Shifting gears

[Bob]

Just a matter of curiosity, I hope. I have noticed that there are times I can upshift without using my clutch. Is this a good/normal thing, or should I be looking to make some repairs and/or adjustments? Oops. forgot to mention: 79 XS1100 standard.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Bob,

Yes, this is normal, you've discovered the technique that many folks use all the time, rarely using the clutch once they get going in 1st! You can probably do it in all the gears with the right technique, rev, then back off slightly but before the decel engine braking kicks in, and shift up, repeat!

I prefer to use the clutch, smoother, and less wear and tear on gears, I prefer to replace clutch plates than gears!!! It's a useful technique to have when you clutch cable breaks many miles from home!
T.C.

[Bob]

Hey, there, TC. Thanks for the reply. That's kinda what I thought, and I am like you...I would much rather replace clutch plates than gears. I've known guys that can shift like that in their cages, but I never quite learned that technique. My bike isn't running like there is a clutch adjustment problem, but, being a relatively new "wrench" ( preferring to and learning to do my own wrenching), I figured input from more experienced wrenches is a good thing. What I have learned from this site is absolutely invaluable. Many thanks to all from a guy who didn't start wrenching until he bought his first motorcycle at the age of 49. And, no, it was not a "recapture-my-youth" purchase. I finally gave in to my wife's nagging to get a bike. Since my kids were all grown, I figgered it was about time....have wanted a bike all my life.....welll, since I was 12, anyway.

[tfm3]

I finally gave in to my wife's nagging to get a bike.

You've got a winner,there Bob...
Lost half of my riding freinds over the years because of the exact opposite response from SWMBO.

[randy]

First wife nagged about the bike.

Dumped the bitch and kept the 81SH.

Second wife doesn't nag about the bike.


Randy

[rover]

First wife nagged about the bike
dumped the bitch and kept the Harley.
39 years later 2nd wife LOVES both XS's