Author Topic: Clutchless gear changing (Read 6572 times)

mattt · « **on:** May 14, 2006, 02:07:48 PM »

Hello, ive been riding my B6 K3 since xmas, recently i was reading a magazine that tells you how to simply change gear with out using the clutch, and now i think its awsome. Does anyone else ride like this? I think it might become a habit of mine very soon but im not sure if it will increase or cause any damage to my engine/gearbox. In the article is says it will only cause damage when changing down gears without the clutch.

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2006, 02:13:56 PM »

As long as you do it right (unload the gearbox for that instant), it's harmless to upshift that way.

mike · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2006, 08:52:41 PM »

Quote

As long as you do it right (unload the gearbox for that instant), it's harmless to upshift that way.

Ditto !

PitterB4 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2006, 10:10:07 PM »

When accelerating aggressively, that's the way I do it.

Bob Holland · « **Reply #4 on:** May 14, 2006, 10:41:45 PM »

Thats the way I do it, almost, I push the horn button and let the Holeshot powershifter shift it.

ATC'er · « **Reply #5 on:** May 15, 2006, 09:43:50 AM »

Since you still have to let off the gas for just a moment, and upshift with your foot-which is the same exact time you're disengaging/engaging the clutch-is there really an advantage to shifting clutchless?

PitterB4 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 15, 2006, 10:12:42 AM »

For me, it is quicker w/out the clutch. With the clutch you let off the gas for a fraction of a second before pulling in the clutch, take a fraction of a second to pull in the clutch before shifting while still off the gas then you remain off the gas for another fraction of a second while releasing the clutch. Without the clutch, you only use 1 of the 3 fractions of a second listed above. Doesn't sound like much but IMHO, it is noticeable. At the track, you can hear the difference between the two. Clutchless, you're quicker back on the gas.

Red01 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2006, 10:22:02 AM »

Quote from: ATC'er

Since you still have to let off the gas for just a moment, and upshift with your foot-which is the same exact time you're disengaging/engaging the clutch-is there really an advantage to shifting clutchless?

If you're racing, it saves a smidge of time, which may make the difference between winning and loosing. It's common in roadracing to do it, and just about manditory in drag racing. In day-to-day riding, no real advantage. 99% of the time, I use the clutch.

DaveG · « **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2006, 10:57:16 AM »

mostly i'm just too lazy to use the clutch
we are describing here a powershift. in which the power is momentarily interupted while the next gear in selected.

a speedshift (which i have never tried on the B12, but have on lesser machines) is executed by leaving the throttle wide open as you fan the clutch and select the next gear.

powershifters can be hooked up in many ways. some are hooked up to the cluctch lever so it may look like they are using the clutch but actually they are using the first bit of the lever to actuate the powershifter.

tacoman · « **Reply #9 on:** May 15, 2006, 01:29:27 PM »

I shift clutchless sometimes but for everyday street riding I'm with Paul, a little clutch to ease the strain. If you do a lot of banging you're going to wear the shift dogs out and other parts before their time. Guess it depends on how long you're keeping the bike, but tranny repairs are VERY labor intensive.

mattt · « **Reply #10 on:** May 15, 2006, 02:41:46 PM »

Quote from: tacoman

I shift clutchless sometimes but for everyday street riding I'm with Paul, a little clutch to ease the strain. If you do a lot of banging you're going to wear the shift dogs out and other parts before their time. Guess it depends on how long you're keeping the bike, but tranny repairs are VERY labor intensive.

So it will increase wear on my clutch/gearbox then? Im new to riding and I found it alot easier using this method when accelerating hard thru the gears, it makes me feel more confident both hands gripping the bars lol.

Seanybiker · « **Reply #11 on:** May 15, 2006, 08:56:16 PM »

Its obviously going to increase wear and tear on the clutch. lol. I always use the clutch. I did try it witout using it a few times and didnt see any difference in the speed at all IMHO. Anyways clutch is handy for getting the bike up on the back wheel.

IcyChaos · « **Reply #12 on:** May 16, 2006, 12:25:00 AM »

Quote from: Seanybiker

Its obviously going to increase wear and tear on the clutch. lol. I always use the clutch. I did try it witout using it a few times and didnt see any difference in the speed at all IMHO. Anyways clutch is handy for getting the bike up on the back wheel.

So its Harmless to upshift???
Or is it going to increase wear and tear... which is it?? 2 different answers in this thread.

Red01 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 16, 2006, 10:18:38 AM »

IMHO, if done right, it's OK. Done wrong, it can lead to trouble. Since not every shift is perfect, I choose to not do it very often. I don't think it's worth the risk, however small. Since I'm usually not racing anyone, the nanosecond of time savings isn't worth the risk.

Bob Holland · « **Reply #14 on:** May 16, 2006, 12:53:54 PM »

Shifting without using the clutch, when racing, saves the clutch, but if not done right could hurt the trans. When shifting, you need to shift like you are trying to break the shifter. Shifting easy, when racing, is what ruins the trans.