Shifting without using clutch? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Shifting without using clutch?

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gixxeranyone

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A friend of mine was telling me that he shifts without using his clutch, so I tried it a few times and it works without any issues.

I was just wondering, does this cause any damage to the engine? It's a nice option when you're pushing the limits a bit, not having to pull in the clutch. However, for what little I gain in convenience I don't want to cause any long term engine damage.

Any input is appreciated?
 
I find that for downshifts it's not particularly easy or smooth or beneficial but for upshifts, yeah sure no problem.
 
big debate, just use ur damn clutch...if you find it takes too long get a quick shifter...

especially on the way down. You put unnecessary stress on the engine downshifting without using the clutch.

Same with upshifting, unless you really know what you are doing.
 
I do it for upshifts all the time, it's super easy and super quick once you get used to how much throttle you have to let go. :D

Basically as you're revving, preload the shift lever with your foot and then just ease off the throttle for a split second and the shifter will just fall into place on its own. Only two things can happen: it either falls into the next gear or it doesn't.
After a while you will get used to how much throttle you need to ease up and you can surprisingly have very smooth shifts that are really quick. The difference is noticeable.

I never do it for downshifts.
 
djbordie said:
big debate, just use ur damn clutch...if you find it takes too long get a quick shifter...
Click to expand...

Do you mean the device that ties into your ECU and your shift lever and does exactly what easing off the throttle for a split second accomplishes?
I'd rather save my money and the hassle of installing something that fiddles with my ECU. :D

Power Commander's Quick Shifter Info said:
This is done by momentarily cutting the fuel and or ignition, which unloads the transmission. During this time, the rider can shift up to the next gear without rolling off the throttle or using the clutch.
Click to expand...
 
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I believe the idea is to match the engine speed with that of the tire? (correct me if I'm wrong) kinda like blipping the throttle to downshift. Once the speed is matched you don't need the clutch.

That being said, I've never tried it lol


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As everyone has said upshifts yes. Downshift no. U can downshift but the effort is not worth it
 
ernyov said:
I believe the idea is to match the engine speed with that of the tire? (correct me if I'm wrong) kinda like blipping the throttle to downshift. Once the speed is matched you don't need the clutch.

That being said, I've never tried it lol


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Click to expand...

Close.
You want to match your engine rpm to what the engine rpm should be in the next gear while maintaining your current speed.

First you need to have a vague idea of the rpm difference between your gears.
For example if you do 100km/h in 4th, let's say you're revving 7000.
Then you go to 5th, and you're revving 6200.
Your difference is 800rpm.

Based on the example above, what you want to do is slack off the throttle to drop 800rpm and then the shifter will just slide right into the next gear on its own (as long as you preload it with your foot).


I have mentioned to fellow riders that I upshift without a clutch sometimes and they all look at me like I am crazy.
Funny thing is, it's called "power shifting" and it is done in almost every vehicle with a standard transmission.
I used to do it in my work truck hauling cars (a Hino), done it in 2 of my 3 standard cars (for some reason my 5.0 was a picky ***** and wouldn't let me do it properly) and I use the same concept on my bike.

Remember that you should never be forcing the shifter. It either falls into place or it doesn't.
 
jeero said:
Close.
You want to match your engine rpm to what the engine rpm should be in the next gear while maintaining your current speed.

First you need to have a vague idea of the rpm difference between your gears.
For example if you do 100km/h in 4th, let's say you're revving 7000.
Then you go to 5th, and you're revving 6200.
Your difference is 800rpm.

Based on the example above, what you want to do is slack off the throttle to drop 800rpm and then the shifter will just slide right into the next gear on its own (as long as you preload it with your foot).


I have mentioned to fellow riders that I upshift without a clutch sometimes and they all look at me like I am crazy.
Funny thing is, it's called "power shifting" and it is done in almost every vehicle with a standard transmission.
I used to do it in my work truck hauling cars (a Hino), done it in 2 of my 3 standard cars (for some reason my 5.0 was a picky ***** and wouldn't let me do it properly) and I use the same concept on my bike.

Remember that you should never be forcing the shifter. It either falls into place or it doesn't.
Click to expand...


You learn something new everyday! Put like that it all makes more sense. I should go out and try it.


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ernyov said:
You learn something new everyday! Put like that it all makes more sense. I should go out and try it.


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Click to expand...

Don't try it in the first couple gears, cause the gear change will be so quick that if you get back on the throttle too quick you will lift the front wheel! xD

Practice it from 3rd through 6th. Straight roads with no traffic is best for the first few times.
 
Search. There are plenty of threads in this forum about it....every year from march to june
 
gixxeranyone said:
I should have been clearer, I am referring to upshifts. Not downshifts. I have not tried it for downshifting.
Click to expand...

What about side shifts?

shifty_eyes.gif
 
I heard that your motor will blow up causing a black hole sucking both you and your bike into it!.......never to be seen again.
 
jeero said:
Close.
You want to match your engine rpm to what the engine rpm should be in the next gear while maintaining your current speed.

First you need to have a vague idea of the rpm difference between your gears.
For example if you do 100km/h in 4th, let's say you're revving 7000.
Then you go to 5th, and you're revving 6200.
Your difference is 800rpm.

Based on the example above, what you want to do is slack off the throttle to drop 800rpm and then the shifter will just slide right into the next gear on its own (as long as you preload it with your foot).
Click to expand...
How do you change your rpms without changing your speed and not using any clutch?
 
dseric said:
How do you change your rpms without changing your speed and not using any clutch?
Click to expand...
It's done so quickly, you don't feel the drop. The throttle is not reduced gently to match the next gear's RPM per say. You are really just unloading the transmission to allow the next gear to mesh. So the throttle is chopped and applied in a split second. Listen to a racer or track rider, shift, on a video on this site... ;) ...and you will here the RPM's drop instantly as the gears change. No clutching.

Here. I did a quick edit from a vid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ0ePQyapZs
The last few seconds of the vid are the reason you use a clutch to downshift. The rear would lock up.
 
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dseric said:
How do you change your rpms without changing your speed and not using any clutch?
Click to expand...

To figure out your rpm difference, I was referring to driving your bike normally, using the clutch to do a proper gear change and looking at your tach to see your rpm difference.

If you follow the order of how I explained it, it tells you to figure out your rpm difference, and then use that info to attempt clutchless upshifts.
 
gixxeranyone said:
However, for what little I gain in convenience I don't want to cause any long term engine damage.
Click to expand...

It puts additional, unnecessary stress on the engine and the drivetrain.

What exactly do you gain in terms of convenience?
 
I will do clutchless up-shifts when i am riding hard, but normal everyday riding I just use the clutch. Like cola said, your hard on the throttle and as soon as you want to shift, chop the throttle, click up and instantly re apply throttle. It may take a few tries to get smooth but once you get your throttle control down its a piece of cake.
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