Power Shifting

I'm just wondering if you power shift on a two stroke, does that put more wear on the clutch, more wear on the gears, what? Is it bad to power shift? What will you have to replace more often on doing so? I've always power shifting on my KTM 125SX but if it ruins something, then I won't do it as much, thank you.

Well, recently I have learned that rm's can shift under full load, without clutch and without letting off the throttle and it doesn't hurt it. I have always used the clutch or if i needed or wanted to power shift i would chop the throttle. But recently I have been experimenting with this. I love it, its great for the holeshot, or if i really need to get it moving in a hurry.

Now This type of shifting cant be done with any other type of bike that I know of.

But normal powershifting is helpfull. As long as you know when the best time to do it is. There is a guy at my shop that powershifts almost always unless he is starting it, or for the starts. He pulled the tranny and checked all the gears after one year and he said they all looked great and looked just like his other customers gears (that cluch shift).

I use the clutch sometimes when shifting (when i'm not in a big hurry or of i'm desert racing) But for mx style track riding i don't use te clutch much, and my lap times are better.

It doesn't matter what you do, it is highly debated but i use both methods.

Well, I ALWAYS use the clutch, but my question is, do I have to let off the throttle while pulling in the clutch to shift up a gear? Is that bad on it? I always use the clutch, I never like to shift without the clutch, I just... don't feel comfortable when doing it.

KTMRoost wrote:

Well, I ALWAYS use the clutch, but my question is, do I have to let off the throttle while pulling in the clutch to shift up a gear? Is that bad on it? I always use the clutch, I never like to shift without the clutch, I just... don't feel comfortable when doing it.

you should be able to just give the clutch a quick flick and not need to let off.

Grizzly600 wrote:

Well, recently I have learned that rm's can shift under full load, without clutch and without letting off the throttle and it doesn't hurt it. I have always used the clutch or if i needed or wanted to power shift i would chop the throttle. But recently I have been experimenting with this. I love it, its great for the holeshot, or if i really need to get it moving in a hurry.

Now This type of shifting cant be done with any other type of bike that I know of.

Wrong. My bike powershifts! But only when I run ATF Type F gear oil?! It will not powershift any other way. I like it actually, like you said Grizz, it's great for the holeshot and when you need to grab a gear quickly.

it wears the clutch yes but ur suppose to change ur clutch every 4 weeks or so any wyas

alaskamotocross17 wrote:

it wears the clutch yes but ur suppose to change ur clutch every 4 weeks or so any wyas

Yea right, I'm not gunna change my clutch out ever 4 weeks, are you kidding me! One, I can't afford it, and two, theres not reason too unless you ride supercross/arenacross, and that I don't do.

Alaska, think before you post.

It wears your clutch? How? the clutch is never slipped or touched when powershifting. It doesn't do anything to the clutch.

4 weeks? HOW? I have been running almost two seasons on my clutch plates. The only time you need to change them is when they start to slip. Mine still haven't started slipping.

Derek wrote:

Alaska, think before you post.

It wears your clutch? How? the clutch is never slipped or touched when powershifting. It doesn't do anything to the clutch.

4 weeks? HOW? I have been running almost two seasons on my clutch plates. The only time you need to change them is when they start to slip. Mine still haven't started slipping.

Well wait a minute, I don't think you know what I'm asking. I'm asking, if you shift, USING THE CLUTCH, but you DON'T let off the gas, what will that do? I ALWAYS use the clutch, so I'm not asking that, what I'm asking is, if you are in a certain gear and are getting to the end of the gear but your still on the gas, can you shift, USING THE CLUTCH, without letting off the gas? I always do that, and what I'm asking is, what will that put more wear and tear on?

Gotcha, but it still doesn't hurt the clutch or bike. Not a bit.

That's pretty much how I shift. (Although I shift less now with the 250.) Gas on, blip the clutch as I shift up. I have never had any problems with any of my bikes. Back in my 80's days, I think we replaced the clutch every 6 months or so if I had been racing and riding a lot.

KRS

Personally I'm slower when powershifting through gears, I use the pull to my advantage.

Sven, it changes from person to person I think. I haven't ridden a track and powershifted, so I couldn't tell you. I have ridden trails and powershifted, I honestly didn't notice a HUGE difference. There was some, but I didn't think it helped much.

One thing I want someone to explain to me is why they are replacing clutch plates before they are worn? Clutch plates fucntion the exact same way until they reach their limit and start slipping. I have been on this clutch pack for almost 2 seasons and it's still running strong.

Yeah, that's what I have noticed as well.

Why people replace them before they're toast I don't know either. I suppose the clutch fades in and out but then it's time to replace them, but before it is noticeable I don't know either.

Shifting without the clutch is called HARD SHIFTING.