Getting the bike through the box quickly and smoothly as possible should be one of our riding goals. At those times when we are riding to high degrees of excitement and fun, shifting quickly is just as important as how we are going to tackle the fast approaching bend. After all, if you have to back off, close the throttle, pull the clutch in, shift, let the clutch out and try and match the engine revs it can become distracting and draw your attention away from the next turn.

What is interesting are the misconceptions some riders have of the clutchless shift. The most common is that it will destroy your gearbox. That’s just not true provided that you have a good technique and that your chain is adjusted correctly, not too tight and most importantly, not too loose.

Certain classes of race bikes are allowed to use quick shifters. These devices allow a rider to simply tap the gear lever with the throttle pinned to the stop to change gear. However, Mick Doohan once tested his NSR500 with the quick shifter disconnected and it only made 0.03 of a second’s difference per lap. This means, as road riders we have a new tool to master without the need for fancy electronics.

The smooth clutchless shift is all down to your throttle application. Keep the throttle wide open and the tension on the gearbox makes it very difficult to do. Wind the throttle closed and then open and the bike will snatch as the gearbox and final drive chain go slack then snap back when the power is reapplied.

Speed shifting is smoother but does nothing for your clutch! A speed shift is when the rider keeps pressure on the gear lever and then stokes the clutch lever to allow the next gear selection to take place. The clutch then slips to catch up with the engines increased revs, an effect of the cutch slipping.

The clutchless shift is simple to perform but will take some practice to get just right. And it’s a technique that you should only use on your way up the box. Try and use it going down the box and you will struggle as the difference in engine revs and road speed is too great.

Drive through the revs until you get to the point you want to shift. Get your foot ready to move the lever. Now back off the throttle slightly, enough to stop acceleration but not so much that you start to decrease speed. Now shift and the gear will slot into place smoothly. Straight back to gas.

The signs that your timing is off are quite simple. Close the throttle too much and the bike will snap and lurch into gear. Don’t back off enough and it will be difficult to select the next gear.