SM5 question for those that shift w/o the clutch

[wyliec]

What is the benefit? And, do you do it most of the time? Just curious as I have an SM5. Whatever the answer is, I'll probably still continue using the clutch.

[Chupaca]

none.. I do it from time to time if using the left for something else. Sometimes when just resting from wild twisted rydes. Then there are the times my foot gets ahead of my hand and it just happens. But when the gears and engine get to the same speed the shift is seamless. You can downshift as well but not as smooth needing higher rpms to make it mesh....

[bruiser]

I do on occasion. I have the same issue Chupaca has, foot getting ahead of hand. When I had hand surgery on my left hand I shifted quite a bit w/o the clutch. Most times I use the clutch.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

...Trust me .......this will not do anything " GOOD " for your transmission. It's something that Drag Racers used to get an advantage ......but the cost could be PROHIBITIVE if get my drift.........Mike

[ARtraveler]

When I had the SM5, I always used the clutch to shift. Likewise on all my previous two wheelers.

I am also in the camp where I can see potential damage to the clutch mechanism when by-passing it a lot.

I am open to an explanation why it will not damage the clutch mechanism though.

[daveinva]

If you can match RPMs, you can shift all you want, you won't harm a thing.

If you *can't* match RPMs, you'll wear on the gears. Odds are you'll be able to do this without wearing out the clutch over the life of the bike. Worst that can happen is you need a new clutch sooner (unless you're REALLY bad at it, and you'll need a new clutch FAR sooner).

So, caveat rider.

[spydermyke990]

This tip I learned from the "2wheeler" crowd. I always use the clutch, but I learned to "blip" the throttle when down shifting. Basically what this does it matches the speed of the clutch basket (the part of the clutch driven by the primary drive gear on the crankshaft) and the clutch "boss"(part of the clutched bolted onto the input shaft of the tranny) and makes for a much smoother down shift, plus it's less wear and tear on the drive train. it's a bit similar to semi truck transmissions wear the transmission has to be put momentarily in neutral and the engine is allowed to drop rpm's or be revved up to go into the next selected gear.

[DrewNJ]

It won't harm anything at all and can actually make for quicker shifting. It can actually be easier on the drive train

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Flanker]

none.. I do it from time to time if using the left for something else. Sometimes when just resting from wild twisted rydes. Then there are the times my foot gets ahead of my hand and it just happens. But when the gears and engine get to the same speed the shift is seamless. You can downshift as well but not as smooth needing higher rpms to make it mesh....

Well said; about the only time I don't use the clutch is in "brisk starts-turning left from a stop".

[BajaRon]

The only time I do it is when drag racing. Dump the clutch in 1st to get the rear wheel spinning and that's the last time I touch the clutch. Done right it will give you better times. Done right it won't hurt a thing.

Other than that I don't see much reason to do it.

[asp125]

I upshift a lot w/o the clutch. You learn the sweet spot in the transmission shift points and it's way smoother when two up. Downshifting I use the clutch and blip the throttle, but if needed I can downshift w/o the clutch, too. Comes in handy sometimes. My sweetie crashed and damaged her clutch lever on the dirtbike, in Moab, and rode back to the trailhead w/o a clutch. (handy if you ever break a clutch lever or cable, or in the Spyder if you lose hydraulics on the clutch)

[capt.jim]

On my GS I upshift without the clutch only on occasion or racing. Smooth as silk 95% of the time as long as
the rev's match.
Given the amount of problems with the front sprockets coming loose and the splines wearing out on the older GS's, that other 5% and the little jerk you feel when you don't match the rev's perfectly may add up over time so I don't make it a habit.
I find if your rev matching is even close, just feathering the clutch 1/2-3/4" works great and is always smooth. Down shifting is the same, blip the throttle and feather the clutch just enough to cushion the transfer of gears.