shifting with no clutch?

[godtilla]

Ive noticed that it is really easy to shift with no clutch, just let off the throttle and kick it up. Question is: is this bad for the trans?

[TLRChad]

Here we go!!! One purpose of the clutch is to remove load from the motor. This in turn allows the engagment dogs to engage without being mashed together. This same principle can be applied to shutting the throttle down momentarily. By shutting the throttle down you remove load from the motor and presto you in the next gear. The technique for clutchless shifting is when you are ready to shift you apply pressure to the shift lever, and upon partially closing the throttle you will engage into the next gear. Is this harmful to the trans....no. Just as long as you are removing load from the engine so the engagement dogs aren't getting mashed together. Superbikes run electric shifters. Electric shifters are quicker than the technique previously described, because they can do full throttle shifts. Through a adujustable unit when the racer applies pressure to the shift lever the ignition is temporarily cut, again this removes load from the engine and allows the engagement dogs to engage just as they are intended too.

[TLSean]

From what I know about it, it is not bad. I have been doing it occasionally for a few years. I have heard it saves on the clutch, but who knows. Usually, you just put some slight pressure on the shifter while accelerating and as soon as you get off the gas, it clicks right in.

[Pilot]

Here is a cool setup for one of you guys that is looking for their next project... the Yamaha FX bike has a fabricated bracket that trips the factory kickstand switch to kill the ignition temporarily for clutchless upshifts. saw it on amasuperbike.com i think

[Bugtooth]

I do it on every ride and have done it on every bike I have ever owned and have never had a problem

[KBOlsen]

Upshifting without pulling in the clutch will not hurt anything.

Downshifting is when you want to pull in the clutch.

[todd303]

Racing motocross years ago, I never used the clutch except for starts. Even when I locked up the back wheel from braking for corners, letting off the brake always starts the engine and you what the throttle and go. probably wasn't good for the gear box, but you get around the track faster.

[b0ules]

I've seen a spare rear brake switch hooked up to the shifter arm, being used to cut the ignition. Properly adjusted, it's a poor man's electric shifter! Wouldn't take a heck of a whole lot of work to do it either... Next mod perhaps?

[TLSBill]

Originally posted by KBOlsen
Upshifting without pulling in the clutch will not hurt anything.

Downshifting is when you want to pull in the clutch.

[Jim Brewer]

Originally posted by TLSBill

Ditto. I always do clutchless upshifts. Keep in mind that the shift drum "star" mechanism is actuated by a spring, so there is a little forgiveness in there.

[yeller_twin]

What about in a wheelie? Mine will fall into nuetral on occasion on a 1st to 2nd shift.

[SDTLR]

You have to shift like a man I don't apply any pressure until I cut the throttle:dunno that's when I kick it into the next gear. Never downshift without the clutch

I never use clutch on the DR's up or down:dunno seems fine to me.

[yeller_twin]

An aquaintance of mine stunts a '01 GSXR 750 and he lost second gear shifting in wheelies. That's why I ask. There noticeable differnce on my tiller while banging through the gears in a wheelie and just give'n her hell down the road.

[horkn]

yes SDTLR, on the dr its fine, but not the tl. the drs have dirt to slip on. the tl has grippy pavement...

[mstingray]

i always upshift w/ no clutch except 1 > 2

downshift i use clutch. i don't blip to match revs unless i'm on the street. too much going on for the track to blip while grabbing a downshift and braking. i feather clutch out on track