Gear Changing

Hi, just out of intrest do you need to use the clutch while shifting up through the gears?

thanks  

yes you do  
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07 kx450f

Ok thanks, just alot of people say when your racing and stuff you dont really need to use it  

sometimes its not safe to take a finger or two off the bar to use the clutch. for example if you're in a really rutted section or rocky section. whatever the case is. sometimes i'll be wheeling threw a section and i need to shift and i wont use my clutch. it wont hurt the bike if its done every once in a great while but it's not something you should do regularly on any level. i think i shift with out a clutch maybe twice in a 6 hour ride.
hope that helps.  
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07 kx450f

I am unsafe situation such as Craig mentioned and often when racing you have to shift without the clutch, especially on a 2 stroke. But it is not a good thing to do. What are you riding?  
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"Every time I start thinking the world is all bad, then I start seeing some people out there having fun on motorcycles. It makes me take another look." -Steve McQueen

Ahh thanks for the help guys, i wont be changing gears for a while any way (clutch cable has snapped)!

Im riding a 2001 CR 125  

I don't use it a lot. I've heard arguments both ways, but if you shift it right, and pay attention to your rpms, then I haven't seen any evidence of it hurting the bike  
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The Idle of a 500 2 stroke is Akin to the Devils Heartbeat


I'm not afraid of the dark, I own the NITEMARE that lurks within.

Ahh right, I spose the rpms will have to be reasonably high then?  

I have a 2stroke so my rpms are always at a high level. I rarely use my clutch to shift up when I'm riding in racing conditions. My clutch is mainly for braking and corners, lol. If I'm on a Sunday cruise up a mountain or on a logging road then yes I use my clutch quite frequently. Never heard anybody say it's too hard on the bike not to use the clutch, nor had any bad experiences......  
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Trev
2008 YZ250

this also makes ridin wheelies easyer :P  
quad guys get rid of the training wheelies man up and ride a dirtbike

Hello,im getting a dirt bike for christmas and i need some advice,while going up/down on a dirt bike will you have to use the clutch while changing gear like a car?if you do reply i would really appreciate.  

This topic has been covered many times before.  I wrote this answer a couple of years ago and I still stand by it today.

The clutch is there for a reason.  Use it!  Experienced riders who know how and when can shift without clutching.  Any other time a bike is shifted without a clutch causes a lot of wear on the transmission, and excess forcess on the crank and its bearings.  Pro don't use the clutch a lot because they are looking for every little millisecond around a track.  They don't pay for their bikes, and their engines are torn down and rebuilt after every race.  We the paying hobbiest riders don't have that privilage.

When and how to shift without clutching.

It's okay to shift up when there is no load on the engine. (not acclerating or decelerating)  Shifting down at any time should employ the use of a clutch.
Find a nice long relatively flat trail or field.  Start off by speeding up nicely (not pulling a holeshot) as you speed up put light pressure on the shifter.  As the bikes speed starts to flatten out it will shift with what feels like an automatic.  Repeat until you can do that without thinking.  Then start practising your holeshots.  You will find you go through the gears in half the time and will probably be going so fast you'll blow the turn.  

On a track you really want to use the clutch more often (only talking about shifting here.  Turns and slipping should be covered later).  There will be fewer missed shifts and false neutrals.  Either could lead to a ride in the meat wagon if done before a jump.  

Bill H.
Temperance, Mi
2000 CR250R
1991 YZ125

so will i have to keep the clutch down while changing gear up/down like a car? yes or no  

me only 10 so no dumbass messages  

My advice is to always use your clutch when shifting.  It will be less stress on your engine.

I try and treat everyone on this board with the same respect I expect in return.  No matter your age or knowledge of bikes.  We all have to learn somehow and sometime. Feel free to keep asking questions until you do understand.  

Bill H.
Temperance, Mi
2000 CR250R
1991 YZ125