Does it hurt the transmission to shift w/out the clutch on a m/c?

Question

I can increase speed on my Harley Sportster just right, then let off and shift gears without using the clutch. It shifts very easily. Is this harmful to the transmission? (my hand gets tired pulling on that clutch, you know!?!)

Answer 1

If you are good enough and time it right, no you won't hurt the transmission. Just be gentle and don't get too aggressive. Matching the rpms correctly is the biggest thing to watch. Sounds like you are already doing it right. Pay no attention to the above answer.

Answer 2

Hi.......The bottom line is yes......many vehicles have a certain shift point, car, truck, bike, etc, where the transmission will shift gears without grinding. However, getting it precisely right everytime is hard. Use the clutch as often as possible, its there for a reason. The only exception would be complete clutch failure, and u think you can make it home without it. Motorcycle clutches are fairly cheap in price, but the trannies can get pricey. The only guys i know who bang gears with out the clutch are crotch rockets and dirt bikers. These bikes are built for extreme RPM's and abuse, so possibly their transmissions are tougher. They generally shift without the clutch to save time, or make time, or need to slow down quick. Its your money.........but, i dont do it unless i absolutly have to............Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

CONSTANT MESH GEARBOX... thats what bikes have ya know... so if you back of changing up & accelerate going down you can change without the clutch... of course if your trying to stop in a hurry... accelerating to change down can get scary.....LMFAO

drag bikes have a momentary kill switch that kills the revs for a split second.. put a little weight on the changer & hit the switch whilest still flat out on the accelerator & the bike changes real fast....(if the clutch is in your not putting power to the road)..

changing with out the clutch can be fun.. & wont hurt the trans .. Its good to know how if the bike has a cable clutch..

but for normal use why bother??

Answer 4

been riding for several years now I primarially use the clutch to start and to stop. did this on my last bike and never had a problem. I also ride a sport bike(busa) so maybe the gears are cut differantly, was told by the local dealer that the trannys were like in the race bikes so you can go up and down without the clutch....by the way the last bike was sold because me and the wife shared it and out grew very fast. it had over 60000 miles on it, have over 20000 on the 06 busa with no problems, it is my daily rider.

Answer 5

I know you can shift gears without using the clutch, but i dont see a point of not using it if there is one, it probably wont hurt in the short term but it will if you keep doing it in the long term..you should really use it.

Answer 6

I've had to start them in gear and shift without the clutch several times in the past.This was just to get them home because of clutch related problems,I wouldn't recommend it.It is hard on the transmission.

Don't be so lazy.

Answer 7

If you do it right no. If you screw up it causes lots of ware and possible damage. The guys who can really ride do it all the time on upshifts, downshifts I think you should use the clutch

Answer 8

If your hand acctually gets tired from pulling a clutch lever you shouldn't be motorcycling... you should be in a gym or a doctors office.

Answer 9

yup, you can bend shift forks, clip teeth off the gears, toast the tranny etc. Not worth it just to look "cool". If your hand gets tired shifting, you don't ride enough.

Answer 10

As long as you don't hear any grinding gears when you shift, you're fine. I do it all the time with my bike. I've also done this in a car. It's just a matter of coordination and timing.