How To Make Clutchless Upshifts On Any Motorcycle
You dont need fancy technology
Remember when having a quick-shifter on a production motorcycle was a Big Deal? Now, the top-of-the-line bikes have both upshifting and downshifting covered with the auto-blipping throttles. So, where does that leave those of us with unassisted shifting on our motorcycles? Do we have to go buy gadgets like a HealTech Quick Shifter Easy? Of course, the answer is no. You just need to perform proper clutchless upshifts, like performance riders did for generations before quick-shifters became available. When it comes to downshifting, you’ll still have to use the tried-and-true method of matching the engine speed with the throttle while you manipulate the clutch.
MO Tested: HealTech Quick Shifter Easy
Before we dive into the upshifting technique, some of you may be wondering why anyone who doesn’t ride a sporty bike would care about clutchless upshifts. I first started using this technique when dragstrip testing cruisers but soon found that the technique was particularly useful for smaller-displacement bikes in urban traffic. Clutchless upshifts take less time and, consequently, means you can spend more time on the gas when you want to pull away from a stop light. Now, I use the technique on all bikes when the situation for acceleration is required – even fourth- or fifth-gear passing scenarios.
The theory behind a clutchless upshift is that, under acceleration, if you quickly roll the throttle off and then back on, the cogs in the transmission are momentarily unloaded which makes for the perfect time to shift gears. Since timing is important, it’s best to begin with slightly preloading the shift lever by nudging it upward. When you rapidly roll the throttle off and back on, the transmission will snick into place one gear higher just as it would with the clutch disengaged. As you gain skill in this technique, you’ll naturally find yourself beginning to perform the gear change and throttle adjustment simultaneously.
Some people will wonder if preloading the shifter and letting the engine bump up against the rev-limiter will achieve the same result. The short answer is that yes, it will, but that technique won’t necessarily result in the fastest acceleration times. For the slightly longer explanation, take a look at dyno charts to see how most engines begin to drop in power before they hit their limiter. Ideally, you’ll want to upshift right at the engine’s peak so that the bike continues to accelerate at its maximum rate.
Now, go find some open road and practice your clutchless upshifts. It’ll be a nice tool to have in your riding kit when the situation arises.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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Just work on being a better rider. The cagers do not care how you shift.
Funny, I discovered this on my own decades ago and had been doing this not only on the bike but in some of my 4 wheel vehicles. I had assumed it wasn't good for it so I don't do it as much, but now I will start doing it again.