Clutch tips

[capz65_imp]

Came across an article on clutch less shifting. Im reluctant to adopt it completely but here's a related question. Out of habit I pull the clutch in all the way to the bar when shifting. Now I see it's not necessary. So after 2nd, how far do you really have to pull the clutch to shift and avoid damaging the gearbox?

[the Ferret]

Your personal choice. I always use the clutch when shifting a manual transmission bike and see no upside to not using one, and a possible big downside.

[mvk24_imp]

I dont use the clutch for most highway riding especially if I'm cruising with 1 hand.

https://youtu.be/viWuolNYGyI

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca

[capz65_imp]

I doubt I'll go clutch less. See no point. But still want to know what's happening mechanically when you shift with the clutch 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 in compared to full.

[mvk24_imp]

I doubt I'll go clutch less. See no point. But still want to know what's happening mechanically when you shift with the clutch 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 in compared to full.

You're just playing with the friction zone, you generally don't have to pull the entire way to the handlebar for the clutch to already be at full friction.

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca

[LongRanger_imp]

My bikes have Shift Assist (to allow clutchless shifting) but I still disengage the clutch with every shift.

One thing for you to try: when upshifting, lightly preload the shift lever before you intend to shift, but don’t actually shift up. Just apply a little upward pressure with your toe. Then, when you want to shift, quickly disengage the clutch just a bit — just into the friction zone — and apply a bit more upward pressure to the shift lever. Your bike will upshift quickly and smoothly. After a while, this will become second nature and it won’t harm your gearbox or clutch.

BTW, the CB1100 gearbox is one of the nicest and smoothest I’ve experienced.

[GoldOxide_imp]

My bikes have Shift Assist (to allow clutchless shifting) but I still disengage the clutch with every shift.

One thing for you to try: when upshifting, lightly preload the shift lever before you intend to shift, but don’t actually shift up. Just apply a little upward pressure with your toe. Then, when you want to shift, quickly disengage the clutch just a bit — just into the friction zone — and apply a bit more upward pressure to the shift lever. Your bike will upshift quickly and smoothly. After a while, this will become second nature and it won’t harm your gearbox or clutch.

BTW, the CB1100 gearbox is one of the nicest and smoothest I’ve experienced.

(+1)

[mvk24_imp]

you can chop the throttle and power shift (has to be done quickly) . just needs to unload the shift dogs on the gears. thats how speed shifters work.

Yea thats explained in that video above if you want to see it visually. As soon as you let off the throttle the tension on the cogs is released for a split second

Also for anyone worried if you dont time it right it just won't shift, not destroy anything lol

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca

[the Ferret]

worked in the industry for 17 years. Saw the results of transmission dogs and gears that weren't shifted properly WITH a clutch. If you have time to back off the throttle you have time to pull in and release the clutch IMO. Maybe if I were in a road race where every millisecond counted per lap...maybe (but I doubt if I'd do it anyway), but for a 550 pound, 85 hp street bike? What's the point? Just my opinion, your bike, do what you like with it.

[mvk24_imp]

worked in the industry for 17 years. Saw the results of transmission dogs and gears that weren't shifted properly WITH a clutch. If you have time to back off the throttle you have time to pull in and release the clutch IMO. Maybe if I were in a road race where every millisecond counted per lap...maybe (but I doubt if I'd do it anyway), but for a 550 pound, 85 hp street bike? What's the point? Just my opinion, your bike, do what you like with it.

Good point ferret I have not had that opportunity to see the damage like you have

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca