I just got a 2001 300ex and my buddy on a dirtbike told me you dont have to use the clutch to shift gears and I always have. He says the tranny is designed that way. Any info is appreciated

 

I would say use the clutch, I no people who used to shift there dirt bikes that way and it alwasy messed something up.

 

it really depends, on a bike street or dirt, as you shift up you can find that happy spot where the torque on the gears 0. Kinda like zero gravity. you can shift without the clutch and not harm a thing. However if you aren't able to realize that spot or just shift without letting off the gas, you can cause premature wear on the gears. On my warrior I find it very diffcult to find that spot. As a matter of fact I have resolved to use the clutch 9 out of 10.

 

Now come on guys, use common sense. If the clutch was not necessary, why do you think the manufacturer would have designed one for it?

Have you ever bought a television that had a control **** that served no purpose?

Heck, you can power shift just about any form of manual transmission. That still doesn't mean it was designed to handle it.

 

Even though the Honda transmissions are ultra smooth you will bend a shifting fork sooner or later if you don't use a clutch. Had to ride home yesterday with no clutch, cable broke, arrgghh.

 

Its your machine. When i race most of my upshifting is speed shifting .....aka...no clutch...but when i downshift there is always a clutch there......It can be done ... but as someone else said if it wasnt needed then why put it there. Its just FASTER and no missed gears for awsome Holeshots. I occassionally ride with a friend on a 98 300EX and he says he at times doesnt use it. I for one am not a 300EX owner so maybe my opinion doesnt mean much but thats my thought on it.


'86 250R
just about every mod possible

 

I agree, by not using the clutch you chance something breaking (shift forks most likely). I have the 400EX and in the beginning it shifted fine without using the clutch, but now it prefers me to use the clutch.

 

The clutch does a LOT more than shift gears.99% of riders havent a clue how to really use it right.Clutch is more important than throttle for getting traction/power to the ground.It takes a lot of skill and effort.Most riders can go a year or more without wearing out clutch.Pro racers have quick change side covers so they can change plates between moto's if they fry one.