Clutchless shifting
Do you know how the clutchless shift-assist technology being used on newer bikes and GP bikes works? The computer detects that the gear shift is being moved up or down, and momentarily reduces the power to the engine so that the gears can change without using the clutch.
For decades smooth riders have been doing this by hand - blipping or dipping the throttle while shifting without the clutch. When I first heard about it I was skeptical. Then I was taught to use it on the dirt bike when going for a holeshot. Then I tried it while doing long stretches of dirt riding on Geoff's Eastern Cape tour. Now I do it all the time, every time.
Why?
Clutchless shifting is much smoother. If you are riding with a pillion you don't have helmet bump. When riding technical terrain, you can instantaneously up- or down- shift as required without the lost power of clutching.
Also, because you are using the clutch much less, you have less wear and tear on the clutch. And even bad clutchless shifting does not damage the gearbox any more than clutched shifting (according to SuperBike magazine).
How?
Start with up-shifting
The easiest is to shift up. Realize that in the higher gear the engine is going to be revving slower - so you tap off the throttle and just as there is no tension on the drive-chain you shift up without the clutch. Easiest to learn on gravel where there is some leeway with traction.
Typically if you tap off too much or too little, the gears don't shift. Do not stomp on the gear-lever, be gentle but firm (i.e. the same force as you would use on the gear lever when you are clutching). Gentle so you don't break anything, but firm so that the gear shifts completely and you do not hit a false neutral.
Shifting down
Shifting down is harder, as you need to blip the throttle to give the higher revs needed in the lower gear. Some riders shift up clutchless, but always clutch when shifting down. So give yourself time to learn this only once you are comfortable with up-shifting.
Easiest to learn on a slight downhill where you set the throttle such that the engine is not pulling or pushing (no tension on the drive-chain). Just shift down and the engine revs higher and starts compression braking.
When coming to a gradual stop at a robot, I brake gently, blip the throttle ever so slightly and shift down. As the gears come down, engine-compression helps the braking and the bike is always in the right gear for quick manoevres when needed.
Blipping or dipping the throttle on a clutchless change is more about taking torque off the drivetrain, than matching the speed of the gear you are going to change into.
Therefore, if you are cruising along in a high gear and want to change down to overtake, you actually have to 'dip' instead of 'blip' to release the tension on the drivetrain before changing down without a clutch. However, if the engine compression is retarding you (eg. you're intentionally slowing down), then you have to 'blip' the throttle to release the tension on the drivetrain before changing down without a clutch.
Excellent stuff.
Since Warren's post I've been taking note of what I do.
Because it is second nature and typed into my DNA, I never givie it a thought.
The two posts are excellent.
I use a clutch to pull away and to hold in gear while stopped and aoften,but not always for coming down into first gear .
But otherwise I rarely ever us the clutch.
I've had to remind myself to watch what I do these past few days because shifitng is automatic and done in the 'back room' not in the concious part of the brain.
It must be years on the saddle that broguht that about.
I cannot remember a time when I did use the clutch
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