Clutch - downshifting

[Daf]

Hi,

Was just reading Gary Semics' tip for MX riding on another forum. One of which was not to use the clutch when down shifting. While I certainly don't doubt Mr. Semics' knowledge or experience I can't shake the instinctive need to clutch on any shift ... I get visions of gear shavings and gnashing in the gearbox.

Any thoughts on this? Hard on the gearbox or not? Professional technique or good all around riding practice?

Thanks
Daf

 

[High Lord Gomer]

Pulling the clutch has to make downshfting a little easier on the transmission and clutch components. Is it enough to matter? I'll defer to Mr. Semics since he is one of, if not the, most respected names in MX training.

Personally, I'm usually on the brakes when I'm downshifting. If I'm on the brakes, I also have the clutch pulled. After stalling a few 4 strokes without auto-compression releases I got into the habit of using the clutch every time I hit the brakes.

 

[rmc_olderthandirt]

If I am downshifting because I want to slow down I will use the clutch.

If I am downshifting because I need more torque so that I won't slow down I will often do it without the clutch. Sometimes that split second of clutch can cause you to lose your momentum going up the hill.

It is definately harder on the gearbox so I don't do it unless I need it.

Rod

 

[fatcat216]

Here's just a few of the other threads exploring this same question.


http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=163745

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=157634

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=98756

Here's a real oldy:

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=15347

and

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=148819

Besides these- Buried within other DRN threads are lots of other experiences and testimonials if you care to search a teeny bit and ferret a whole lot.

As to the last thread listed above, if you want to do some non dirtbike reading on effective throttle use and control, I would recommend reading some Keith Code at the Superbike forum. It is well written, and explores further some of the concepts presented in the last thread. A search of DRN will provide some dirt specific throttle use (going into turns for instance- brake/downshift/throttle and clutch control.)

As to hard on gear box- been answered, but a search of the tech forum wouldn't hurt a bit. You'll find some good stuff with your curiosity.

 

[Daf]

Wow! You guys (DRN) have discussed just about everything at some point! Sorry I didn't search better - thanks for the links!!

Daf

 

[fatcat216]

My pleasure daf. I love rummaging around.

Yeah- these guys have been around a long time, and are quite knowledgeable AND dedicated to sharing that knowledge. I like to see conversations continued/resurrected though, because things/thoughts change. Plus I like hearing people's personal experiences or rereading their old musings.

 

[Todthebod]

As long as there is no load on the motor you won't hurt anything not using the clutch upshifting or downshifting. If you're in the throttle then blip the clutch when you upshift. If you're in the throttle when you're downshifting then you have problems.