Question 1

What Are The Advantages Of Learning How To Clutchless Shift?

Accepted Answer

Clutchless shifting will generally make riding a motorcycle a more FUN experience. And anyone who claims to "not like them" has likely never tried one. What's more is that it frees up the clutch hand, develops new habits, allows you to stay tucked up on long straights, and has faster acceleration with shorter upshifts. Just to name a few.

Question 2

Do Moto GP Racers Use The Clutch To Change Gears?

Accepted Answer

Professional race motorcycles in MotoGP have a seamless-shift transmission. They are also used in F1 and work by pre-engaging the next gear in the sequence before actually being selected. this reduces the interruption of torque allowing riders to bang through gears on terribly expensive gearboxes.

Question 3

What's The Difference Between A Slipper Clutch And A Quick-shifter?

Accepted Answer

A slipper clutch is designed to allow riders to maintain control (prevent the rear wheel from locking up) in the event of a bad downshift or abrupt brake application. Quickshifters on the other hand, are designed to help riders make faster shifts without using the clutch.

Technically speaking, one is an operation (i.e., quick shifting), while the other minimises impact after an operation has been made.

That being said, installing a slipper clutch on a street bike allows manufacturers to reduce the weight of the clutch spring allowing you to operate the clutch lever with one finger force. They are sometimes referred to as slip-and-assist clutches. Because they slip (when needed) and assist you in making a gear change.

Question 4

Which Is Faster? Power Shifting Or Clutchless Shifting?

Accepted Answer

This one is a difficult debate that would require the same bike to be tested with varying techniques.

In my personal experience, a quick shifter has resulted in the fastest gear changes and acceleration, but I do not ride track... Yet! So I can't give you lap times. Power-shifting would then follow up and in last place would be clutchless shifting.

Question 5

Can A Quickshifter Kit Be Installed At home?

Accepted Answer

Quickshifters are surprisingly easy to install. There is no need for specialised tools, and you can install most of them within one hour flat. Not bad if you ask me, as you get a whole lot of racing performance in return for a small amount of effort.

Question 6

Can A Quick-shifter Be Installed On Any Motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

With Quickshifters becoming more and more popular it's likely that your manufacturer will have an OEM Quickshifter kit up for sale. However, in the event that a manufacturer does not offer one, then it's likely you'll find an aftermarket option. A few good ones I know of are HM, Dynojet, Translogic, and Bazzaz.

It's also important to mention that most non-linkage (i.e., no-shift rod) motorcycles now come with a quick-shifter as standard.

Question 7

Can You Still Use The Clutch With A Quickshifter Installed?

Accepted Answer

While it's totally possible the clutch with a quick shifter installed, it's not something I'd recommend. With a quick-shifter installed, using the clutch to change gears can be clunky and powerless. So if you have a quick-shifter installed, then use it! otherwise, have it removed?.

But of course, you will absolutely use the clutch if you are slowing to a stop and dropping back to 1st gear (to disengage the transmission and engine while in gear).

Question 8

Can Preloading The Shift lever Cause Damage?

Accepted Answer

There is a lot of talk about preloading shift levers resulting in damage to the shift fork in a clutchless shift. Not only would it take an unusual amount of force (I should know, as I've done it before), but you would likely bend the shift lever (on the outside of the engine) first before causing damage to internal engine components.

Question 9

Can You Clutchless Shift Every Type Of Motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, not all transmissions are designed to remove load with a quick blip or roll off the throttle. For example, sportbikes love it, while big burbling V twin cruisers and giant-sized Chiefs are less likely to give you a smooth gear change. Unless you use the clutch of course.

Question 10

How Hard Is It To Learn How To Clutchless Shift?

Accepted Answer

Learning to clutchless shift can be as easy as one afternoon of riding. Even if you're a newb. And sure, you'll get the basics under your belt, but actually perfecting the process will take time and effort. Much like everything else in life.

The way to know if you're doing it right is by gauging the smoothness of the gear shift. As a smooth gear shift equals a good job and a bad gear shift equals the opposite. Of course, it will take time to master the rev ranges and general timing of when to shift, but if you've been riding for a long time (3 years plus) then this should be a problem.

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