Changing gears without clutch

[hernia]

Is the bike supposed to change gears easily without using clutch? I have 4200 miles, bought new, and had just over a year. While on the center stand and in neutral, I accidentally knocked the foot shifter into first gear without using clutch lever. I didn't think I used any excessive pressure when I knocked the shifter and it surprised me. Since wheel was off the ground, no problems. But it made me think that was too easy. I then was able to bing back into neutral without clutch and I was even able to shift into higher gears without clutch. Again, it seemed pretty easy to change gears without clutch. Is this typical???

 

[DinX]

When done correctly any motorbike can safely change gears (up) without using the clutch. But for gear 1 tot 2 you can best use the clutch.

 

[cosmic]

Nothing to add


©

 

[Podman]

I upshift quite a lot and have done it for years on many bike w/o ill affects. First to second, second to third etc just remember to use the clutch when downshifting. If you are not comfortable doing it then I wouldn't try it. ::003::

 

[Rasher]

At low speeds, and especially in lower gears (1st - 2nd and 2nd - 3rd) I tend to use the clutch, but when flowing on the open road I rarely use the clutch to shift and fine it much smoother not to.

If you put load on the gear lever whilst moving it won't change, but as soon as you roll-off a litle it will snick the next gear - after a bit of practice this becomes second nature.

 

[Karson]

I use the clutch 1-4. Once i'm at crusing speed more times than not i don't. definitely use it downshifting though...otherwise you'll be in for a lot of wheel lock and transmission thrashing if you're going slow enough for the gears to mesh.

 

[markjenn]

You can do anything you like with shifter, with and without the clutch, with the bike running on the centerstand. The gears may bash together a bit, but there's no load on anything so it really doesn't matter.

In motion, clutchless shifting in normal riding is a controversial subject. Generally the bigger the bike, the more potential it has for extra wear/tear on shift forks/dogs, but if you have good timing and technique, they go together pretty seamlessly on upshifts. On downshifts, I think you're asking for trouble.

This is one of those things (like wheelies) where if done with good technique and not too often - no big deal. But often and/or botched, they take their toll on the machine. And a transmission may seem just fine with all kinds of abuse for a few thousand miles and then suddenly it starts jumping out of gear after the 1st-2nd shift. And the fix is super expensive.

Unless I have a good reason not to, I use the clutch. That's what it is there for.

- Mark

 

[~TABASCO~]

I use the clutch 100% of the time... After 500K miles im not good enough to shift with out it...

 

[JaimeV]

I use to do just a quick touch to the clutch, often with only one finger. I can change gears very quick like this.

 

[hernia]

Very good. Thanks for all the input I feel much better about that then. What a fun bike!

 

[MotorcopBBQ]

I am all about clutch

 

[cbrunsw]

::026::

You can do anything you like with shifter, with and without the clutch, with the bike running on the centerstand. The gears may bash together a bit, but there's no load on anything so it really doesn't matter.

In motion, clutchless shifting in normal riding is a controversial subject. Generally the bigger the bike, the more potential it has for extra wear/tear on shift forks/dogs, but if you have good timing and technique, they go together pretty seamlessly on upshifts. On downshifts, I think you're asking for trouble.

This is one of those things (like wheelies) where if done with good technique and not too often - no big deal. But often and/or botched, they take their toll on the machine. And a transmission may seem just fine with all kinds of abuse for a few thousand miles and then suddenly it starts jumping out of gear after the 1st-2nd shift. And the fix is super expensive.

Unless I have a good reason not to, I use the clutch. That's what it is there for.

- Mark

 

[limey]

This is one of those things (like wheelies) where if done with good technique and not too often - no big deal. But often and/or botched, they take their toll on the machine. And a transmission may seem just fine with all kinds of abuse for a few thousand miles and then suddenly it starts jumping out of gear after the 1st-2nd shift. And the fix is super expensive.

Unless I have a good reason not to, I use the clutch. That's what it is there for. ::008:: ::026::

 

[Dallara]

~


Coming from an MX and road racing background I have no problem in shifting without the clutch. It's NOP (normal operating procedure) on MX bikes, both up and down the gearbox. And I don't care how *fast* you are with the clutch, you'd be losing time on a road race track if you used the clutch for every shift... That's one reason today's superbikes/sport bikes so often come equipped with "quick shifters" that micro-momentarily cut the ignition for shifts. You can accomplish the same with just the ever-so-slightest of throttle roll-off's (and I do mean nano-slight and quick) for upshifts. Downshifts require a bit more finesse, but can be accomplished. In a way they're actually easier on something like the S-10 because it has such a large amount of flywheel weight. You just have to be quick, precise, and willing to do your downshifts late...

One thing very important to remember here... These are dog-engagement gearboxes on these motorcycles. They do *NOT* have synchros, etc. to destroy. Sure, you can round off a gear-dog or engagement slot edge if you are ham-footed and clumsy, but if you just apply the barest modicum of care and precision then clutchless shifts are no problem, and don't cause damage, especially with today's tougher oils for cushioning.

That said, there is nothing wrong in shifting with the clutch, especially if you're in no hurry. It's a good habit to get into to master good, precise, and accurate clutch control, and it's a sign of a really accomplished rider to be precisely blipping the throttle and matching clutched downshifts during deceleration. But don't forget - ham-handed, sloppy clutch-work can be just as damaging to the bike as clumsy clutchless shifts... Only it becomes damaging to clutch baskets, plates, driveline cushions, etc. In other words, being less than accomplished with the clutch can do just as much damage, or actually more, than someone shifting without the clutch.

That's the great thing about motorsicles... They always reward accuracy and precision, and punish sloppiness!!!

Just my two centavos... YMMV.

Dallara



~

 

[Rasher]

+1 ::008::