Using clutch?

This may be a stupid question, but how many people here don't use the clutch when upshifting on a VFR?

 

While you can do this, the clutch on a standard VFR is not a race clutch that's built for the abuse, so all i can see happening is your clutch wearing out or more to the point, the cogs getting a good thashing everytime you do it. Just my thoughts.

 

I have done upshifting quite a bit. I never had a problem with th etranny at all and I put 15,000 miles or so on my vfr that way. Timing is more critical, as in when you let of the throttle or roll back on it a bit you will want to start your shift. It's like a quick on/off thing. The clutch makes it easier to shift tho as you do not have to be as precise in your shifting.

 

clutch

Once out of first gear I rarely use the clutch. Not high rpm shifting,but regular riding around. I just let off the gas a little and it snaps to the next gear .You dont even feel the shift. At full throttle I never use the clutch. Just let it hit 10 k let up a little and lean on the shifter.:madgrin: the sound is great. I don't think it hurts the clutch because there is no slipping.

 

You're right about extended clutch life if you don't use it on every shift. But, think of the poor transmission. A clutch costs about a C note and takes a couple of hours to replace. The tranny, on the other hand, can cost THOUSANDS in parts and labor. That's IF you can find a mechanic who can repair a VFR trans correctly. I know, if timed properly, a clutchless shift can be smooth, but one good crunch and she's toast! Semi trucks are designed to be shifted without the clutch (I rarely use the clutch in my big truck for shifts), but those gears are HUGE and are designed for a properly timed clutchless shift. My '83 Honda Sabre has 54,000 miles on the original clutch and shows no ill effects of using it for every shift. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

I hardly use the clutch on my dirt bike (xr-400), and I don't think its hurting it.
I have been using the clutch on the VFR, but I was thinking after break in I would try shifting without it.

 

I only use it to upshift from 1-2 when putt-ing ..much easier on the clutch and no harm to the tranny. Especially at wot, never miss a shift and fast! just put up pressure on the shifter and a blip of the gas... I have always shifted this way, never hurt a bike, in fact still have some of my 80's models that perform flawless after 25 yrs of no clutch..and they still have the stock clutch in em also~!!..You ever see the internals of these trannys" not like a car with synchros and blocker rings..just simple dogs and they dont mind.. But of course , do it wrong and you can grind up anything.some guys do!!...I also seldom use it downshifting either..just a matter of timing...On the other hand nothing wrong with using the clutch..I can shift just as fast with the clutch, but to do it they dont last as long..
Its just plain easier and just as fast not to..



I sure wouldnt recommend either way to anyone..just do what works for you!!

 

:director:

1. dirt example, is bad because dirt gives, & not as hard on tranny/components.

2. up shifting doesn't hurt the tranny w/o the clutch as long as done in the right RPM range.

3. 1st to 2nd is a long distance for the cogs/shifting fork so your timing should be better & closer to perfect, or things start to tweak (so anotherwords not a good Idea from 1st to 2nd).

4. Buy a slipper clutch & there will be less stress on the tranny ($900.00 plus for clutch only if you install, or more if installed for you)

5. not sure, use the clutch for safe of mind.

 

I almost never miss a shift . I ride every day .It dosen't make the slightest sound When shifting. If I think the timing is off even a little I grab the clutch. I didn't notice that untill today

 

I use the clutch from 1st to 2nd. Apart from that, provided I am short shifting below 6k or so, I find that the transmission happily clicks into the next gear with a little upwards pressure on the gear lever, and a quick flick of the throttle. I have done this on every bike I have owned, from my 250 to my 1100. I have also done this all day every day when a motorbike courier, doing about 40000kms per year, AND that includes down shifting without the clutch too, BTW... The gearbox is a constant mesh system, which means that all the gears are always together. The parts that are shifted when changing gears are those that engage the output shaft onto the various gear ratios. So, as far as I know, and in my experience, a clutchless upshift at moderate revs, when not used from 1st to 2nd, should not damage the gearbox.

[Disclaimer: Don't bother trying to sue me if you break your box after reading this; I'm broke and on the other side of the world ;-)]

 

Clutchless upshifts are perfectly fine. As others said, slightly let off the throttle for a sec to remove load from the transmission and it will slip into the next gear with no problems.

I personally only perform clutchless when I'm accelerating quickly. Otherwise I use the clutch.

[edit] - Quick read: Sportrider.com Article

 

Personally I never do a clutchless upshift unless I'm heading into 3rd gear or higher on my '03. This bike is the roughest shifting bike I have ever owned. I plan on replacing the detent arm and spring this winter sometime, some say it helps.

I'm interested to see how she holds this Saturday. I'll be riding at Carolina Motorsports park with the Viffer. My first time with it on the track...yippee!

 

A long time ago I was ridng my bicycle in the in the mountains around Frederic Maryland. I saw some sportbikes racing.A red bike I think was a Ducati and a yellow bike going at it . The red bike came off the line hard lifting his wheel about 6 inches off the ground. As he shifted the front wheel never touched the groung till like third gear. I never forgot it. I used to ride a h1 500cc kawasaki I thought I was kool just touching the tire to the ground between gears. I could not figure out how some one could pull in the clutch shift then let out the clutch so fast the tire never moved. Now I know he was shifting without using the clutch at all.

 

With the silky smooth hydraulic clutch on these things, why not use it? You don't need to bring it all the way in either. I use one or two fingers on it and pull maybe half way.

 

Not saying dont use it . cant ride without it. But when you shift at full throttle there is no space between gears and you dont brake the clutch loose the foce it to reingage . that will heat up the clutch and the slippage will slow you down.