Im not sure if this is only pertaining the nightster or all harley's or any bike for that matter. I know you could down shift and up shift without using the clutch. My question is if there's any wrong or damage caused by doing so. It seems to me that down shifting causes more stress than up shifting. Im tried both and I have to say the upshifting just as a release the throttle feels just right, now I'm no bike expert so i would like to know if this should be avoided? Thanks

 

I think in normal non competition riding you should use the clutch for both up and down shifts, I do believe in rev matching but a quick in and out with the clutch just takes all stress off the gears.

 

makes sense... i really dont plan on not using the clutch as it does jerk when upshifting without it at low speeds. Just wondering if this is not something common to do, or that could cause damage. Thanks for your reply.

 

What's the sense in not using the clutch when up or down shifting.If it was'nt doing some type of damage to gears and other tranny parts they would have just ommited the clutch in the beginning and made it an automatic.It's too easy to pull the lever!!!

 

should a bought a crotch rocket if you don't want to use the clutch. downshifting without the clutch=bad news. upshifting without it, can be done but i wouldn't recommend that either on a daily driver. like konel1 said....[quote] "they would have just ommited the clutch in the beginning and made it an automatic".

 

I would use the clutch and spare the jamming on the gears.

 

If using the clutch is a problem, maybe this would better suit your needs.

http://www.ridleymotorcycles.com/





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I really didn't intend for this to become a "I DONT WANT TO USE THE CLUTCH" thread. It was a simply question incase it was done, rare occasions, to understand the damage it could cause. I like using my clutch and i understand that if it has a clutch it must be for a reason. Thanks for your replies.

 

I have to think you will get a lot more "fuzz" on the little magnetic primary drain plug if you routinely shift w/o the clutch. Not to worry though, it is just grinding some of the "extra' metal off the gears.