Clutchless shifting?

[TehPoopsmith]

Hi all

I have a question to pose. As a car driver primarily i have always used the clutch changing gears on any of my bikes as i would in the car.
But i have heard from numerous sources that on motorbikes it is fine to change without clutch, and from others that its fine to change up without but important to use the clutch changing down.


My question is what do YOU do, and if there is anyone out there who has built/ reconditioned bike gearboxes your input would be appreciated too.

[The End]

The general rule of thumb is that you can shift UP with or without using the clutch, however when you shift DOWN you must always use the clutch.

There are arguments for and against clutchless shifting, such as it is a faster way to change gears.

The answer is it makes the entire process of shifting smoother and quicker if done correctly. If you have ever been in a right hand corner and needed to shift mid corner instead of loosening your grip on the handlebar to grab the clutch just roll off the throttle slightly and click the throttle up in the next gear without upsetting the bike.

- http://www.2wheeltuesday.com/2009/09...-and-smoother/

The clutch is there, may as well use it...

[slofox]

It is quite possible to change gear without the clutch on a bike. Either up or down. Easier going up than going down though.

To go up, just flick the gear shift as you briefly throttle off. I did this a lot on the track in days of yore. Still do it from time to time if I can't get to the clutch for any reason (like trying not to fall off...)

To go down is a little trickier. You need to blip the throttle just as you flick the gear shift to match revs as best you can. Bit of an art this one.

I have no idea how good or bad this is for the gearbox but I figure that if it clicks through easily enough then you are probably doing minimal, if any, damage. In 44 years of riding, I have yet to have a gearbox fall to bits from doing this.

EDIT: Probably ought to note that I rarely shift without the clutch. As others have posted, it's there so use it.

[Skiwi]

My 2 cents

I always use it, however, I have riden a considerable distance without one (broken clutch cable out in the boonies) changing up is a breeze and not too hard on the bike if you let your revs die down. Changing down is rougher on the bike and requires good throttle control.

I agree with The End, for general riding (when you're not trying to shave milliseconds off a lap time) it's there, why not use it?

[nodrog:Me]

I learnt that ZX636 gearboxes dont like clutchless downshifts and must be made from cheese. After splitting the case for the 3rd time to replace the gearbox I thought I'd better change my ways, so I went and brought a kwaka with a cassette gearbox.

[slofox]

I learnt that ZX636 gearboxes must be made from cheese.

What...kinda cheese..? Camembert? Gorgonzola?

[nodrog:Me]

What...kinda cheese..? Camembert? Gorgonzola?

Fucked if I know, it was already grated when I saw it.

[slofox]

Fucked if I know, it was already grated when I saw it.

GRATED! You coulda used it on a pizza...with anchovies...an' ...stuff... It's been a while since I ate lunch...

[Sable]

Changing up clutchlessly is fine, but only in a racing situation. IMO

[BMWST?]

i use the clutch just about all the time...

[hayd3n]

ohh is that what that lever is?

[Subike]

sometimes I do sometimes I dont, depends upon how hard im pushing the bike.
I would say I use the clutch 70% of the time.
I have not yet broken a gearbox by not yet using the clutch.
Out of interest, I use to do clutch less gear changes in cars up and down successfully
I find cars are smoother than bikes to do this once you learn how.
Truckies very often do clutch less changes
Older trucks you only ever used the clutch to get you moving
Those who have ever driven a ACE, Tatra or a Austin Mastive will know what I mean

[Ender EnZed]

The clutch is there, may as well use it...

+1

It's not hard to get clutchless up shifts feeling smooth as (down shifts are trickier) but the benefit just isn't there for any potential risk of undue wear and tear. I've never found myself needing to change gear more quickly than I can extend my left hand fingers. And besides, I like using my clutch.

[onearmedbandit]

Despite what the nay-sayers believe, done properly clutchless changes both up and down can be done with no noticeable increase in gearbox wear. I've been doing them for 30,000+km on my current bike and have no gearbox issues whatsoever. It is a Suzuki mind you.

[ellipsis]

...if yer in tune and the night is right, its sometimes suits to slip it in and out with ease without any digital interference whatsoever...but sometimes the box just gets all tight and you have to go back to digital manipulation...its just life, as we know it jim...