The Tactic Of Speed Shifting

[duke]

I was wondering if the tactic of speed shifting, basically acclerating through the gears without backing off the throttle, is harmful to a KDX tranny. Its a common ploy used in racing MX and hare scrambles. I would reserve its use to those rare instances when I plan venturing to a vet track or racing friends along the fire roads.

 

[_JOE_]

Just tap the clutch when you shift and you won't have to worry.

 

[james.keaton]

my '89 has always been speed shifted...no problems yet

 

[julien_d]

the kdx tranny is your regular constant mesh type. Speed shifting should have no ill effect until that one time you miss the shift and hear it GRIIIINDDDD. As long as you are good at it, it shouldn't cause a problem. My fingers are always on the clutch anyway, so I almost always use it.

 

[23jayhawk]

I know this makes me older than Methuselah, but I recall reading an article by Gunnar Lindstrom in Dirt Bike somewhere around 1974 or so on shifting. Basically, he said you never touch the clutch on an upshift, just WFO but you back off the throttle for a split second just as you shift, which helps the gears slide into position. Really just enough to unload the pressure on the face of the gears and then back on the gas.

 

[sr5bidder]

i only use the clutch for starting out or feathering for power and some downshifts when the engine is loaded

 

[duke]

Thanks all. BTW, check out the latest issue of Dirt Rider for a small write up on the KDX; They site the bike's merits and deem a good value today

 

[Bezoar]

Which month is the KDX article in? I could not find it.

 

[mudpack]

speed shifting, basically acclerating through the gears without backing off the throttle

That would be my definition of power shifting.
Shifting quickly, while using the clutch; I call speed shifting.

Shifting without backing off the throttle AND not using the clutch is nearly impossible with constant-mesh gearboxes.

Will power shifting hurt the gearbox? It won't do it any good, but you probably won't experience failure because you do it(properly).

Mud

 

[KDX AL]

Ha Ha Ha Ha

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

I have never slammed it into gear, a gentle nudge on the shifter/or you can keep pressure on it, and ever slight, almost imperceptible twitch of the throttle, and bam, its like greased lightening. Especially good in loose/slick terrain. And of course its more abusive to the trans. Anything faster or better, means a shorter engine life. Oh well?

 

[domino dave]

I love it when I am "at one" with my machine ... When I am , who needs a clutch?? My old "E" model has no tranny(or clutch) problems thus far ... Enjoy

 

[_JOE_]

Which month is the KDX article in? I could not find it.

August......pg. 81

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

I love it when I am "at one" with my machine ... When I am , who needs a clutch?? My old "E" model has no tranny(or clutch) problems thus far ... Enjoy

I know where you are at! The last 30 some years, its never failed me. You just KNOW!

 

[zeerx]

KDX transmissions are tough. I'm dancing all day on the shifter without the clutch. Just shut the gas off for an instant as you shift. :nod:

 

[duke]

Thanks all. I would reserve the tactic for those rare instances where ego kicks in and the need to get there first is of paramount importance...LOL

 

[mudpack]

I'm not even sure it helps acceleration: just seems to spin the tire for a bit instead of hooking up.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

I believe it spins the tire less than using the clutch. Done properly, you do not hear the rpm change hardly at all.