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Dirt bikes have constant mesh transmissions. There is no need to use the clutch to shift.
Wow I never knew that. All I know is I was taught to use the clutch so I did and all these years later I hear this that’s wild
Okay I'll chime in.
On dirt I'd never use the clutch to shift...for up-shifting I'd close the throttle slightly for an instant...for downshifting a slight throttle blip.
If riding on the bitchy (tarmac in the US?), I'd use the clutch for downshifting only...not sure if cush hubs took care of the need for even that though?
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I gotta try this shit haha
You can shift full throttle no clutch. If it’s smooth ground you may need to dab the clutch as you shift up and honestly this can result in a quicker cleaner shift too, but never let the gas off. That’s too slow. And changing down don’t use the clutch. I’ve never once had issues with broken clutches/ baskets or gears. In over 30 years. Typically I try to change gear in the air where possible. So ground time is full drive. Weather it’s a jump or a bump I’ll use it to shift while off the ground.
No offence to anyone, we all only know what we know, but it's wild how many people don't seem to know this or are riding around using the clutch like they do in their car driving to work... Those of us where having a clutch on your car is normal at least.
I've always heard people claim that they can shift their bikes while under full throttle. Not one of the bikes I have owned were able to be shifted under WOT, I either have to slightly blip the throttle or bump the clutch. Maybe I've been doing something wrong all these years?
Never have used the clutch for shifting other than starting line. The clutch is for feeding power to the rear wheel on 2 strokes to stay in a higher gear through corners, whoops, etc...
450s you just put it in 3rd and go no need to even shift.
I abuse the clutch on my Stark. Seems like I need new plates every few motos.
I’ve never had a bike that you can upshift while wide open under a load. You need to let off or grab some clutch.
Where you been?
Recovering from a broken fib that took over a year to heal. Haven’t been able to ride, so I’ve been dabbling in my other hobbies.
I’ve never had a bike that I could upshift with under load. I load the shifter with my toe so I can either blip the throttle or tap the clutch to upshift. When the track gets rough the acceleration bumps normally provide enough of a momentary unloading of the gears that since I have a load on my shifter already that I don’t need to clutch or blip the throttle to complete the shift.
My two stroke I don’t need the clutch to downshift. My 350 won’t downshift unless I use the clutch when the wheels are on the ground. On both bikes I try and shift in the air when possible as there’s less going on when you’re flying through the air so it’s simpler.
Most bikes I have owned from 2000 on you could shift up full throttle and zero clutch. Only used the for management and never for shifting. Unless it was a Honda because in 2009-2012 the ECU tuning on them sucked and they would flame out if you were downshifting sometimes. Yamahas have zero issues doing it and never had a problem. Suzuki had a weaker tranny in 09 and it would find false neutral shifting up all of the time under power. Even if using the clutch. Loved that bike other than that.
I honestly don't know when I use the clutch and don't outside of taking off from the start. I just do it. If I had to guess, I'd think most of the time I don't use it for shifting and only for power modulation, but i really don't even think about it.
Pit Row
I think tdawg is messing with you guys.
No racing and winter months means people are bored lol
I'm old enough to remember when frying the clutch was normal. That's why we didn't use it. I believe Howerton was the first to use it for power modulation. Of course he was a factory guy so they changed it every moto.
I've never used the clutch for shifting. I don't bang it...but you can feel when it's happy.
I also never learned to jump after I snapped the triple clamps on my KX125. I know all the modern bikes are capable but I never adapted. I suck.
Riding without a helmet, not the best role model lmao
If it’s a normal moto track it will be bumpy so as the wheel unloads over bumps it will change gear. But yes if it’s smooth you may need to dab the clutch to get it to shift exactly when you want it too. 👍
Once they get to near peak rpm they unload the drive train and it shifts. But shifting earlier in the rpm may require a dab of the clutch. Just don’t let the gas off though as it takes time for the engine to build rpm again. I’m talking full moto race mode. If I’m trail riding just cruising around then I do all sorts of different gear changes. But never the “car” gear change with throttle off AND clutch.
Takes time to build RPM? What? I must be doing it wrong. I never noticed taking any time to build RPM back up.
Do you think he is letting off to Shift ???
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzGn2myodKa/?igshid=ZWI2YzEzYmMxYg==
So when you’re going for the holeshot you’re letting off ?? 🤯🤯
I read somewhere ( probably MXA ) years ago that you lose about 10ft per shift if you back off the throttle vs not.
with or without a clutch, I never back off.
but I’m still slow, but that’s cause I’m old.
Every Honda I have owned would upshift under full power. My KTMs and current Kawasaki, not so much,
Maybe I am 😉 naw I heard of it but I wanted to see if it’s as common as I been reading etc. I don’t track ride so I modulate power w clutch etc
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