How To Shift On A Dirt Bike The Right Way 

*SPIT YOUR DUMMY OUT HERE* 👇👇👇👇

I personally like to take off my transmission cover and manually change gears

I use the kill switch to change gears for fun sometimes

i dont shift at all, makes it easier to shift tbh

Sometimes i reach down and grab my shifter with my hand and shift

I use the kick start to shift my bike. It reverses the polarity on the dogs in the transition causing it to switch gears depending on the direction you move the kick start. After figuring out this method I deleted the handlebars and the carburetor which caused my bike to loose 69lbs. Planning on deleting the front wheel because no one uses that anyways. Also a monster energy sticker helps the tranny shift .0420 milliseconds faster when using the kick method.

2:04 Things you can say about your Dirtbike but not your girlfriend

Him: *pulls clutch in while throttling, goes normally* Me on a 450: *pulls clutch in while throttling, bike flips*

I shift with front brake going full speed downhill😎

I always use the clutch when down shifting. I use the clutch on mondays and tuesdays. And on fridays I only shift up at 7,000rpm or whenever it gets maxed out.

I took my chain off to smooth out changes, works a treat and buttery smooth

This was patched in version 1.02

I don’t use clutch, throttle, brakes ect ect... I just stand up on the seat and go

the whole comment section are shifting experts

Whenever I take off I put my bike in neutral and bang on the rev limiter for about 5 seconds then just put it in gear with no clutch

I run transmission fluid in my gas tank with no clutch! Never had a problem shifting!

hes right, theres a little window. I peeked inside and was tiny little sofa and a t.v. im bit annoyed if they are not offering me a donation towards their power consumption

Sometimes I will just pour some water into my intake to downshift easier.

I have no clutch or gearbox at all, saves plenty of Weight. I have welded a bunch of rear sprockets together like shimano bike gears on my rear wheel. Allways full throttle, just an on/off kill switch.

Instructions unclear I got my foot caught on the front brake lever

You can clutchless shift a car, you just have to know the right rpm it's different for every vehicle

I’m going to attempt to clean up the comment section a bit, wish me luck. Okay so everyone is entitled to their own opinions but let’s think about a few things for a minute. First, automotive transmissions and motorcycle transmissions are completely different. Automotive manual transmissions use a synchromesh transmission. What this means is that between each gear, there are synchros. Their job is to match gear speeds on the input and output shafts. After the invention of synchromesh transmissions, “double clutching” became a thing of the past, however I will mention this later as it is an important footnote. Also, we have to remember that automotive transmissions use helical cut gear whereas motorcycles use spur cut gears. This is because helical cut gears are much, MUCH quieter than spur gears. Grandma wouldn’t be too pleased to drive her Honda to church while the gearbox is whining like opera singer. So how are motorcycle transmissions different? Well I mentioned the gears already but first off, and most importantly, they are NOT synchromesh transmissions. They are dog cut transmissions. This is means when you shift a motorcycle, the gears on the input and output shaft mesh together with interference, NOT friction. This in itself eliminates the need for a clutch while shifting. The whole point of using a clutch while shifting a synchromesh transmission is allow the input shaft to slow down briefly enough to allow the synchro to match the speed of the input shaft gear to the selected output shaft gear since the ratios are different and thus, the speeds are different. Dog cut transmissions use interference so they are not dependent on friction matching the rotational speed but most importantly, the clutch in motorcycle is NOT USED TO CONTROL TORQUE. Last but not least, a motorcycle transmission is a true sequential transmission. Yes, the same sequential transmission that your favorite F1 racers and rally drivers have in their cars. What does this mean? It means you cannot skip gears. You must shift in sequential order. 1 2 3 4 5. You can’t ever skip a gear and go directly from 2nd to 4th for example. You must shift into 3rd before getting to 4th. This is for the sake of compactness and simplicity. Your typical h-pattern shifter would be a nightmare on a bike, I think we can all agree on that. So let me ask you this: Do F1 drivers or rally drivers push in the clutch to shift? No. What happens when they shift? The engine’s computer momentarily cuts fuel so there is no load on the pistons. No load on the pistons, no load on the crankshaft. No load on the crankshaft, no load on the input shaft. No load on the input shaft, no load on the transmission. Ergo?? NO NEED FOR THE CLUTCH BECAUSE THE CLUTCH DOES NOT NEED TO CONTROL THE TORQUE OF THE ENGINE. NO LOAD ON THE ENGINE, NO TORQUE OUTPUT. Just as you stated, letting off the throttle and shifting does the same exact thing as pulling in the clutch. You are not loading the transmission when you do so! So how are automotive and motorcycle transmissions similar? Well they are both constant mesh actually but that’s where the similarities stop. Remember the double clutching I mentioned earlier? Well when synchros came along, people were still double clutching even though they didn’t need to be. They were just used to it. When people transitioned to manual cars to motorcycles, they were used to using the clutch so it sticks in their head that the use of the clutch is necessary. That’s it! That’s where the whole concept comes from! There is no evidence suggesting that not using the clutch to shift a motorcycle is worse for the bike and that you should always use the clutch. Any wear to the transmission or gears is because they are big bits of metal always rubbing against each other, not because a rider doesn’t use the clutch. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Engineers designed these transmissions to be shifted without the clutch. Period. If you think you know better than engineers, by all means, tell me why you should use the clutch while shifting and why you think clutchless shifting is bad for a transmission that was designed for it. That wraps up my lecture and I hope enough of you had the patience to read through this and gain some knowledge in the meantime. Now go out there and shift without the clutch! I promise you won’t ever look back.

