Firstly - I am a big advocate of clutchless shifting, especially when you've got the hammer down and really want to crack on some power and speed. Clutchless shifting under this scenario does not upset the power train as much as using the clutch would - hence, smoother and faster acceleration. Game on.
Secondly - clutchless shifting, especially on the Ape (I have found) also hones your clutched shifting technique giving seamless clutched changes without issue. I've found the "throw" between gears on the Ape is a little longer than other bikes, using a clutchless "type" technique, even when using the clutch makes clutched shifting very smooth indeed.
So. What is the clutchless shifting technique? It is all very simple.
Firstly - load the gear shifter with your toe.
Do this while in gear and when you still have power on - you will feel resistance through the shifter.
Keep this positive pressure applied on the lever.
Next - give the throttle a momentary close.
You will not need to fully close the throttle - nowhere near it infact. Just a roll-off.
Make sure to keep the same amount of positive pressure on the shift lever throughout this throttle action - bang - the shift happens smoothly and cleanly.....done!
What is actually occurring in the transmission is that the clutch "dogs" which are engaged via torque and hold the gear position are momentarily released when you back off power, this allows the sequential gear box to slide into the next gear. Simple!
So do you clutch or no-clutch?
\BitSar
