Clutchless Shifting
Dec 3rd, 2008 by Leo
So the economy is in the dumps, no one is getting a bonus this year, we’re just glad to have our jobs…and so you probably can’t afford to ogle the shiny new 2009 bikes that are coming out. I hear ya. But how would you like it if you could improve your bike’s ride-ability without costing a cent? What if you could shift without the clutch the way MotoGP racers do. Well not exactly the way they do, but the same idea? All you need to do is make a small upgrade in the core component of your bike’s handling and performance…the rider. I mean you. Let’s talk about clutch-less shifting.
Most modern motorcycles can shift gears without touching the clutch lever. If done properly you can shift more smoothly and cause less wear to the transmission, and it’s one less thing to worry about. So how do you do it?
Let’s start with the Basics
If you’re shifting properly, you might even do it by accident… The proper way to up-shift is (while the throttle is in an “on” position) to momentarily cut the throttle while pulling in the clutch lever while simultaneously shifting the gear lever up. The proper way to up-shift *without the clutch* is almost the same thing: momentarily cut the throttle while shifting the gear lever up. It shouldn’t take any more pressure on the gear lever than it normally does with the clutch…
The proper way to down shift is (from a throttle “off” position) to pull in the clutch lever while revving the engine and simultaneously shifting the gear lever down. If you do it properly you only need to touch the clutch for a moment because your throttle will match the engine speed in a lower gear. Now the way you do this without the clutch is to (from a throttle “off” position) rev or “blip” the throttle while simultaneously pushing the gear lever down. Once again it shouldn’t require any more pressure on the gear lever than it normally would (you shouldn’t have to force it if your timing is right).
Some bikes are easier to up-shift without the clutch, others are easier to down-shift. Standards and cruisers are usually easier to down-shift, sport bikes are usually easier to up-shift. The hardest shift is from 1st to 2nd because neutral is in the middle (I usually use the clutch from 1st to 2nd so I don’t get stuck in neutral).
“But don’t I need a special setup for clutch-less shifting?”
No. Unless you’re riding a classic bike or a Harley you’re already set up for mostly clutch-less shifting. There are devices called “quick shifters” that enable you to shift without closing or blipping the throttle, mainly found on race bikes, but with a little practice you can save yourself a bundle and do clutch less shifting the old school way.
So take your time, don’t rush it. As long as you don’t force the gear shift lever all that can happen when you practice this (and get the timing wrong) is: it won’t shift. But if you get your timing right you’ll find it eventually becomes second nature…and voila, a clutchless – shifting bike. Cheers!
[Hey I know a lot of the City Biker Blog readers already know this basic stuff... So if you want to chime in with additional pointers that would be great. Many CityBikers are really functional bikers who love riding but don't get to spend all their free time with bikes, so simple and practical tips can go a long way... Cheers!]
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So you’re saying I didn’t need to upgrade to the fancy Pazzo levers (like the photo, but the shorty versions) to make shifting easier?!?!?!
(I would have anyway since they look SO sweet)
Careful being REAL firm with the shift because if it gets “stuck” in between it may pop back down to the lower gear. This has happened to me coming out of an off ramp into JFK, the bike fishtailed greatly but thankfully regained its composure and did not crash. I must admit, it was a half hearted shift though.
Two thoughts:
1. Do fancy control levers make a difference from stock? Are they smoother or easier to use or is it just an aesthetic thing?
2. I have been clutch-less shifting for a while, primarily by accident. What I mean is that I learned to ride on an old 2 stoke enduro and would occasionally fail to engage the clutch the whole way and discovered that it would shift. I now do it as a force of habit type thing but I have been wondering about damage to the transmission. I guess it boils down to–> As long as I am not grinding gears or forcing a shift am I causing any damage or unnecessary wear?
Lightly preloading the shift lever before cutting off the throttle also helps. When the engine speed is right, it will pop into the next gear and off you go. According to Keith Code (I can’t remember the exact article), clutchless upshifting is faster too. The idea is that it takes less time to shift so more time is spent with the engine pushing out power to the rear wheel. When using the clutch, the time it takes to disengage it is time/power lost to the rear wheel. I have noticed this on onramps etc when I can really open the bike up, and I have heard it makes a world of difference on the track.
P.S. I just need to vent that I got my first parking ticket on the bike today. $60 for residential 2-hour limit. The worst part is, I was sharing a single spot between driveways with another that didn’t get one. Life is cruel sometimes.
@Subaruzi:
As far as fancy levers go, I can only speak for Pazzo levers. Simply put, yes, they are indeed every bit easier to use than the OEM Honda levers on my bike. The clutch pull is lighter and I can brake with two fingers with as much control and more ease than the stock levers. Plus, if you’ve got small hands like me, you can adjust them (or really, leave them at their lowest setting) to be closer to the grip/bar.
I liken the difference to cheap running shoes from Payless (stock levers) compared to REAL running shoes like New Balance, Asics, Brooks, Saucony etc. (aftermarket/Pazzo). You don’t know what you’ve got actually sucks until you try something better. That’s my experience, at least.
Aesthetically, they deliver as advertised too.