125-200cc WR125 Clutch, No Clutch

When taking Shane Watts clinic a couple weeks ago, he encourage all of us not to use the clutch while shifting and down shifting. Would this add any extra wear to the tranny? His idea was to safe energy in your hands and forearms. Thanks.

WR Bob

Shane's advice is good. I skip the clutch as often as possible, saving my clutch hand for the ugly-tight stick farms when I really need it. I hand an enduro once when I had to stop for several minutes in a timed tight section because my clutch hand just wouldn't pull the clutch in anymore. Save it for when you need it. Of course, you could just get an auto clutch...

Like Woods Chick I have no hard evidence. You have got to figure not using the clutch is harder on a bunch of things. Those aluminum fingers on the clutch basket the segmented outer parts of the friction plates contact might be the first thing to come to mind. Somewhere I heard if you ride the 250 two strokes hard you really need the Hinson basket. I also notice top riders when you see pictures of them seem to ride with one finger on the levers.

If is informative in any way, I have had a 1998 wr125 since new, use tractor transmission and hydraulic fluid don't change it all that often, don't bang downshifts or really ever ride hard for more than a couple of seconds and am pretty sure I have not taken the cover over on that side off. I did have to change the shift shaft real early on but think that didn't need that cover off. How is Shane physically? I seem to recall reading he had a crash and surgery.

Fran

No clutch here also...since taking Shane's school BTW.

I slip it on my roadbikes and dirtbikes downshifting- every darn time I'm coming in hot...sure beats stalls and it keeps the rear wheel from hopping- BIG TIME, on the trail and the track. Sometimes I DS w/o it on upward tranny's if i need a quick snick down.

I also give it a little tug when upshifting- helps keep missed shifts to a minimum.

If my hand ever gets worked from overuse it means I'm not training/riding enough. If I'm in shape my hands never get tired. The rest of me?
My finger is always on the lever, darn thing is my best friend. Esp on a 125.

Sometimes I go home like Cpt. Hook with it all crooked and stuff. *arrrr matey!*

Not use the clutch?

My name is Kevin, and I, am a clutch user. You should be too.

Thanks Guys. Just one of the many things Shane stressed about saving energy.

WRBob

I find my upper body/arms as a whole get sore before my clutch hand. Its all about the training, I must pull the clutch 100 plus times during each ride on my 125 lol

I'd be worried about accidentally giving it gas while upshifting and grinding the teeth on my transmission.

How much does Shane like to use his rear brakes? What about the front?

He has you work a lot on the front brake. Doing stoppies 'n' such.

When I got back from his school I had lost some speed trying to apply it all. Since then I gained it back and more, also a lot less tired. I can also cross ridiculous size logs now

As for the clutch...''it's designed for it mate!'' who am I to argue with the great Shane Watts

There's a million other places to save energy other than "not using the clutch". Normal clutch use uses didly calories and, it saves evergy.

And, if one don't have the energy to use to clutch normally then one aint going to have it when it gets gnarly.
Every article I've seen since '75, "legend" I've ever talked to advocates using the clutch, all lot, all the time.

Finger ALWAYS on the lever and slipt it/be ready to slip it to:
Control wheel spin/wheelie
Keep the back wheel from locking up and hopping during braking
Keep the flywheel spooled up for grip
Get over rough sections w/o stalling
Save a stall in case of lost drive (hole/rock etc)

I'm really surpised to hear he said this.

Great minds think alike...

I agree with all the reasons to use the clutch as listed above. Strongly agree! However, notice that using the clutch for upshifting and downshifting isn't on the list? I believe Shane Watts advocates using the clutch for all the things listed above and the OP was passing the point about not using the clutch for upshifting and downshifting.

I am a heavy clutch user for woods riding, but not for upshifting and downshifting (except for upshifts when hard on the gas). For street riding I always use the clutch for both upshifts and downshifts.

(Posted too late for originality, but point remains.)

Ok- agreed.

But- shifting comes before/after/during same and...I stand by my orriginal point- how much energy can one save by not using the clutch to shift?

Do I use it on every shift? No, 'course not. I do use it on most shifting chores and everything that comes before and after it.

The amount of energy I'd save by not using it every shift is incalculable.

YMMV, just saying, no disrespect, just my .02, etc.

I always use the clutch. Alway have always will. I'm too old and thickheaded to change.

I'm more of a feather'er than a fanner. Esp coming out of a corner w/ whoops or something. I'll go up a gear and sllliiiip it into higher revs and then I'll be in the power and not run out of motor or gear the length of that section...mmmmraaaaaaaaaaaaap!

I just got goosey bumps thinking about it.