Shifting without the clutch

[Tfrank59]

I saw some previous comments about this, but I decided on a new topic because it's kind of a newbie question--on Valkyries at least.  Every other bike I've owned --European, Japanese, dirt bikes, street bikes--there's always been a sweet spot call it the null point where you can shift easily, usually up, without the clutch, but I haven't been able to find that on my Valk.  Course I haven't forced it either – it's more like I just see if I can cajole the girl to letting me pull a gear now and then without the clutch.  Is that pretty much an across-the-board Valkyrie thing, they don't want to shift without the clutch?  Maybe I just ain't figured it out yet

[Jess from VA]

Both my bikes shift easily and seamlessly with no clutch on the way up.  I have a heel toe and kick down to go up the gears.  I do not do it often, and never if I am using hard throttle, high RPM acceleration.  At easy speeds, they probably shift smoother (and with less clunk) with no clutch, than with clutch.  Down is another story; the bike doesn't like it, and I don't do it. 

[Ricky-D]

Shifting  sans clutch is a total rookie activity.

Smart riders know better than to labor their bikes.

***

[Tfrank59]

Shifting  sans clutch is a total rookie activity.

Smart riders know better than to labor their bikes.

***

Well been riding since '74, so hardly a rookie.  But I've done a little research since I opened this post, and what I'm finding is that shaft driven bikes – admittedly this is my first – are what don't like shifting sans clutch.  The shaft makes the drivetrain that much tighter, unlike a chain which can give more slack.  On the other hand, I run with a couple of gold wingers (they're not rookies either ) and they claim it's very easy to do with their bikes.

[blackvalkyrie]

I saw some previous comments about this, but I decided on a new topic because it's kind of a newbie question--on Valkyries at least.  Every other bike I've owned --European, Japanese, dirt bikes, street bikes--there's always been a sweet spot call it the null point where you can shift easily, usually up, without the clutch, but I haven't been able to find that on my Valk.  Course I haven't forced it either – it's more like I just see if I can cajole the girl to letting me pull a gear now and then without the clutch.  Is that pretty much an across-the-board Valkyrie thing, they don't want to shift without the clutch?  Maybe I just ain't figured it out yet

I have no problem doing that on my 97 standard... just goose it and let off the throttle while upshifting

[RonW]

If you rev up the rpms something like giving it a brief burst, then roll off the throttle a split second before you up-shift .... there is a sweet spot, jack be nimble jack be quick. I personally wouldn't up-shift from a low gear moving at low speed up a steep hill especially if merging into fast traffic.

[edit] if you don't like a given poster, it's possible to put him/her on an ignore list? I personally don't have a problem with Ricky-D since he's on more than one occasion posted some illuminating advice & info.

[Hook#3287]

Shifting  sans clutch is a total rookie activity.

Smart riders know better than to labor their bikes.

Sounds right to me.

[edit] if you don't like a given poster, it's possible to put him/her on an ignore list? I personally don't have a problem with Ricky-D since he's on more than one occasion posted some illuminating advice & info.

So does this.

[Tfrank59]

Oh, I don't mind being the rookie .  I was out on the girl today, couple of hours actually, and for the heck of it tried to upshift once while holding my coffee, and she didn't want to.  I think I was trying for third gear.  I didn't force it or preload it, just gave it a tug after rolling off and I could tell it wasn't going to budge.  I'll just always use the clutch, what the hey.

[Bighead]

Is it really that labor intensive to pull the clutch? or does it take 1/100th of a second off the 1/4 mile just pull the damn lever on the left and be done with it.

[Jess from VA]

No it isn't.... but I have been known to be scratching myself when it's time to shift. 

Again, I don't do it often, but at putting along speeds, there is no damage/wear whatsoever upshifting. Those square cut gears are nearly bulletproof, and shifts are seamless and smooth. 

[Cracker Jack]

Come on Willow, give us the correct answer!! I can't stand it any longer.

[Ricky-D]

However the gears are, in the transmission, has no bearing on this subject whatsoever.

The reason: The gears are constantly meshed. That's why it is called a "constant mesh transmission".

The potential problems have to do with the drive line connections and to some degree, the clutch, plate 'B'

which has been having to be replaced with some small frequency.

I will again state that it's a rookie thing, bad for the bike, and no matter how easily it can be done is

no reason to assume no harm can occur.

***

[Woton]

No it isn't.... but I have been known to be scratching myself when it's time to shift.  

 Another good one, Jess!

Is it really that labor intensive to pull the clutch? or does it take 1/100th of a second off the 1/4 mile just pull the damn lever on the left and be done with it.

BUT...You nailed it, Bighead   

[jdp]

I don't use the clutch too much when I'm racing my dirt bike but why wouldn't you use the clutch on your street bike? Supposed to be out enjoying the ride the clutch is easy to use just use it.