Do you need to use the clutch when upshifting a motorcycle?
2 Answers
Motorcycle upshifting requires the use of the clutch. Introduction to shifting gears while riding a motorcycle: It mainly depends on the current vehicle condition. If it is an upshifting process, gear changes can be achieved entirely by controlling the throttle. However, if it is a downshifting process, the clutch must be used. Otherwise, at the very least, there will be a noticeable jerk, and in severe cases, gear grinding may occur. Therefore, the operation varies depending on the driving conditions. Introduction to the motorcycle clutch: The motorcycle clutch is a buffer device in the power transmission process. Its main function is to transmit and cut off power transmission. Under normal circumstances, the clutch must be used when starting the vehicle or shifting gears, as this ensures a smoother shifting process.
I've been riding motorcycles for over a decade, and I used to struggle with this when I first started learning. You must pull in the clutch to upshift—it's not like a bicycle. A motorcycle's transmission needs the power disconnected to shift gears, otherwise, the gears will clunk and grind, which is heartbreaking. Especially when the engine is cold, you need to pull the clutch all the way in; shifting becomes smoother once the engine warms up. At a red light, you definitely need to pull in the clutch to upshift, or the bike might suddenly lurch forward—don’t ask how I know. Veteran riders might occasionally rev-match upshift without the clutch, but that’s because they’ve mastered their bike’s behavior. Beginners should never try this—the cost of repairing the transmission could cover half a year’s worth of fuel.
