Shifting on Street bike?

Question

I heard that you are allowed to shift up without using the clutch, is it true, and after effects? Also when downshifting, do you have to match your downshift to the amount of rpm's? And do you always have to start in first gear, or can you start in second gear? Because, i heard that getting used to 1st gear is a little tricky. Also what will happen if you let go of the clutch early or even if you hold it in too long? Thanks.

Thanks for the details so far. Like one of the guys in the answers said, he shifts both up and down without the clutch. What would happen if you do this? Will the clutch still be in good shape when you need to use it? Thanks, again.

Answer 1

you can do what ever makes you feel better when you ride a bike

Answer 2

> allowed
You're allowed to do all sorts of things with your bike that aren't necessarily a good idea.

Use the clutch. The clutch is your friend.

> downshifting, do you have to match your downshift to the amount of rpm's
It's a good idea. You don't want the bike to jerk too much when you release the clutch lever. You'll get used to it.

> do you always have to start in first gear, or can you start in second gear?
You CAN start going in second gear, but on the motorcycles I've had, that wasn't a good idea. Get used to first.

> what will happen if you let go of the clutch early
If you release the clutch lever all at once while you're in gear, the motorcycle will jerk forward, and either go, or stall. In either case, you'll probably lose your balance and the motorcycle will fall over, hitting your knee on the way down. Ouch. Been there, done that, got an x-ray.

> hold it in too long
LOL. No such thing. Hold in the clutch lever as long as you want.

Answer 3

It takes a lot of practice to shift without a clutch, but it's possible. Done wrong it can damage your transmission.

You can get a smoother shift if you match RPM when downshifting, but it's not required.

Starting a bike in 2nd gear is not easy but can often be done. It is not hard to get used to 1st gear, and it's meant for starting. So don't try starting in 2nd.

Letting out the clutch too soon will result in a rough shift, and if overdone can even make the rear wheel skid. Motorcycle clutches are designed to be safe for you to ride the clutch, so don't worry about holding it in too long.

Answer 4

I HAVE "crash boxed" an old Triumph before, when the clutch cable snapped, but I would think long time/constant use of this would accelerate wear in the transmission.
When downshifting, you could clutch, blip the throttle, downshift, and reengage clutch. Kinda like double clutching, in the pre-syncromesh days.
I know my bike can easily start out in second gear from a dead stop, but figure, first gear is there for a reason.
How getting use to first gear is tricky is beyond me, as I think it's no trickier than any other gear.
By letting go of clutch early, if you mean from a dead stop, if too early (like, you haven't given it any gas yet) you'll probably stall the engine.
Hold it in too long (if you mean waiting for the light to turn green) you MIGHT cause more wear on the throw-out bearing.

Answer 5

Let's keep this simple:

1) Use the clutch. It's there for a reason. If you didn't need it, trust me, the manufacturers wouldn't spend the money to install one. Quit agonizing over it and just use the clutch properly!

2) From a dead stop, or a VERY slow roll, use first gear. Again, it's there for a reason. First gear is not any "trickier" than any other gear. Take the time to learn how to use it properly. Dead starts in a higher gear require you to "slip" the clutch more than a first gear start.

Ride your bike properly and it will last longer with far fewer expensive problems you'll pay to fix.

Answer 6

As part of my training for a particular job I spent a week driving a bike without using the clutch apart from starting off and pulling up, In fact we "lost points" if we were seen to grab the clutch lever.
My instructor also "taught" us to pull away in both 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears, 1st was rarely used unless you were at a total standstill, in fact we often only used from 2nd and above.
Engine speed matching is the important factor and slight pressure on the gear pedal helps you to feel the match point.
Don't FORCE the gear lever just feed it in and it will happen easily both up and down the box.
Done correctly you will not effect a well constructed gear box as most modern boxes are "constant mesh" and not "crash"
In fact some are even synchromesh these days.
feeding the clutch in should be "tapered" and this will reduce wear on the clutch what ever gear

Answer 7

Some bikes have an anti-stall mechanism so starting out in first isn't such a big deal. RPMs matter when downshifting. If you running high RPMs and you downshift, the nose will dive from the drastic reduction in speed. Back tire will slip too, maybe fish tale. Every bike is different but I downshift at 4000 RPM.

YZF750R

Answer 8

you only need a clutch to start and stop..
just let off the throttle and hit the next gear
be it to shift up or down... actually it is easier
on the clutch and transmission.. the drag bikes
use an air shifter with a ignition interupter, this
is a button that actuates the air shifter and
at the same time interupts the ignition, momentarily
shuts the bike off to let it shift.
shift real firm, so the next gear is engaged
to the max..

Answer 9

on my honda rc51 i shift up and down without the clutch all the time. i have never had any ill effects from this. you can start out in second gear or even higher depending on what bike you are riding, it all depends on how much power you have and the gear ratios.

Answer 10

I would add: if you let the clutch out too abruptly while giving it too much gas, you could wheelie or even flip your bike.

Answer 11

I don't think that you will find any manufacturer that would suggest that much lest recommend it.

It can be done successfully as I am sure all of us have found out accidentally. But, I don't do it intentionally.