Shifting - To Clutch or Not To Clutch?

[Lotsokids]

I was talking with a couple other experienced riders at work today, and the subject of shifting came up. Keep in mind, one guy rides a GSX-R 1000, the other guy rides a Honda VTX 1300 cruiser. Very different riding styles. The GSX-R guy said he only uses the clutch for starting, and "speed shifts" through the rest of the gears. The VTX guy completely agreed. We were all talking about everyday normal riding. They both acted like I was stupid for using the clutch for every shift. The GXS-R guy said I was going to ruin my clutch early if I kept using it like that. They tried to explain the mechanics of it all which sounded believable. They were talking to me like EVERYBODY knows this.

This kind of caught me by surprise. I've been shifting bikes this way for the last 34 years. Is there something I don't know?

[Pat Conlon]

Many Newer bikes enjoy a ignition interrupt feature which allows clutch less up shifts. We don't have that option unless those folks with the Dyna ignition have it installed.
Remember the torque our FJ's put out, and use your clutch.

The gear dogs in your transmission will thank you.

Just my opinion...

[Dads_FJ]

Many Newer bikes enjoy a ignition interrupt feature which allows clutch less up shifts. We don't have that option unless those folks with the Dyna ignition have it installed.
Remember the torque our FJ's put out, and use your clutch.

The gear dogs in your transmission will thank you.

Just my opinion...

and the opinion of the user manual

[racerrad8]

I only use my clutch at stops.

Same goes for the race car, as long as the RPM's are matched and the drive cogs are unloaded, there is no issue shifting without the clutch.

The only other time I use the clutch is when speed shifting...and the FJ has an interrupter...

Hold the thing wide open run it to the shift point, hold upward shift pressure on the lever, slightly apply the clutch to impose a slight slip and the engine will bump the rev limiter and will fall right into the next gear, release the clutch and you have not cause a total disruption of forward momentum.

I have never done this on the bike as the acceleration is to much anyhow, but for the race car, that is the difference of beating someone to a corner that is either using the clutch or lifting to shift.

You will not do any accelerated damage to the clutch or transmission by using the clutch each & every time.**

**Unless for instance you are drag racing and are dropping/dumping the clutch which is extremely hard on the basket and they do break.


Randy - RPM

[tmkaos]

Just my way - I clutch it for starting off (obviuosly ) then clutch for into 2nd through the nuetral detent. For 3rd, 4th, and 5th I usually just roll off the throttle and click it up. Downshifting I always use the clutch, and blip.

My upshifting is the result of my Dad teaching me that way when I was 15. I have ridden every bike that way ever since with no gearbox/clutch issues. This helped me a few years later when I was driving our race car transporter with a 16 speed Road-ranger box. Shifted better with no clutch.

Also I in my head for some reason I believe close ratio sequential boxes don't need to be clutched - IF - you are skilled enough to match revs and loads when you do it.

Just my 2c :-)

Happy riding!

James

[Pat Conlon]

Yes, I know the we have a rev limiter, but a ignition interrupt is different.

[racerman_27410]

CLutch always for the FJ .... dirtbikes i only use the clutch for starting and stopping.


kookaloo!


Frank

[Dan Filetti]

I mostly use the clutch, not always but ~90-95% of the time.

Dan

[andyb]

Depends on what I'm doing.  Comfortable either way, normally don't use the clutch in a car or a bike once rolling.

[Mark Olson]

Shifting without  a clutch is a skill everyone should attain , just wait till the slave goes out and you have to limp it home.

I learned this back in high school with a xs-400s that broke a clutch cable.

It is a fun way to shift and if racing a buddy you will pull ahead while he clutches 

remember Randy sells trans parts if you mess up.

[Mike Ramos]

Evening,

I agree with Randy, UNLOAD the drive line momentarily and quick shift - however I always use two fingers on the clutch lever to allow release of the clutch.

No reason to tear up the transmission.  Yet, truth be told, any of today's bikes will out power an FJ (okay, Frank's and a few others excepted) so I would suggest practicing & practicing & practicing braking and corner entry and especially corner entry (!) and getting the bike up and on the gas as soon as possible and as soon as possible.

Even the new(er) motorcycles can only get so much power to the ground - probably not much more than 100 hp or so, which levels the playing field.

Add in suspension improvements and improved braking capabilities as well - and a well tuned engine to boot (all the above thanks to the gentleman from R.P.M) for a capable motorcycle.

If you watch the first ECFR video, towards the end an attempt is made (actually several) to pass the the fellow but he simply outpowered the FJ, and it was (the FJ) working hard. Not until the turns did the FJ compete, their extra power was not usable at that time.

[I make oil]

I tried just shifting without clutching today and it just feels wrong.  I use mine lightly.  About all the new bikes out powering the FJ    I wouldn't say that.  Absolutely to the liter bikes and up but nothing below.  My son has a GSXR750 and my old girl keeps up just fine thank you.  And I can do it without having to climb all over the bike.  15min and be is wiggling all around that bike trying to get comfortable.  I also have a R6 and it is about to head down the road.  I never ride it anymore.  Think I'll get a Busa to keep the FJ company.