When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Floating the gears is not better for the transmission. It saves wear on the clutch and if you do it correctly, it won't hurt anything. If you do it wrong you can damage the transmission, but most people figure it out before they hurt anything. You might be the one, but I doubt it.
I shift clutchless about half of the time. If I am riding through town with only my hand on the throttle, I'll upshift without pulling the clutch. But usually only gear 2-3 and up. 1st to 2nd is kinda rough.
Can you explain in further detail? Do you let off the throttle when shifting clutchless?
I've always clutch shift but this method has me intrigued.
Yes, put a little pressure on the shifter peg and let off of the throttle, it will slip out of one gear and into the upper gear at the right moment, it is something you have to feel. Downshifting is a little more difficult to do smoothly since you have to increase the RPM of the motor. I usually use the clutch when downshifting since I am usually coming to a stop anyway.
Well, Zipper, since you've never done it, you don't actually have a clue what you're talking about. Clutchless shifting is the preferred method by most professional riders in most situations. It is actually considerably smoother than using the clutch. This assumes, of course, that you are a competent rider.
I never said I haven't done it. I did it all the time with dirtbike, sometimes one could see a piece of dirt coming from under rear wheel when next gear slips in - that's the sign of impact I'm telling about. There is no way you could have precise RPM for next gear on a motorcycle. If you do not believe me install some sort of RPM recorder, you'll see steep steps where clutchless gear changes are. Every such a step is indicating tranny got the hit.
But as I said, do whatever you think is right, and so will do I - do whatever I think is right.
I never said I haven't done it. I did it all the time with dirtbike, sometimes one could see a piece of dirt coming from under rear wheel when next gear slips in - that's the sign of impact I'm telling about. There is no way you could have precise RPM for next gear on a motorcycle. If you do not believe me install some sort of RPM recorder, you'll see steep steps where clutchless gear changes are. Every such a step is indicating tranny got the hit.
But as I said, do whatever you think is right, and so will do I - do whatever I think is right.
Sorry, your attitude about it indicated to me a lack of experience. You obviously don't understand how a constant mesh transmission works, though, or you wouldn't be against shifting without the clutch. You go right ahead and use up your clutch, and I'll laugh all the way to the bank when I don't have to replace mine, and when my transmission lasts over 100,000 miles without rebuild, just like my last one, and the one before that...
Tek you need to stop flaming. He said that he never did it but you feel the constant need to just keep hammering away. If you have any real input then say it but if all you have is put downs then just stfu.
Wasn't flaming, wasn't putting down. May have been worded poorly, though. Read others' posts before saying that I'm the one flaming and/or putting down, though.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.