I've done a couple of track days and I'm doing one tomorrow and I've been reading a lot about how people don't use their clutch on upshifts. I've tried it a few times but as long as I've been driving stick in my life I just can't get it out of my head not to use the clutch.

So does anyone still use the clutch when upshifting at WOT?

 

You can't shift at WOT unless you have a quickshifter that will cut the spark for a split second when it shifts. Otherwise you have to first preload the shifter then quick cut the power for a split second and then immediately get back on it. It should go right into gear. And I had a quickshifter on my trackbike and on occasion would still use the clutch depending on where I had to shift and what rpm. You don't want to clutchless shift if your engine isn't high in the revs and the quickshifters allow you to program your target rpm range for when it activates.

 

In a track situation I really cant think of any reason why you would want to use the clutch to upshift.

 

I go clutchless on the track when I upshift once I'm used to the bike. It's really just a matter of backing off the throttle slightly while putting pressure on the shifter lever. Smooth as butter once you get the hang of it. There are enough things to concentrate on when riding hard so make sure you get used to it before doing it. EngineNo9 explained it well.

 

Any time you aren't at WOT. Ex: in a turn, in a transition between two turns

 

ive always done it on my vfrs and cbrs. like someone else said, smooth as butter.

 

clutch-less down shift bad?

 

I use an extremely brief throttle chop (flick of the wrist) to smooth out the gear up changes. I might ever so slightly tickle the clutch to... but not always.

 

i wouldn't do that if i were you.

 

i have done it before just messing around, i figured it was hard on the bike so only did it a couple of times.

 

Don't track cause...well there isn't one, I do everyday usually use the clutch from 1st to 2nd never got that one to be smooth but once you find the sweet spot where the revs are high enough and it goes in without any jerking its nice

 

mechanically, not too bad. the avg. motorcycle transmission is a constant mesh sequential. meaning that there are no synchros to destoy etc.

but clutchless downshift can very easily lock up the rear and send you flying. also, probably a bit more shock to the drivetrain components than using the clutch. not so much that the tranny will grenade instantly.

 

wouldnt say bad per say. but if you dont do it right its just as bad as clutchless upshifting. ive done it when need be but almost always use the clutch for downshifts. street and track i dont think i use the clutch for upshifts except coming out of first. just something i got used to as a kid on my first bike.

 

I will upshift with just a tad bit of feathering on the clutch. No reason to take it all the way out....downshifting I also pull the clutch, it can get jerky if you dont.