Changing gears

[telliman]

just seeking advise on using the clutch when changing gears,am working on riding in more of a standinig position and have been guilty of changing up a couple of times without the clutch! am i doing any damage?guilty of it when the old armpump kicks in and struggle to hold on with finger on the lever, .

[merv]

On a dirt bike no worries to change gear without the clutch if you aren't loading the gearbox too much at the time i.e. if it snicks through easily I wouldn't worry that its doing any damage. Best to hang on tight and not arse off than try and use the clutch at the time.

[far queue]

I've been doing it occasionally for years and never had any trouble. I do it changing up and down, on road and off, trail bikes and road bikes. I don't know the details of what's going on in the gearbox, I just tried it when I was told it worked and that that it didn't cause a problem - and so far so good.

[Buddy L]

In most cases the top guys only use the cluth to get the bike started and moving, other then that the cluth doesn't need to be used.
I don't use it on my bike, only when im nackered on just puttering along, just make sure that you button off when changing, or you are likely to do damage to the bikes gear box. could strip gears if still full tit while chageing.
V8 Racing car drivers only use the cluth for chaging down through the box not up.
Your kx will be able to handle it no worrise, maybe i would use the cluth on an older bike (eg ct125) but other that just bag it through, you will get better at it when you break your cluth lever, happens to me ever other ride.

[FlangMasterJ]

Changing up without the clutch is what you should be doing. Just make sure you throttle off. Always use the clutch when shifting down.

[tnarg]

I have a 125 so my clutch gets a work out but usually dont worry about the clucth when it comes to changing gears.

[tysonzane]

you will get better at it when you break your clutch lever, happens to me ever other ride.

Bark Busters are your friend hehe. I mainly clutch less shift when shifting up a gear during wheelies so i dont get an inconsistant kick back or drop as i shift (yes i realise if im skilled enough i should be able to shift with the clutch :$), i just preload the gear lever slightly with my foot and then as i button right off the gass, just lift up a tiny bit more. It makes for lightening quick changes

[zadok]

Changing up without the clutch is what you should be doing. Just make sure you throttle off. Always use the clutch when shifting down.

I always change up without the clutch without any problems, with my current bike. In fact I reckon it's smoother. My previous bike was too clunky. Although I can do it, I've been advised not to downshift without the clutch on the GTR.

[Headbanger]

Depends on the bike, and how harsh you are, Ive blown many a gearbox on dirt bikes.If your going to ride a bike hard you will do some damage.

...And back in the day I shattered my Sportster gearbox twice, that was an expensive activity....