How a motorcycle transmission works

20bshawn

20bshawn

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Hi guys I was just wondering if anyone can give a clear explanation of how a motorcycle transmission works or even better have a link to something like this "http://auto.howstuffworks.com/rotary-engine4.htm". I have searched everywhere but I can't find anything clear enough. I use to be a mechanic so you don't need to be too specific. Basically I've been doing some research on motorcycles for a while and the way you can shift gears without holding the clutch has left me dumbfounded. Thanks for your help
 
20bshawn said:
Basically I've been doing some research on motorcycles for a while and the way you can shift gears without holding the clutch has left me dumbfounded.
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You can but it's really hard on the gear dogs.
 
Second that!
 
RetroGrouch said:
You can but it's really hard on the gear dogs.
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That's very debatable. Several bikes now come stock with Quickshifters and are harsher than Doing clutch less upshifts on bikes w/o a quickshifter.
I have personally never had a problem with a bike transmission even though most shifts are clutch less.
 
RetroGrouch said:
You can but it's really hard on the gear dogs.
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Disagree. If you're clutchless shifting properly (ie. not forcing it), the dogs will be no worse for wear.
 
Half the time I'm shifting gears on my mx bike, I'm at WOT and near red line with no clutch, or as I'm clearing a jump. Rest of the time it's hold the throttle open, slip the clutch and grab the next gear.
Lots of guys ride this way, and a blown transmission is rare.
 
Scary said:
Disagree. If you're clutchless shifting properly (ie. not forcing it), the dogs will be no worse for wear.
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I think the point is that even if you're doing it properly, using the clutch properly will wear the gears less (even if it's just marginally less).

On that note, does anyone have any pointers for clutchless shifting? I have it down pact maybe like 98-99% but I'm just looking to get it to the point where I can say that it's just as good as shifting with the clutch
 
knowledge said:
I think the point is that even if you're doing it properly, using the clutch properly will wear the gears less (even if it's just marginally less).

On that note, does anyone have any pointers for clutchless shifting? I have it down pact maybe like 98-99% but I'm just looking to get it to the point where I can say that it's just as good as shifting with the clutch
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If you've got it 99% I doubt pointers will help get you 100% (whatever the gauge of success happens to be)

Preload the shifter, relax the throttle a tiny bit, and push up into gear. Works much the same for downshifting. When you relax the throttle you're basically doing what the clutch would do anyway... take the load off. You can rev match the downshift too if you time the throttle input right before the lower gear engages.
 
mmmnaked said:
If you've got it 99% I doubt pointers will help get you 100% (whatever the gauge of success happens to be)

Preload the shifter, relax the throttle a tiny bit, and push up into gear. Works much the same for downshifting. When you relax the throttle you're basically doing what the clutch would do anyway... take the load off. You can rev match the downshift too if you time the throttle input right before the lower gear engages.
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Gahh...thanks. I was afraid you'd say that. I guess all I need is more time. I only ever really do it when I'm going WOT through my gears. But since I'm trying to stop riding aggressively, I'm doing it less and les
 
knowledge said:
Gahh...thanks. I was afraid you'd say that. I guess all I need is more time. I only ever really do it when I'm going WOT through my gears. But since I'm trying to stop riding aggressively, I'm doing it less and les
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TSK...TSK...TSK.......the throttle should be used as a on/off switch......WOT for ON....OFF when its sitting in the garage ;)!
 
You can shift up and down without the clutch at any speed, its all about timing and technique...When done properly the gears mesh just the same as when you pull in the clutch. It takes time to learn each bikes transmissions characteristics so you can do it smoothly without damage, but the point is weather you unload the output shaft with pulling the clutch, or a slick throttle blip, meshing is meshing...And you can get the gears to mesh smoothly either way

On the track the RPM's and speeds are so high, I use the clutch to get going and stop, 80% of the rest of my shifts up and down were clutchless
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