Is clutch-less shifting bad for your quad? I heard that it does. Is this true?

 

I've heard this for years and I've even done it on dirt bikes a few times way back,but imo even if you can time the shift points at at the "right" rpm,you're still putting stress on the transmission gears. But less wear on the clutch.. If you have money to burn Rekluse has auto clutches for atvs now. We installed several on Ktm dirt bikes and I was impressed.Impressed with how it worked and shocked at the price for them.Rekluse Releases Core EXP 3.0 Auto-Clutch for ATV Models - GNCC Racing

 

That's an interesting product I wasn't aware that existed. $899 isn't really that bad I guess. A YFZ 450 with an auto-clutch sounds like fun.

 

Not if you say it real quick it isn't at least for an old guy like me We had a back log for the Rekluse for the Ktm dirt bikes and people loved em.Prices are starting to come down for the dirt bikes a little like this one from ebay.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rekluse-Z-Start-Pro-Clutch-RMS-832-KTM-400XC-W-09-10-450-EXC-XCR-W-XC-W-530-/231661754199?hash=item35f01dd757&vxp=mtr 200 bucks cheaper than the ones for atvs,but who knows over time if they sell enough of them,prices would hopefully drop.

 

You can shift without the clutch on most models. The key is to be off throttle and not force it into gear. I only do it at the end of xc races when I am really tired. For just trail riding I wouldn't put the extra wear on the machine.

 

I guess one question I have about this system is does it replace the stock clutch or is it just an auxilary clutch that needs the original clutch to be functional to work. I could see finding a cheap YFZ on craigslist with a bad clutch and replacing it with one of these if this indeed is a replacement clutch and not just something you add to the clutch to eliminate having to pull the clutch lever.

 

Completely replaces the stock clutch. We sold them mainly to cross country and enduro riders that we supported through the shop. You can set them up to where you can over ride and use it as a manual clutch also. Just depends on setting. Most had it set to where the clutch lever was basically null and void,hard to even pull on a couple I tested out at our track behind the shop,but wouldn't lug down and stall out.Top notch product as well it should be for the amount of $ you had to shell out.Most riders remarked about less fatigue, able to concentrate better,faster times.

 

There are some downsides as well. You need to keep your parking brake intact, as the transmission will not hold the quad if you stop on a hill. Also riding through a lot of mud will burn the plates out prematurely. At least that is what guys I have known that run them say. They are a good product though, worth the money if you are suffering fatigue or have carpal tunnel, get arm pump, etc.