LCGB Forums

I recently had occasion to quickly learn how to change gear without the clutch when the cable snapped. Some people do anyway, and I was surprised to find that a friend I was talking to only uses the clutch to start off. Well, long story short, I got home anyway. But it did get me thinking. What's the secret to doing it smoothly?

Same as old cars. All about timing and revs for the gears to fall into place. Try it on you car and you will see how easy it is.

I'd heard it was a question of timing the change just right. I'm just not sure when that is,

Mmmm, get it wrong and I’d say there might be a few teeth going walkies
Tried it myself but couldn’t quite master the revs meshing selection

Ideally, you need to cut the ignition as you go for the quick change to nuetralise the forces in the gearbox, just like a race bike, rather than rely on a blip of the throttle to match the forces.
Sorting a gear change / ignition cut on a lammy is not something I've ever seen done and is likely to remain so.
Ok to clutchless shift if your looking to take the chequered flag.
Downright mechanically unsympathetic on a road scoot, which inevitably leads to needing Green Flag.

Clutchless changing up is/was the norm on the track. Down changing tends to use the clutch to synchronise engine speed to wheel speed to maintain control, particuarly if banked over.

Not many road cars with straight cut gears are there? Helical allied to synchro unless it's a race 'box, although things may be different these days