Clutchless shifting
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
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From: Potsdam, NY
Clutchless shifting
I find when up shifting I will often do clutch less shifting, usually after reaching 2nd as I find these are just as smooth as a clutch shift and a lot faster. So far have not had any transmission issues with my XR1200 or previous bikes. My dealer tells me this will wreck my transmission though. Obviously if you are not matching engine speed and causing the bike to shudder while clutchless shifting it's bad, but what about smooth clutchless shifts where you match engine speed? Who's right?
i do this all day at the track on my gixxer as speed and quick shifting is crucial on the track but i just don't see the need to do it on my sporty. once you find the sweet spot on the shifter on a sport bike shifting is effortless and minimizes movements on the bike and again (imo) should be left for racing or track riding. the hd transmissions just aren''t engineered to do that. while i'm sure you can get away with it if you match rpms with road speed everytime (which takes getting used to for people) i'm sure it's putting more wear and tear on that hd trans. this is a matter of opinion to be honest and i'm sure you'll see a lot of them here pretty soon.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Wheeling, WV
i do this all day at the track on my gixxer as speed and quick shifting is crucial on the track but i just don't see the need to do it on my sporty. once you find the sweet spot on the shifter on a sport bike shifting is effortless and minimizes movements on the bike and again (imo) should be left for racing or track riding. the hd transmissions just aren''t engineered to do that. while i'm sure you can get away with it if you match rpms with road speed everytime (which takes getting used to for people) i'm sure it's putting more wear and tear on that hd trans. this is a matter of opinion to be honest and i'm sure you'll see a lot of them here pretty soon.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
7000rpm's and it slips right in. 
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,898
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From: Saint Amant, Acadiana
How can you possibly have correct RPM for next gear without having it on neutral between gears?
Clutchless shifting is possible and widely used among truck drivers, but it involves neutral, you wait a little until RPM drop and switch to next gear.
Clutchless shifting is possible and widely used among truck drivers, but it involves neutral, you wait a little until RPM drop and switch to next gear.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
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From: Wheeling, WV
You don't want the RPM's dropping on the sporty like you do on a truck. However, as I stated, I use the clutch for everyday riding. Clutchless on the sporty is for racing only.
Last edited by WVHogRider; Apr 15, 2011 at 07:57 AM.
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I only use the clutch when stopping or starting, whether driving my truck, car, or motorcycle. I've had several mechanics tell me that shifting sans clutch is the best way to shift, followed by double-clutching (except on motorcycles, since they don't go through neutral), followed by single-clutching. I've never spoken with a mechanic that recommends using a clutch if you are capable of shifting smoothly without one.
The only time I use the clutch while moving is when drag racing, so I can speed shift. This is a different technique, and is tough on clutch, transmission, belt/chain/driveshaft, and tires. However, it is the fastest way through the gears.
The only time I use the clutch while moving is when drag racing, so I can speed shift. This is a different technique, and is tough on clutch, transmission, belt/chain/driveshaft, and tires. However, it is the fastest way through the gears.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 67
From: Saint Amant, Acadiana
The matching of the RPM & shifting go a HELL of a lot quicker on the sporty than they ever did when I was driving truck. You don't want the RPM's dropping on the sporty like you do on a truck. However, as I stated, I use the clutch for everyday riding. Clutchless on the sporty is for racing only.
You don't want the RPM's dropping on the sporty like you do on a truck. However, as I stated, I use the clutch for everyday riding. Clutchless on the sporty is for racing only.HD Forum Stories
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Posts: n/a
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.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: east texas
it is obvious that some of you do not know how a constant mesh/dog shifting tranny works.
the clutch is only needed to stop/start in gear.
blip of the throttle to let off tension is all that is required.
shifting dog will slide from one gear to the other with no wear/or problem.
shifting without clutch while gear is under load is a little hard on dogs.
(If I have to explain , you wouldnt understand)
powershifting with clutch is the hardest on all of the drive train.
(clutch parts/gears/sprockets/chains/belt/spokes/wheels /tires
altho is very effective for getting there quicker ..
the clutch is only needed to stop/start in gear.
blip of the throttle to let off tension is all that is required.
shifting dog will slide from one gear to the other with no wear/or problem.
shifting without clutch while gear is under load is a little hard on dogs.
(If I have to explain , you wouldnt understand)
powershifting with clutch is the hardest on all of the drive train.
(clutch parts/gears/sprockets/chains/belt/spokes/wheels /tires
altho is very effective for getting there quicker ..