Clutch-Less Shifting, Final Answer??

[OLR77]

I have heard many different opinions about clutch-less shifting and the need to do so with supersport bikes at high rates of speed and acceleration. Some say its the way to go due to the power and acceleration however, I have also been told this is very hard on the trany and should not be done. Just so that everyone is clear, this is only on up shift, not downshift.

I recently purchased the ZX-14 which as many of you know, can "peel" you right off the bike when accelerating hard. So I am trying to get the final, no bullshit answer on this, is it ok or does it hurt the bike? Thanks....

[Johnj]

Yes that kind of riding will "tear up" the bike.

[ofblong]

look at it this way. Was the bike designed with a clutch? If so then not using it will ruin your bike.

[Wrider]

Yeah, now that I know how a clutch and tranny work together, clutchless shifting is out... It'll really tear up your transmission unless you have everything perfectly matched, and that almost never happens...
Wrider

[Nibblet99]

A lot of this is a question of technique.

With the right technique the bike chooses when to change not the rider, so it will always be perfectly matched. In this case, I "personally" believe no it does not damage the transmission and I use it this way, frequently.

However forcing it through the change most likely will (Dirt biking a bit of an exception due to the fact the bike is never in a state of perfect traction and has a bit of give). Air shifters also never really wait for the perfect match to shift, they just ram the gears across they do have the advantage of the speed the shift happens in though.

If you are unsure, just use the clutch and be done with it. Its not like using the clutch is a crime against motorcycling or going to really hold you up on the roads, riding a ZX-14.

[HYPERR]

Clutchless Upshifts when done properly causes no wear to your transmission and obviously causes no wear to your clutch.

Here is the proper way to do a clutchless upshift:

1. Slightly load the shift lever by exerting slight pressure up.

2. Close the throttle just a smidgen

3. The shifter should snick into next gear

4. Return the throttle position to where it was.

When done properly, the shifter will snick into next gear so quietly and so smoothly it will suprise you the first time you do it.

I have been doing clutchless upshifts as long as I can remember.

Clutchless downshift if done properly, causes no wear and tear either but the technique and timing is difficult and it is not worth the risk and IMO should not be done. Always use the clutch on downshifts. Just go to the friction zone on the clutch and downshift.

[darksoul]

I agree, properly shifting up and down will not do very much if any damage. Myself though, if I am comming onto it hard I always like to use the clutch cause if you do screw it up there isn't much forgiving. going easy or moderately I will almost never use the clutch though. Had the bike for years and the clutch/trany is still in great shape, just had it in a few weeks about to get it looked over front to back for the riding season

[Sev]

Hmmm your engine, your choice. This is what clutchless shifting can do:













It's your engine... no one is going to make you do anything to it.

[HYPERR]

I said clutchless upshifts when done properly causes no extra wear on tear on the transmission. I also stated that clutchless downshifts should not be done as it can cause damage to the tranny.

When clutchless upshifts are done properly using the technique I that posted, the upshifts will be ultra smooth and slick that the gear will literally snick right into next gear almost silently.

I'm sorry to hear about your bike. What kind of bike is it and what happened?

[Sev]

Customer's GSX-R he was clutchless upshifting between 2 and 3 when it happened. BOOM.