To shift, or not to shift, that is my question...

Well, just wondering if its bad to shift without the clutch. Just at soft crusing speeds. My bike seems to shift really smooth without the clutch, but is it messing up the insides of the engine or trans? Won't do it again if its bad for it. thx

As long as you shift cleanly (no grinding) and it doesn't pop out of gear afterward, the simple answer is "No." Doesn't hurt a thing.

And why would you want to shift without the clutch? :dry: :blink:

the only time i use the clutch is when i'm starting off in first gear and when i'm gearing down in the lower gears. i'll use the clutch on certain brands of v-twin touring bikes as well. i have ridden like this for over 25 years and i have never lost or broken a transmission because of this shifting style it won't hurt to shift either way so do what ever feels comfortable.most motorcycles use a dog on dog or dog and ramp shifting mechanisim unlike a car which uses a syncromesh style transmission, so you can use no clutch style of shifting with most motorcycles no problem.

First off, shelly, I want to shift without the clutch cuz I can. I want to, and thats why. My question is why use the clutch, if its not bad to not use it, seems like disengaging and engaging the clutch would put extra wear and tear on it. Maybe not, I have no clue. Either way I don't want to use the clutch cuz I am to lazy to pull it in every time...


Thanks to the others for answering my question. It shifts really smooth without the clutch, I think i will continue not to use it. Thanks;)

So when you shift without the clutch, do you let off the gas as you would when you use the clutch, or just keep it on the gas and shift away?

When I do it, i let off the gas and apply a lil pressure to the shifter. Seems like once the RPM's are about right, it slips right into gear. No grinding and its even smoother than when I use the clutch. I only do it for 2nd-5th and only shifting up, never downshifting...

It's ok as long as you do it just right every time. (as you said, when done just right, it just seems to shift naturally) But if you miss it slightly 10% of the time, you're wearing things out 10% faster (rounding dogs etc.).

Downshifting properly is way harder. If I have to shift without clutch due to a broken cable etc., I usually wait to do all of the down shifting just before I stop.

Normally, I use the clutch every time to prevent any chance of mess ups.

all you have to do is blip the throttle just to take the load off the transmission gears

Other than when in first, downshifting or stopped I hardly ever use the clutch. You get used to the sound and like was said a lil' blip does it.

If you really want to be lazy, why shift at all? Why not just start in 5th and leave it there. Plus, just think of the wear and tear you'll save on gears 1-4.

dshelly wrote:

And why would you want to shift without the clutch? :dry: :blink:

Clutch cable snapped about 30 miles from home.