch when starting and stopping, so I use it every time I ride.


Indeed, it was just in the context of not using it with shifting up and down as you posted.

[AllanB]

A member here (FJRider ) used a convenient piece of number 8 wire off a farmer's fence to get his crutch working once.


There - I have fixed it for you

[mossy1200]

Mine does 150 in first.

[Autech]

Mine does 150 in first.

Mine makes braaaap noises