Is this a common practice among any of you? With just about 500 miles under my belt I strive to operate the bike as smoothly as possible. My shifting and clutch work is far from silky smooth. The more I ride the better it gets. I completed the beginners MSF course over the summer. I would like to get a higher level of instruction on operating my VFR. Gunzer
As a beginner - yeah use the clutch and practice gettin smooth. As you get experienced, its posible to go clutchless without major harm. Again it takes practice to be smooth. Downshifts use the clutch. MD
I can do it, but I don't. To me, it's not worth the risk of screwing up the tranny. If I'm in a hurry, I just fan the clutch while shifting.
Only time I dont use the clutch is when I'm going all out.....just a slight roll-off on the throttle and into the next gear. But normally, I always use the clutch. A few things that affect shifting that you can check..... - throttle play, almost every bike I check has waaay too much. You want it to the point that there's hardly any play at all. Recheck by running the engine and turning the steering lock to lock....if it revs up, you tightened it too much. - chain tension, too loose and it can make for sloppy shifting. - letting the revs drop too much before releasing the clutch. A slight, quick two finger pull is all you need to shift smoothly....let the HD and cruiser guys grab the lever and pull it all the way to the bar when shifting - no need for that. Hope this helps.
I have a rotator cuff issue and need surgery. I have been putting it off awhile because it will end my riding season with the cast, physical theropy and junk. It hurts to pull the fricken clutch lever. But I'm an addict gotta get miles in while the weather is ok. Well, with the killer shoulder I have been doing a whole lot of clutchless shifting, both on the vfr and valkyrie. I am amazed what I have been able to get away with. As long as the throttle was on and then backed off, with up pressure on the shift lever, things have been working fine. No missed shifts. Another off topic tidbit. Its painfull with the left hand on the grip, (right too) and try to get down in a lower racer crouch. OMG!. Not happening. So I have been doing some interesting right hand, one handed cornering. Kinda interesting. MD
I used to do it all the time on my 500 & still do it occationally on my 800, but typically if Im just cruising up through the gears & dont want to bend over to grab the clutch. a little blip of the throttle & in it goes. Bob
