How do you "clutch"

[maxtog]

Max,  I was just making a statement not an accusation.

No prob

I was saying that was the worst case of abuse, but even so however briefly the shift is done, it will cause more wear than using the clutch. It may be so minor as to make the whole thing an exercise in microns but the two gears have to be at the same speed and that is more efficient if the clutch separates the engine from input of the transmission.

I could agree with that.  But what I was saying is that using the clutch puts some wear on the clutch.  So which do you think is more total wear on the two systems combined?  Perfect (or consistently good) clutchless shifting or regular clutch shifting?

[stevewfl]

Many bikes come stock today with quick shifters already that bypass any hand clutch action.

Doesn't hurt anything.  Street or track. Do it, many of us do with no probs and mega-miles

[p07r0457]

After you master the dynamics and everything is working in harmony, it is almost second nature to upshift w/o the clutch, especially on a butter smooth unit like the C-14. Kawasaki's seem to upshift so smoothly with no effort; the Yamaha's and Honda's always seem a little more clunky. Downshifting w/o a clutch is more of a chore, and I'm not as comfortable doing that unless in an emergency. Been doing this 45 years with cars, bikes, and tractors with nary a clutch replacement ever.

My bike must be different.  I've found the transmission to be very clunky compared to my Hondas.  Both of my Hondas had very smooth transmissions.  I think that's been the hardest thing to adjust to on my C14...  The clutch is great, but the shifter is not smooth, at all.

[stevewfl]

My bike must be different.  I've found the transmission to be very clunky compared to my Hondas.  Both of my Hondas had very smooth transmissions.  I think that's been the hardest thing to adjust to on my C14...  The clutch is great, but the shifter is not smooth, at all.

you may want to have that peeked at, both my old ZX14 and C14 shift like butter. almost scary smooth

[wroman]

 Max, since I have never worn out a clutch on anything I have driven, and since the clutch is pretty easy to get to I would much rather do a clutch.  But if careful either method should provide safety.  I spent 20 years in car service with BMW and M-B and I have seen it all. 

[jimmymac]

My bike must be different.  I've found the transmission to be very clunky compared to my Hondas.  Both of my Hondas had very smooth transmissions.  I think that's been the hardest thing to adjust to on my C14...  The clutch is great, but the shifter is not smooth, at all.

Move your shifter down.

[AZBob]

Though I am sure you can do it without damaging anything, I'm not sure what you gain.

The shift is smoother and faster when done correctly. Not a huge gain.

[PH14]

you may want to have that peeked at, both my old ZX14 and C14 shift like butter. almost scary smooth

They become buttery smooth after shifting without the clutch for a while.

[Daytona_Mike]

Many bikes come stock today with quick shifters already that bypass any hand clutch action.

Doesn't hurt anything.  Street or track. Do it, many of us do with no probs and mega-miles

Steve is correct. I ride clutch-less up and down on all my bikes, KLR650, C10- with over 110k miles, C14 and the Gsxr1000 track bike. Never an issue including bikes I owned in the past.
My old Eddie Lawson Replica shifted butter smooth.
I recently broke my wrist and have been riding any chance I can. It hurts like heck at stop lights  and starting out from a  stop but after that  I go clutchless.
 I   can shift  smoother without than with the clutch. Maybe it takes practice or maybe it is not meant for everyone.
I would feel silly on track days using the clutch all the time. My hand would fall off after 2 days of track time.

[PH14]

I recently broke my wrist and have been riding any chance I can. It hurts like heck at stop lights  and starting out from a  stop but after that  I go clutchless.

I did the same many years ago. I had an accident and crushed my left wrist, the index finger knuckle and broke the thumb at the joint all on the left hand. Needless to say, I had a bit of problem with the clutch for a while. I would use it of course to get going but went clutchless for everything else. Works fine.

[maxtog]

My old Eddie Lawson Replica shifted butter smooth.

ZRX!  That was my last bike (and the correct color too, Kawasaki green)   And the shifter felt just like the C14.

I can shift  smoother without than with the clutch.

Me too

[ZG]

the correct color too, Kawasaki green

Finally!!! After 3320 posts Max finally says something I agree with... 

[maxtog]

Finally!!! After 3320 posts Max finally says something I agree with... 

Give me a break!

Anyway, here she is (or was)....

[Daytona_Mike]

No not the ZRX.. The REAL ELR. mine was the last air cooled model in 1984- 1100
Like this one. It was THE bike to have back then.  A V-Max could not keep up with mine. ( I had some work done to it.)
Eddie lawson Kz1100r Gpz1100 b1 kz1000r

I even had the fancy gold chain to match the rims. I miss that bike.
http://tinyurl.com/lhxb56c

[maxtog]

No not the ZRX.. The REAL ELR. mine was the last air cooled model in 1984- 1100
Like this one.

Neat

[connie14boy]

Max, you da man! I almost bought an ELR last year, but the guy would not budge from an outrageous asking price. I also have an original '74 Z-1B that ruled the road back in the day. It still starts with 1 kick- that's right, 1 kick ( or push button). That bike is bulletproof and I survived somehow..

[jimmymac]

Max, you da man! I almost bought an ELR last year, but the guy would not budge from an outrageous asking price. I also have an original '74 Z-1B that ruled the road back in the day. It still starts with 1 kick- that's right, 1 kick ( or push button). That bike is bulletproof and I survived somehow..

How about some pics? Coffin fuel tank?

[ZG]

No not the ZRX.. The REAL ELR. mine was the last air cooled model in 1984- 1100
Like this one. It was THE bike to have back then.  A V-Max could not keep up with mine. ( I had some work done to it.)
Eddie lawson Kz1100r Gpz1100 b1 kz1000r

I even had the fancy gold chain to match the rims. I miss that bike.
http://tinyurl.com/lhxb56c

Sweet!