jojo Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I started practicing gear changing without clutching a while ago and i can now shift gear up and down rather smoothly. My question is: Is there a risk of damaging the transmission or any other elements in doing so? I had to replace the clutch disk of my 1150rt after 22k mls and wouldn't like to go through that job again. Still, I'd rather change a clutch than the gearbox.... Link to comment
Silver Surfer/AKAButters Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I guess it depends on how smooth you are. Any unecessary jostling of the innards is something to be avoided IMO. Link to comment
T__ Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I started practicing gear changing without clutching a while ago and i can now shift gear up and down rather smoothly. My question is: Is there a risk of damaging the transmission or any other elements in doing so? I had to replace the clutch disk of my 1150rt after 22k mls and wouldn't like to go through that job again. Still, I'd rather change a clutch than the gearbox.... George, there is always a risk unless you ALWAYS exactly match engine RPM to proper trans RPM.. The closer you get the speeds matched the less chance of damage.. Even when done correctly it is mostly done on the up-shift not the down-shift.. The actual shifting-sleeve dogs in trans are not all that robust & the engagements ears can round off easily so keep that in mind if you keep shifting without the clutch.. Trans work on a BMW motorcycle is expensive & not sure you will get warranty coverage if the shift dogs are all rounded off.. Might be wise to at least use a little clutch disengagement during the shift.. Twisty Link to comment
1NOTRED Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I, too frequently shift up without using the clutch, most often in the upper gears (5th to 6th and 4th to 5th). It's easy, and, if done carefully, doesn't damage the trans dogs. But, your experience with a worn clutch on the R1150RT is not unusual. These clutches are prone to wear if used hard (the California Hwy Patrol goes through these frwquently, as the guys ride hard). Key is to avoid slipping the clutch whenever posible. Avoid fast starts, long slip times (uphill, or with high loads, etc.). Clutch disc smell is a warning of hard use. My R1100Rt chutch is fine at 186,000 miles, as I always try to be easy on it. Also, be sure to adjust the cable to give the right amount of ferr play (not an issue on newer hydraulic clutches). Link to comment
ollka Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 It is recommended to use little clutch. With that, shifts are smooth, fast and without "clunk" Link to comment
jojo Posted January 20, 2009 Author Share Posted January 20, 2009 Thanks guys for your inputs. I guess I'll use little clutch going forward to be on the safe side. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 I find that, going from neutral to first can be a b!tch! Sometimes she wheelies, sometimes she spins. Pat Link to comment
Mister Tee Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 I've posted the question before, and after some discussion, decided that it's best to use (at least some) clutch on the RT since the gear spacing is fairly wide. I rarely use the clutch, up or down, on the gsxr. And the transmission and clutch are fine, after 61,000 miles. Link to comment
Deadboy Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Why.....what benefit is their to not using the clutch? Link to comment
jojo Posted January 23, 2009 Author Share Posted January 23, 2009 Deadboy, you obviously didn't have to replace your clutch after 20k mls!! I did ...Probably because I use the bike a lot for city commuting and also I used to downshift to slow down the bike (without bleeping the throttle). The dry mono-disk clutch installed the R series tends to wear very quickly if you slip the clutch plates too hard. Link to comment
Deadboy Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 I commuted for years in city traffic (not currently thank god) on a variety of bikes and never once felt the need to do this. Mind you I know plenty of folks who do it on their bike and in their car even but I just do not see any reason or advantage to it and plenty of downside or potential for costly damage. Link to comment
Mister Tee Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Why.....what benefit is their to not using the clutch? 1. Smoother, if done correctly. 2. Easier shifting at a high lean angle. Link to comment
Deadboy Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Why.....what benefit is their to not using the clutch? 1. Smoother, if done correctly. 2. Easier shifting at a high lean angle. So like when Rossi is trying to slide by you in a corner? Link to comment
Mister Tee Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 So like when Rossi is trying to slide by you in a corner? Yep. Your shifting hand can get in an awkward position when you're hanging off the bike, especially on left turns. Link to comment
Deadboy Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 LOL.....I am sure it is also helpful when trying to use a Zumo or make a phone call... Link to comment
Skywagon Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 I use the clutch on every shift. 136,000 miles and the clutch is still working just fine. Link to comment
Survived-til-now Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 My advanced riding instructor was quite keen on clutchless up-changes and made me practice them on my 1150RT. Quite useful for very rapid acceleration through the gears.... Shortly after this "training" my gearbox went So I keep clutchless changes for just those occasions when I want to get out of trouble quick. Link to comment
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