Clutchless shifting

**Jackrat** · 26th May 2004, 10:14

Originally Posted by jrandom

From memory I believe I've heard that 'zook gearboxes tend to be happy with clutchless upshifts. Certainly my FXR eats them up no problem, the clutch seems to be an optional extra really. In fact it downshifts with nothing but a wrist-flick quite nicely too - a few times I've sort of been half-asleep, missed grabbing the clutch lever and hit the gearshift anyway while engine-braking and it hasn't complained.

Don't know about any other manufacturer reputations, though. Which brand were you thinking of there Jack?

Ducati,,,Now wait for the word war to start.

**jrandom** · 26th May 2004, 10:31

Originally Posted by Jackrat

Ducati

Ducati gearboxes going *plop*?

Par for the course though, innit? The owners would be disappointed if the gearbox stayed in one piece while everything else disintegrated...

**Deano** · 26th May 2004, 12:12

Originally Posted by jrandom

Ducati gearboxes going *plop*?

Par for the course though, innit? The owners would be disappointed if the gearbox stayed in one piece while everything else disintegrated...

Ive got a mate (honest I have), who has had a 1992 900SS since new - he has chewed out a couple of first or second gears, and being quite a clever mechanic, he engineered a little barrel roller type thingy (beyond me), that squirts oil onto the gears rather than letting gravity and splashing do the job. Seems he has much less problems since doing this.

I can probably put people (Duke owners) in touch with him if you want to know more.

**k14** · 26th May 2004, 12:24

I always use the clutch when changing gears, can't really see the point of not using it, apart from racing.

Although I did do a downshift without using the clutch once. I was caning it along some back country road doing around 100kph and around 15000rpm. I went over a bump and my foot was sitting ontop of the gear lever. Needless to say, I changed down and needed to change my undies aswell

Don't want to try that again.

Now I have learnt to not rest my foot on the gear lever, lol.

**Zed** · 26th May 2004, 12:50

Originally Posted by Deano

I often upshift at Manfeild Open days without the clutch, but generally use it on the road. I never downshift without the clutch.

.:ditto:.

On the open days I've been to it can be the difference between holding the lead and being dropped several places back. Me thinks perfect gear changes on the track are important.

Zed

**White trash** · 26th May 2004, 12:55

Originally Posted by Zed

.:ditto:.

On the open days I've been to it can be the difference between holding the lead and being dropped several places back.

Zed

It's not a bloody race, mate!

I only use the clutch for upshifts if riding quietly 'round town. I've also reversed my shift patern, GP stylz coz I'm a friggin' poser.

**Zed** · 26th May 2004, 15:07

Originally Posted by White trash

It's not a bloody race, mate!

I only use the clutch for upshifts if riding quietly 'round town. I've also reversed my shift patern, GP stylz coz I'm a friggin' poser.

Lol, Not for you maybe pal, but for those of us newbies who are compatible in our riding skills there is definately a competative spirit out there- nearly racing! :sneaky2:

**White trash** · 26th May 2004, 15:36

Originally Posted by Zed

Lol, Not for you maybe pal, but for those of us newbies who are compatible in our riding skills there is definately a competative spirit out there- nearly racing! :sneaky2:

Yeah, I'm just taking the piss outa' all the Jimbo750 types out there who use the ol' "It's not a race!" in a real high pitched squealy voice to explain their poor performances.

Man I love it when he's on holiday and can't retaliate!

**Kwaka-Kid** · 26th May 2004, 17:32

Originally Posted by Zed

Lol, Not for you maybe pal, but for those of us newbies who are compatible in our riding skills there is definately a competative spirit out there- nearly racing! :sneaky2:

really? cant say ive felt that... mind you im on an underpowerd little 400

anyways regarding clutchless shifting - erm, 1st thru to 2nd clutchless? done it a couple of times by accident and dont ever plan to do it, i use clutch from 1-2 and 2-3 on the racebike and from there i clutchless shift, on the road, every damn shift ive made has been clutched i think, maybe there has been a slight exception for a ride with friends when i stupidly got a little carried away - its one of those things that in my mind symbolises(sp) racing, as with wearing full leathers, so on the street i try and keep it cool and just relax. - oh and done it very seldomly slowly alongside mates to show them that its not just a myth. Anyway i cant see much difference using it on the track in terms of speed or anything? when i used to clutch always when i was still very fresh (first 3 race meetings?) i just tapped the clutch in and flicked back out, it all happend so smoothly, just as i do from 1-2 and 2-3. oh and i ALWAYS clutch when downshifting, tried it the other day twice on the streetbike jsut very gentally.. dont really like the feel.

**wkid_one** · 26th May 2004, 18:25

LOL - I reversed the pattern on the R1 - was kinda great until you need to do an emergency move and chop it down a gear or two and your mind hasn't quite cottoned on the fact the box is inside down!

**Wenier** · 26th May 2004, 19:22

i always use the clutch downshifting cus the bike dont seem to like it otherwise. on upshifts i use it from 1-2 but after that i can go clutchless but of course thats more for the race track and sometimes when having fun on the road.

**Kickaha** · 26th May 2004, 19:34

I very don't ever use the clutch to upshift while racing and very rarely on the trailbike,I don't use it much while road riding either as the XJ550 changes better without it..

I have used the quickshfter setup on my TZ250 powered superkart,they are bloody brilliant,keep it pinned and just go up through the gears.

**Posh Tourer :P** · 27th May 2004, 09:02

Originally Posted by marty

the RS downshifted sweet as, especially from high speed, with the tiniest flick of the wrist. it wasn't that happy up shifting, but it really only took thinking about pulling the clutch in to change up. there is a big diff from 1st to 2nd, so had to make that a really positive move, or it would hook fresh air....2 stroke at 12000rpm

I wouldnt call a 2-stroke at 12000 rpm "Fresh" air......