How to Shift Gears on a Motorcycle without a Clutch – A Short Guide

My motorcycle is my best companion during all the camping ventures. I have explored several areas, and I have been riding it without using any clutch. You might be asking the question about how to shift gears on a motorcycle without a clutch? The simple answer to your question is you can quickly shift the motorcycles without a clutch. Shifting gears without clutches has been famously known as downshifting. If you are a qualified motorcycle rider, these terms might sound familiar.

To make you understand the answer to this question, we have primarily written this short blog for you, covering the basic steps which will enable you to shift the gears on your motorcycle without needing a clutch. All you have to do is closely follow the steps outlined here, and you will be able to shift gear without clutch with ease. Here we go with the important details in this regard!

All About Shifting Gears on a Motorcycle without a Clutch

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Brief Account

Several motorcyclists prefer using the clutch-less method for gear shifting. The first reason they do is that they don’t waste time changing gear. Perhaps, you might be an avid racer, and thus, you have this question popping in your mind, i.e., how to shift gears on a motorcycle without a clutch? On the other hand, there is also a possibility that you want to shift gears smoothly and in a hassle-free manner.

Steps in Downshifting Gears

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The excellent news is shifting gears without a clutch is not harmful to your motorcycle. However, you need to follow the proper steps in doing the downshifting of the gears. If you are curious about these steps, then there are no worries because the upcoming sections will help you understand these. Therefore, please continue reading to know more about how to do so without a clutch!

Step 1

In the first step of the gear downshifting, you should start by pulling the lever located on the clutch in the inward direction. If you do so, then you will have glitch-free and improved shifting. Also, in this way, you will be considering reducing the chances of the wearing and tearing of your motorcycle.

Step2

After completing the first step, you can continue by quickly pulling the brakes. In this regard, we strongly recommend you to use both brakes, and besides, your right hand must be managing the throttle. Also, your hand should be controlling the lever located on the brake. In this regard, it is better to use the index and middle fingers so that you can efficiently pull the brakes of your motorcycle.

Step 3

In the next step, you will be required to change the new gear. In this regard, it is always recommended to do downshifting of the single gear. Also, you may choose the first gear to do so. If you feel, you may also get the middle ground. In this scenario, selecting the motorcycle’s gear is significantly associated with your present situation. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have chosen the right gear.

Step 4

After completing the steps that we have just suggested, we recommend you continue by utilizing the specific sets of fingers for controlling the motorcycle’s throttle. This set of fingers includes a thumb, ring, and small finger. If it is easier for you, you may use only two fingers to manage your throttle if it is easier for you. At the same time, the other fingers can be used to effectively manage the brakes. This is dependent upon your comfort level.

It is better to start employing the throttle marked by 50% of the total return. However, this is also a situation-dependent step where your comfortability is the priority. Another mention-worthy feature in this regard is that your engine’s speed is higher when you are using the lower gear. Therefore, you need to apply for matching the speed with the throttle. In case of slowing down for stopping, we strongly recommend you close the throttle.

Step 5

You should carefully release your motorcycle’s clutch in the final step of changing gear without the clutch. However, before this, you need to release the brakes. While doing so, your management of the throttle needs to be good. If you follow these steps closely, then, as a result, you will enjoy smoother downshifting without harming the transmission of your motorcycle.

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FAQs

Can frequent gear shifts without clutch harm the motorcycle’s transmission?

When it comes to the clutchless shifting of the gear of a motorcycle, then you will see different individuals sharing different experiences and opinions. Some say that gear shifting without a clutch can harm the motorcycle’s transmission, while some expert bikers do not use the clutch for gear shifting, and they are defending it. In short, if you follow the proper steps, then you will not see this practice harming your motorcycle’s transmission.

What rotations per minute (RPM) are the most suitable for shifting gears?

The experts in this field are of the opinion that you should always use a range of 3000 to 5000 rotations per minute (RPM) so that you can enjoy a smoother and glitch-free ride. However, if you use a motorcycle consistently, this RPM might not be that productive. In this case, you need to check the sounds of your bike and then change the rotations per minute level.

Is it safe for the motorcyclist to shift the gears without using a clutch?

The answer to this question can be both yes and no. It can be safe if you are an experienced motorcyclist. Even in that case, you need to follow the proper steps. However, if you are just a beginner at shifting gears, then we do not recommend you to try downshifting because it can harm you and your motorcycle.

Final Thoughts

With this section, we have arrived after the short guide on the gear shifting method without clutches. After reading this guide, we hope you will be in a better position to understand all the facts related to clutchless gear shifting. We strongly suggest you follow the steps carefully shared with you.

Thank you for reading this short guide till the end. We will be glad to see your comments, suggestions, and experiences in the feedback section. Therefore, don’t forget to share them with us. Thank you and take care!