Can you upshift a motorcycle (specifically a sportbike) without using the clutch?

Question

I saw this done on a video where the guy only used the clutch to downshift. What's up with that??

Answer 1

Yes.

You can do it on any bike.

Once you have done it a few times, it can become almost second nature. You will never stop using the clutch, as it has other applications, such as slow speed turns, or use in heavy traffic, but you can actually get down to using it mainly when stopping or starting.

If you are an experienced rider, and you are familiar with your machine, then you already know the revs by their sound when you change gears.


For up-shifting, you merely back off a tiny bit on the throttle and shift. This takes the pressure off the gears for the moment, which permits an easy disengagement, and allows the engine speed to reduce a bit, and adjust to the higher gear ratio.

For down-shifting, you need to do the same momentary release of throttle, to release gear pressures, but as you move the shift lever you roll on the throttle again, as you need a higher rev count for the lower gear.

Your ear and brain are actually better practiced at this than you may think, as you have been doing it for some time, but never realized it.

Your gears are synchronized, and thay are cut to allow for some variation in the engine/gear speeds, even when using the clutch.

With practice, you become more aware of your machine, and you may even find your shifts have become smoother than before.

Answer 2

You can get away with up-shifting a motorcycle without the clutch because there is less load on the shafts then when downshifting.

This is a common practice in motocross where you can save a little time and arm strength not using the clutch when up-shifting.

Drag bikes used a setup where you push a button to activate an air shifter that slammed it into the next gear while momentarily interrupting the ignition. That unloaded the tranny even though you still had the throttle pegged.

The key is to unload the shafts by backing off the throttle momentarily. You are exchanging a little extra speed for a little extra wear. Be careful about losing control of the rear wheel.

I have ridden my bike home with a broken clutch cable, so you can shift up or down without it but it isn't such a good idea.

Answer 3

It is possible to shift any manual transmission vehicle without using the clutch if you get the RPMs matched JUST right. If you don't do it at the right time though, you can cause real damage to the gears. The mechanics of a motorcycle clutch and transmission make it easier to perform clutch-free shifting but the dangers of really messing up your bike are very real.

Answer 4

It can actaully be smoother than using the clutch and you have less chance of hitting a false neutral. Still, it does slightly increase wear on the selector drum and gear dogs and is it really that important to shave 0.2s off your gear changes when riding to the shops!

Answer 5

You can, but it wears the transmission more and you need to "blip" or roll the throttle closed when you do. It's generally not a good practice.

Answer 6

It's a common practice among many....but it has to be done at the proper RPM's.