Shifting w/o clutch

[Chadkid]

Hey everyone,

Does anyone out there think that upshifting without using the clutch seems a lot smoother than using the clutch?

I feel that I can control the smoothness of the shift a lot better using only the throttle to guide it into gear. There isn't that much of a 'clank' in the tranny when I go clutchless--- faster shifts too!

Will this crazy behavior eventually lead to a busted tranny?

[beechfront]

people here will probalby argue with me...

But I think lower rpm shifts are much smoother w/o clutch. But there is some point at which my bike doesn't like clutchless shifts.

Pretty much, when I'm putting around i don't use clutch.

[mitch]

Not a big deal

At least thats my thought , i drove tractor trl for years never used the clutch, if you do it right no prob, but if u abuse it u will damage your shifting forks as well as possible other damage so you ARE taking a chance, thats why they put a clutch there IMHO..............MITCH

[young nip]

clutch use

Chadkid,
Hi, some times I shift without clutch too. Usually 2nd to third and up- low rpms. Too much clunk 1st to 2nd. 1st to 2nd I always use the clutch and just work the throttle to relly smooth out the shift.when I have a buddy ride my bike to get him to drive by so I can hear it I hear this loud click in the shifts. I use clutch 95 percent of the time. Make her last.working your throttle in to your clutch shifts is to me also apart of precison riding. I like to hear the motor and exhaust, rpms , tranny whine and the growl. I find that annoying clunk/click between gears breaks up the harmony.smooth shifts are an art form with these bikes. Hey thats just me. ride on
Steve

[TonimusMaximus]

I always shift with a clutch, but my neighbor never does when we ride and he's been doing it for years. He has no problems as yet. I figure that if my bike has a clutch, I ought to use it. Sort of a toss up.

[Chadkid]

thanks everyone for your input- it sounds as though either method of shifting is ok as long as it feels smooth-

thanks
chad

[MAXIMAN]

Re: Shifting w/o clutch

Originally posted by Chadkid
Hey everyone,

Does anyone out there think that upshifting without using the clutch seems a lot smoother than using the clutch?

I feel that I can control the smoothness of the shift a lot better using only the throttle to guide it into gear. There isn't that much of a 'clank' in the tranny when I go clutchless--- faster shifts too!

Will this crazy behavior eventually lead to a busted tranny?

I just found this old thread. I must agree my Eleven shifts much smoother going clutchless at slow to moderate speeds.

I have a friend that never clutches except to launch or stop. His Special has 50,000 miles on it. I dunno if it hurts it or not but it hasn't hurt his so far.

[John]

I only use the clutch on the 1-2 shift and when down shifting. You seem to develop a knack for doing it, and it is a very smooth shift.

[DeanR]

.

Tried some clutchless shifting tonight. Most often my foot was pressing up against a more or less stationary lever, as it would only make the shift occassionally. So what am I missing here, other than shifts?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Dean,

You have to have your foot pulling up against the shifter, then after you rev the engine, you blip it OFF throttle for an instant, and that's when you provide the shift action with your foot, and then back on the throttle again. As long as you're on the throttle, you won't be able to make it shift up, too much tension!

I used this technique when I was running the dragstrip, but I prefer to use the clutch, less jerky!
T.C.

[Fredjohny]

shifting without using a clutch, is bad. The shock load on the rotating mass is huge. Plus it slowly wears tranny gears edges off, just alittle clutch to soften and dissengage the tranny gears. When you multiply the engine torque with the transmission gears imagine what that driveshaft goes through. In a tractor trailer unit, shifting whithout a clutch will eventually cause the transmission to keep popping out of gear. In theory it is really bad

[ccogswel]

This is my two cents worth.

I just fixed my brothers transmission on his 80 xs1100 Special. Had third gear popping out. Fixed it along with first and second gear fix while I was at it. To see how these tranny's work on the inside I would recommend using the clutch. The rotating mass from one gear to another is just not safe. Second and third gears have just three prongs on them. That will cause them to wear out quicker. And the shift forks are under presure as well when you shift with out the clutch. I mean I may be wrong but you have to think, in a cage you have a gear sliding into another gear, with our bikes you have a gear with three prongs engaging another gear with three slots. I believe that is what happen with my brothers bike as he never used a clutch except for take off. I had to replace the spring for the shifter as well as the third gear shift fork. And besides all this, they put a clutch on there for a reason. Kinda like our throttle, it's there to use it.

Well that's my two cents worth and I'm sticking to it.

[yamarider]

I used to up-shift clutchless on my 650 special and eventually screwed things up in the tranny. Now, I only shift without the clutch when I am really "getting on it" and hauling some butt, because the bike will excellerate faster without clutch action (like race car drivers) but I also have a heel shifter on my XS, which makes clutchless shifting smother.

[TADracer]

Everything in moderation

Here is my two cents. A few friends that drag race shift clutchless without any problem because most bikes have constant mesh trannies. BUT, they mostly use an air/elec shifter that kills the engine and shifts in an instant at the push of a button.

Riding on the street and shifting clutchless throws in the human factors, like reatcion time and coordination. Over time, I think this could cause harm. So, I usually use the clutch.

I must admit, there are those times I like to just haul A#$ and bang it into gear witout using the handle.

[MAXIMAN]

Personally I never use a clutchless technique when racing. Only when taking it easy.

When racing it's a totally different technique. Out of the hole I it's WOT and I never let off. I simply fan the clutch and shift up...up...up. Since peak power occurs at around 7500 that's when I shift. Yes the engine will rev just for a nanosecond past redline but never enough to float the valves.

But then I'll add...I have never raced any of my Elevens. The shift quality on the OEM tranny on these bikes is absolutely hideous for drag racing. Though the Eleven is my favorite old school bike and one of the most durable machines God ever allowed man to design....it would not be my choice for an old school drag racer. That honor would likely be placed upon the venerable GS1100E.