clutchless downshifting

[Mickwitchy]

Hey guys,

Heard about doing this a while back (I think it might've even been twist of the wrist 1) and just recently decided to give it a go. Seems to work quite well if you have good wrist control. I've been blipping while downshifting for a while, however I have always used clutch. I like doing it clutchless since it requires much less of a throttle blip, and it leaves your left hand firmly placed on the bar the whole time.

I just wanted to get some feedback from people including experienced track day riders and racers if possible on any potential hardware damage/other cons associated with downshifting this way.

Any info appreciated.

Cheers,

Mick

[Wattie]

I do it on the road. but on track I tend to pull the clutch in bang the gears (1, 2 or 3) and drop the clutch and let the slipper do its thing.
If I don't have a slipper (dirt bike) I do the same but I moderate the clutch to make my own slipper.

[Mickwitchy]

So you don't blip at all on the track?

[Wattie]

Nope. Have slipper, no need

[Wattie]

http://youtu.be/blcqlaCw6us

[Mickwitchy]

Man that thing backs into turns like nobody's business ha ha. Not sure I'd have the skill to control it downshifting that way...

You say you clutchless downshift on the street, so I guess there's no dramas with hurting the bike?

[Jonno]

http://youtu.be/4BGare6iLGI

like the braking squiggle into turn 2 and the bike @51sec

[Wattie]

Yeah, the Wakefield vid I was using an old hard slick.
It was great for backing it in. But also bad getting on the gas early.

The eastern creek vid was on FX control tyres so much more grip

[ZX9R Man]

I'm not sure why you want to do this on the street ? Won't the use of no clutch affect control ?
I think for a street scenario, it is absolutely ridiculous.
For a G.P. race or similar, yes perhaps. Squiggle on braking is fantastic to watch and just goes to show what lengths these riders are willing to go to indicate the need to go faster and faster and faster and faster and faster an---=-=-r--r3=t-q===
faster !!!!! !

How much lighter and faster do we need to go ??
Shhit. What happened to when it was all about rider skill and not necessarily how fast the machine was ?
R.I.P. Barry Sheene #7 (with the cross bar in the 7).

[tim]

Not everyone has the same attitude, ability, level of experience or hardware as you, so what you think doesn't apply to everyone else. Your opinion is just that

I'm not sure why you want to do this on the street ? Won't the use of no clutch affect control ?
I think for a street scenario, it is absolutely ridiculous.
For a G.P. race or similar, yes perhaps. Squiggle on braking is fantastic to watch and just goes to show what lengths these riders are willing to go to indicate the need to go faster and faster and faster and faster and faster an---=-=-r--r3=t-q===
faster !!!!! !

How much lighter and faster do we need to go ??
Shhit. What happened to when it was all about rider skill and not necessarily how fast the machine was ?
R.I.P. Barry Sheene #7 (with the cross bar in the 7).

[Glen]

Clutch is there for a reason. I kind of reckon the manufacturers probably know best and it seems like a waste of money if you don't use it. If you can't manage the bike while you pull the clutch in and blip the throttle to down change you should probably be riding a scooter.

Twist of the wrist is written by a bunch of masturbation marketers who want to make you feel like a superbike racer. It's all a wank and really....on the road....who cares.

Cynical old fart signs off..........

[Wattie]

You're right Glen.
Imagine how hard it would be to start and stop without a clutch.

[ZX9R Man]

+1
In addition, I wouldn't like to buy a streeter from someone who doesn't use a clutch.
Sorry, but I constitute this as abuse.
Standard bikes no.
Take your pick.

[Wattie]

What do you think quick shifters do?
And auto blippers?

[Mickwitchy]

What? You guys don't just force the shift lever until it goes into gear (or snaps off)?