"Why can't you use clutchless gear changes on a buell?" thread in "Motorbike Chat"
My mate is lending me his Lightning while he flys south for the winter and he's told me that your not meant to use clutchless ...

My mate is lending me his Lightning while he flys south for the winter and he's told me that your not meant to use clutchless gear changes on them.
Is it something to do with it being a belt drive? what would happen if I did try?

Cos of the crappy Harley gearbox

You aren't meant to do them on any modern motorcycle. That's why they provide you with a clutch.

Whether you can or not is a different matter.

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Nowt to do with the belt drive, I've done clutchless up and down shifts on a bike with a belt.

As Adam says though, using the clutch is better.

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MC011

that is like saying...

i have a mouth to eat with but can i stuff the food up my arse...

just use your mouth

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18 and going for it...

Not even slightly.

Should I swallow food whole or chew it with the teeth I am provided with would be closer.

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good point...

but i duno im not really paying attention im waiting for the call so i can pick up my new broom broom

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18 and going for it...

You got a job then? Well done!


What's already been said about clutches being there for a reason, nothing of use to add.

Could someone explain why you aren't 'supposed' to perform clutchless gear changes? I'm not saying you should, I just wanna know what the argument is. Who says you're not supposed to?

I tend to ride shafties - they lurch all over the place if you don't use the clutch.

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MC011

Those are all general argument against clurchless gear changes. I got the impression that there was a specific one against clurchless gear changes on a buell.

I've never had problems with clutchless upshifts on any bike, whether chain / belt or shaft driven.

Not much point on road, though, and it's bound to wear the gearbox more than clutched changes.

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Token bauble:

Bah humbug.

I never quite understood the point of clutchless shifting I mean I tried it just to give it a go (only when shifting up though) didn't seem clunky or to stress the gearbox out in any way so I guess it is okay to do. I find using the clutch seems fine though.

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Life's too short to dance with fat chicks.

^Might be the right answer even if it did just appear to be a piss take.

AFAIK gearboxes generally being pleasant enough for regular clutchless changes is a relatively modern thing?

Yes cos it specifically says not to in the user handbook, same as it does for most bikes.

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