I can downshift my used motorcycle without using the clutch. Is this bad for the bike? Yes, I'm a new rider.

Question

Do all bikes allow this? Thanks for yor response.

Answer 1

Down shifting is bad, up shifting is fine assuming you get the hang of doing it right.  

Answer 2

all bikes should be able to do this but its definitely bad for the bike. u will soon need a new clutch if u continue to do this. just don't do it anymore and just use the clutch. but it should be fine as of now.  

Answer 3

People that have riden for years can do it on a bike very easily. I drove a semi many years ago that had a 13 speed roadranger tranny. Once I got it rolling (with the clutch) I could both upshift and down shift without the clutch. You COULD jam it into low or reverse without the clutch if you were fast and firm enough. Not recommended for a truck weighing 78,000 pounds. You can downshift without the clutch if you match the engine rpm with the ground speed of the bike (the gear you will be downshifting TO) without MUCH damage, but it isn't recommended as it tends to wear the leading edge of the teeth in the tranny. If the bike was intended to be driven without a clutch it wouldn't have one. I personally use the clutch for upshift AND downshift these days. I ain't riding a dirt bike now, I ride a cruiser.

Answer 4

Id just use the clutch it is hard on the transmission not to. I think you should notice it changes gears much better when you do use the clutch. Mine will shift without the clutch too but it does it alot harder.

Answer 5

Yes you can downshift without using the clutch.

You can also hit your engine with a baseball bat without breaking the cases, but why would you.

The clutch is there for a reason - use it.

Miss a shift, grind the gears, make a mistake and be prepared to pay for transmission repair.

Answer 6

Downshifting with no clutch can definitely harm your motor. Up shifting with no clutch is no problem as long as you unload the motor when you do it.  

Answer 7

using the clutch isn't a nessicity (it will still shift) but it's VERY bad on the transmission/engine.... the clutch is more or less there for preventative purposes, not out of nessicity to make shifting work.  

Answer 8

It is a habit that will cause chipping of the transmission's gear teeth.  Further, you risk damaging the chain sprockets, and the drive shaft splines could shear.  You will also sometimes see damage to the shift dogs. Seems like a heavy price to pay for not wanting to pull the clutch.

John