ATV Shifting Without Clutch: Is it Out of Danger?
Shifting gears without using a clutch is a debatable topic when talking about motorcycles or vehicles, but what about ATVs? This is an interesting subject for a whole lot of people because most of them do not even think it is possible for you to shift gears without the clutch.
So we are going to give you the right insight on how you can go about shifting without the clutch. Please ensure you read until the end.
What Does ATV Clutch Mean?
The clutch system in an ATV is the major connection between the controls of your wheels and the vehicle.
It is a very vital component in the transmission system, which does not get the right attention when everything is functioning, as it should. However, how does this clutch work?
Your ATV clutch works by ensuring your ATV is stable in generating power from the engine to work with the transmission. The operation mode of a clutch differs between a centrifugal clutch and a sheave clutch.
You can also use a multi-plate clutch design to function.
Why does an ATV need a clutch?
The clutch is an important part of your ATV’s transmission system, just like it is on other vehicles. When you’ve put on the engine, it will begin to rotate, but your wheels won’t do that.
The clutch now makes sure that there is a smooth engagement between the transmission and the spinning engine, in order to ensure that there isn’t any form of spillage between the parts.
ATV shifting without clutch
A lot of ATV riders may think that changing gears on an ATV can only be done using the clutch, but that’s not really needed if you know how to go about it.
In fact, to shift without clutching, for this instance upshift, all you should do is to release the gas lever just for a few seconds right until the revs drop, then kick into the next gear and push the throttle again.
If you shift without clutch incorrectly and don’t execute at the right time, then your transmission will begin to wear and it might even break at some point.
You should that it is possible for you to shift gears without using the clutch anytime you want, but it is advisable that you only do this when you are starting a drive or you want to park.
Downshifting is one of the other possible options, but this is a lot more challenging to carry out. There is really not much reason why you want to try doing that though, as it even wastes your time, also considering the level of difficulty to perform. With downshifting, you can damage your transmission system a lot easier.
However, you still have to know this technique if your cable or clutch lever develops a fault and you have to still drive home.
To be able to downshift, all you have to do is blip the throttle while holding the brakes to match the revs and push the gears.
How to shift your ATV without the clutch
This involves two procedures; upshift and downshift. Please note that these procedures can be a bit rough to perform especially for first-timers. Let’s deal with the upshift…
How to upshift without the clutch
- Get your ATV vehicle moving and ready to change to the next gear. You should try this in about 3000 – 3500 RPMs.
- Now let your foot off the gas just a little bit, and then pull the shifter out of your gear which you have currently set in. If you don’t put pressure on the gas, your transmission won’t develop any pressure as well. This makes it a good time to change things. Please know that the gear shifter may need some effort to pull out. This is why practice is necessary.
- With your shifter, try to change to the next gear. While trying to do that, watch your RPMs of the engine slowly drop.
- Once your transmission’s speed meets the RPMs, feel the shifter; it will slip into the next gear. Do not apply too much pressure while doing this, it can affect your gears.
- Use the same procedure if you need to upshift to another gear.
How to downshift without using your clutch
- Get your car to a safe speed level by taking reducing your speed.
- Watch your rpm readings; when the reading reaches 1200 rpm – 1500 RPM. Gently slide your stick shift out of gear, and the transmission becomes neutral.
- Rev your engine. Get it up to 3000 RPM.
- Put some pressure on the stick shift, then move to the lower gear. Drop the rpm slowly, and when it gets low enough, the stick shift will fall into gear.
What are the Advantages of Shifting without a Clutch?
There are a lot of reasons that you may have to shift without using the throttle. When it comes up to upshifts, you can move very quickly.
The frequent pulling of the clutch lever makes your arms tired, especially when you are on rides, so lowering the clutch use will reduce that feeling of fatigue.
It is also very much cool doing this, as you can beat several persons with a modded ATV.
If you are in a race war with your friends who are not very much experienced as you when it comes to ATV driving, you can beat them simply because you save time gear shifting, which will make you accelerate faster.
Effects of shifting without clutch
The major threat of shifting without a clutch is that you might harm your transmission system, which is a part that is very important to your ATV. The cost of repairing such a part is usually steep.
Another effect is that it is a very technical process, and challenging to learn. Considering the manual and automatic transmission systems, the manual is chosen to be more difficult, and clutch-less shifting adds to the difficulty of the manual transmission system.
The long-term impact of shifting without a clutch is that your gears will be ground and severe damage to the transmission system. You must know the risks involved before you begin shifting clutch-less.
Final Thoughts
The function of the clutch remains very important, even when you can do without them. But must also take into consideration the effects of driving in such conditions.
If this is something you would love to try, then go for it; ensure you read carefully so you get it right.
Although it might seem like a tough process, you will surely get it at some time.
