Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

THE MSF class taught use to release the clutch smoothly. This is the method that I am using, but it seems a little slow. While riding the other day I release the clutch a little faster and the bike still moved smoothly while going up a gear.

I am just wondering how other people apply their clutch while upshifting or downshifting.

I do it as fast as I can do it smoothly. So, when I am in first gear and just starting, it takes a little longer to let out the clutch. But after that, it is pretty fast. You will get the hang of it. Don't think about it, just ride! The more you ride, it will become second nature, and you won't have to think about it. You will know if you are not doing it right because it won't feel smooth. And, no one will care but you (and your passenger), so no worries.

Thx for the advice Kris! I will keep that thought in mind

After I go from first to second, the clutch is no longer necessary. Try up shifting without it, you will find it smoother.

Albeit true that the clutch is not necessary, you are relying to synchronizing the gear meshes without the assistance of unloading the pressure plate.

I am not sure how many metal particulates are being shed without relieving the pressure, but as for me, I'll use the clutch as designed.

dempseyr,

When you downshift, pull clutch in, change to the next lowest gear, REV THE ENGINE with throttle, then let clutch out. This proceedure will make downshifting 100% smoother than any other way. This matches engine speed to wheel speed. This only applies to Downshifting.

You might wana be a bit more descriptive there BundyGuy as I have images of



then a guy riding a GSX650F takes off down the street at a fast rate of knots.

When upshifting I apply pressure to the shift lever then gently and slightly sqeeze the clutch lever. As soon as there is enough pressure released the shift will complete with the pressure I already have applied to the shift lever. As soon as I feel the shift I release the clutch lever. I think the most I have to sqeeze the clutch lever is about a half inch if that.

For me, this technique is the smoothest and fastest way to shift.

Some light reading.
To reiterate what others have said, practice, practice, practice.

Welcome to cool world of two wheels

When I bought my bike I didn't know how to drive stick (still don't), so the concept of a clutch was completely foreign. The key is to practice in a safe area that you're very familiar with. I went around my block (live in a city), at least 100 times no joke, before I even felt semi-good about crossing any traffic. I also practiced out on some back country roads on some really steep hills, because it's kinda tricky if you're at a stoplight on a hill. Lately I've been practicing on my handling and swerving, another good thing to save you from a potential accident.