How do you use your clutch?

[Nibblet99]

I always use the clutch for downshifts, but tend to slightly dip the clutch for upchanges, as the bike will usually clutchlessly upshift smoothly, but sometimes can be a little rough. Dipping the clutch smoothens all that out.

[iwannadie]

i dont see an upside to not using the clutch. id rather use the clutch to make the gear changing smooth as possible on the engine/trans. maybe im just to used to the clutch and over use it more than really is needed then if everyone seems to not use the clutch at all without any problems.

[MarkyPancake]

I always clutch and have only done clutchless up-shifts when I was practising how to do them.

[totalmotorcycle]

My bike really doesn't like it when I don't use the clutch to up or down shift. When not using the clutch you can hear the transmission grinding under the load and forsure it isn't smooth...

So, I'm always using my clutch, but like you, I've heard many a story of riders who don't use their clutch and they bikes are fine for it.

How do I use my clutch? Mostly like everyone else I'm sure. Rev higer in the lower gear, clutch in, give it a little gas as I smoothly clutch out.

If I'm riding more spiritly around a corner I'll rev it up higher just before the turn, clutch in (but keep the RPM's up high), swing around the corner and smoothly let the clutch out as I accelerate. This way I don't let the RPM's fall going around a corner. Not sure if it's bad for the clutch though as I don't do it too often.

Mike.

[keysman]

I always use the clutch except for a few times here and there when I have made a mistake and didn't get it pulled in before I shifted to the next gear. That happened more in the first 6 months of riding though.

[Nibblet99]

The trick with clutchless changes, seems to be NOT to force the shifter between gears, but to apply LIGHT pressure to the underside of the shifter, and drop the revs until it shifts itself. When you get used to it, you maintain a far smoother ride than when using the clutch. But I'm not sure if it causes excessive wear on the gearbox or not (my head tells me it should, but it sure doesn't feel like it)

[isnowbrd]

The trick with clutchless changes, seems to be NOT to force the shifter between gears, but to apply LIGHT pressure to the underside of the shifter, and drop the revs until it shifts itself. When you get used to it, you maintain a far smoother ride than when using the clutch. But I'm not sure if it causes excessive wear on the gearbox or not (my head tells me it should, but it sure doesn't feel like it)

That has been my experience exactly.

[blues2cruise]

I'm more interested in how and when people use the clutch for reasons other than for shifting gears.

If you are in bumper to bumper traffic like in rush hour or in a construction zone where you are only going "walking" speed in first gear, pulling in and feathering your clutch will prevent you from stalling. Gently let it out and resume walking speed and when traffic slows even more, pull in the clutch to prevent stalling again.

Lane splitting and riding on the shoulder are illegal here, so if you want to avoid a possible ticket or fine, you need to "go with the flow" so to speak.

[sv-wolf]

Do I use the clutch? Always. Except when Im not paying attention. My bike will shift upwards without the clutch quite happily, but I don't make a habit of it. Maybe I'm just a traditionalist. Maybe I suspect that no-one goes to the trouble of installing a clutch without a reason. Maybe I've never found a good-enough reason not to use it.

[CentralOzzy]

Maybe I've never found a good-enough reason not to use it.

Exactly.