To Clutch or not to Clutch?

97% of the time i clutch.
If im lazy, have a sore clutch hand, or am racing i go clutchless up from 2-3 and higher. I almost always clutch down so i can control the compression braking on downshifting.

 

I didn't use the clutch much at all on the FZR. But I do all the time on the new bike, the extra engine mass seems to make it hard to get right without clutching.

 

I went for a ride this morning to try this no clutch thing and found it to be pretty great up and down the gear rang just got to get it right other wise its a bit jerky

 

mm with koma.

Definately use clutch when shifting down, specially when doing it in high RPM

 

It's worth mentioning that the jerkyness is likely to be doing damage or atleast increased wear and tear on the bikes drive train. This includes but is not limited to gearbox, sprockets, chain and cush drive; possibly also clutch if it slips.
Unless you've got a reason to be going clutchless i'd be spending my time and effort learning to change gear properly, quickly and smoothly. All that practice will come in handy when you take your first pillion.

 

ok i will clutch as i enjoy my bike to much to destroy it

 

I always use clutch for up and downshift, I read in a FZR400 manual that clutch should always be used, it will make the engine go smooth.

 

I've seen countless arguments about what is better, some people will say that clutchless shifting puts wear on the bike while others will say it's actually better because you're not constantly using the clutch.

Personally I think it's OK for up shifting but not so sure about down shifting.

Regardless, I use the clutch 90% of the time, it's only when I'm REALLY giving it that I don't use it.

 

While you can get away with upshifting without a clutch - why would you? You can shift just as fast (and smoother) using quick clutch action, and it's easier on the bike (and you're less likely to miss the gear).

And the idea of downshifting clutchlessly is just plain scary… especially if you're riding fast.
The last thing I'd want going hot into a corner is a compression lockup from a bad downshift - especially if I'm not already covering the clutch to control it.

 

^^^ Same.

As for not wearing the clutch out. I would rather replace a clutch than a worn out gearbox any day of the week.

 

Put'em in their place with a 250 <!-- s:roll: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_roll.gif" alt=":roll:" title="Rolling LoL" /><!-- s:roll: --> good stuff..

 

MotoGP racers are clutchless because they don't have the time to change gears and at the speed they are travelling, becomes very dangerous.

It's very important to learn to use the clutch properly as it's a lot more than simply changing gears.

The clutch (not the throttle) is what puts you in control of the bike. It's what engages and dis-engages the gears.

Although we're (assuming) all riding 250s, we can get away with clutchless shifting, although yes it does increase wear in any case.

However, motorbikes use wet clutches as opposed to cars which use dry clutches, this means oil from the engine is used to prevent friction (which is one of the reasons why we change oil frequently).

That said, if any of use choose to upgrade, using the clutch becomes very important. If were not smooth in transitioning gears properly, you can very easily upset the bike. This can mean "tank slapping" where the bike wobbles under you and you fly off, or if you down shift and put too much strain on the chain and cause it to snap. Bigger bikes are more prone to this even with regular clutching due to the shear power.

What you're also doing is causing a bad habit (like pulling up to lights in neutral, you should be in first gear). Say you're in a corner, leaning over and decide to change gear for whatever reason, simply crunching in a gear will upset the weight transfer of a bike, very crucial when in a corner.

The choice is yours, but I can assure you, not having such a simple skill as changing gears flawlessly (which is what you should be doing by using a clutch) will land you in hot water one day.

What I've said should be taken with a pinch of salt, but it only takes one mistake for us to regret.

 

MotoGP bikes can be shifted clutchlessly because they have slipper clutches - they won't suffer a compression lock up from downshifting too fast. Instead they get smooth and predictable engine breaking.

 

I tried shifting without clutching but cant seem to make it shift... do i need to try harder or what>?