Just got a 2008 Street Bob. The Dyna manual says to use the clutch between shifts. I can shift if far smoother w/o the clutch. Why does the service manual want me to use the clutch? Is there something different on the this transmission/clutch (as compared toany other wet clutch motorcycle transmission) where by doing so, it is bad?

 

The shifting fork is not all that strong... you may 'power shift' a few times, but you may wind up breaking your shifting fork in the tranny.. and that's no fun.

If you can't get a smooth shift using the clutch, something is not adjusted right. I can tell you that primary chain tension probably has the biggest impact on that, outside of correct clutch adjustment.

If I were you, I'd pull the primary cover, do a clutch adjustment and then remove that POS auto-tensioner in there and install a Baker Attitude adjuster. My bike has never shifted smoother....ever.

Of course there is the whole 'rpm/shift-point' consideration as well...

 

I did not mean to suggest that shifting with the clutch was rough. It's just that I can shift just as smooth without it and much quicker w/ NO clutch slippage. Seems like my timing on quick shifts is much better w/o the clutch. It does not feel like I am power shifting at all - the tranny smoothly goes out of one gear and into the next. Matter of fact, the roughest shifts come in when I am coasting down to a stop and am continually tapping my foot while the bike is rolling to get the bike back to 1st gear. Sometimes I let out the clutch & engine brake between shifts, but not always.

 

After the first response and then your follow up, sounds like you will do want you want to do and I wish you luck.

 

 

Man, some people are way too sensitive. I asked what I thought was a legitimate question & hoped to engage in meaningful discussion. Clarification to my initial post resulted in 'your going to do what you want & it sucks being you' responses. Nice...

 

I guess the idea is that you should just use your clutch and anything other than that, well... your're on your own.

 

That is why Harley put a clutch on the bike ..use it in the long run you will be much happier

 

I have a possibly dumb question too. How fast are you guys going when you shift it into first? Or do you wait to come to a complete stop?

 

"You are going to do whatever you are going to do and let us know how that works for you."

Seriously, I do not know, but do know that even with the clutch in the downshifts are not nearly as smooth as my up-shifts. Sorry, but this is my first Harley - I do not know.