I've used method number 3 for the past 15 years on the same bike, no clutch shifting. Still runs like a champ.

Usually when I want to shift gears I watch this video first

I rebuild the top end on my bike when I wanna shift, very efficient.

3 stroke gang ✊💨💨✊💨💨

" I dont always use the clutch.... But when I do, I prefer the left hand..."

Thank-you for putting videos like this together. I bought by first dirt bike weeks ago and this is a great help!!! Really appreciate it

I really want more videos like, just you riding on a road or on a non-bumpy surface. It's so enjoyable to watch!

Half the time I don’t even use the clutch haha Helpful video for people starting off

I like switching it up, I use the clutch sometimes and sometimes I don’t it’s just kinda whatever mood I’m in😂. Your channel is getting pretty popular man good luck with it!!!

This video is very educational. I’ve been riding 18months and was told to always use my clutch going up in gears but I don’t have to coming down. I will be trying a few of these to see if it improves my lap times. Thanks.

Actually shifting techniques 3 and 4 are how I was taught to shift a dump truck! And the guy I bought my bike from actually started to seize the plates from clutch shifting, Fixed it by riding the right way! Thanks for the video, cheers!

LMAO! This comment section is great! The debate will never end. But the information in this video is accurate. 2 stroke or 4 stroke, dirt bike or sport bike, there is no difference in transmission design. Clutchless shifting is how these transmissions were designed to be run. The engine is the key concern between 2 and 4 strokes, as engine breaking is about the worst thing you can do with a 2 stroke. Also, a 2 stroke offers basically no engine breaking during deceleration anyway. So for sure, when decelerating on a 2 stroke, pull the clutch in! I've had sport bikes, dirt bikes (2t and 4t), and shifter karts. Other than taking off from a dead start (which is what the clutch is intended for), I basically never use the clutch. 21,000 miles of clutchless, redline shifting on my R6, I had to replace a shift fork, with no damage to the gears. I've ridden for 28 years, and have only had to replace a $7 shift fork, and that was because I forced it into 2nd, without bliping the throttle. For the guys saying shifting without a clutch is hard on your clutch disks, you need to change your transmission fluid more regularly. It's contaminants that are tearing up your clutch, not the fact that you aren't using it.

You must be a pro ? At ordering ring sets and gaskets 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Finally I find a video that agrees with my method of riding my motorcycle everyone always told me that it was going to mess up my bike here I run into your video and you're confirming what I've been doing all the time thank you very much sir 😎👍🏁🏍️

I never use my clutch to shift up but have always used it to shift down. Now i will give it a try downshifting without it. Never ever broke a gearbox in doing so either! Cheers buddy

Thanks for the informative video mate. I think i'm gonna do clutchless up shifts when it's hard to use the clutch..for example on a very bumpy section... I want to use the clutch with downshifts for sure just to be safe. Can't wait to get back to Mx after 13 years!

i use the 3rd method also , only use the clutch when setting off in 1st then just release throttle and change gear. thats how i was taught , good video :) never knew about 4th method

I was just riding today and realized you dont need the clutch to shift gears but i didnt know if it was bad for the bike. Thanks for the clear-up!!👍

England has such tiny roads. It is very cool. I expect to see hobbits farming the fields.

Great video! 🤙I’m glad you know that it’s not bad for the transmission to shift without a clutch(without load), because it’s so annoying when people say it’s bad when they don’t know where they’re talking about. I still like to used the clutch on the pit bike, just because I’m used to that I guess😆

Like bro ! I use almost always use the clutch to change gears 💪✊️😃

Its weird looking back on this old video when i was trying to get an idea of how to ride a bike i am now the proud owner of a ktm 200xcw dont stop pumping out videos they really do influence people in amazing ways just like it did me 🙌

Front wheel is faster than the rear wheel also I take my wheels off when I ride makes it more aerodynamic

I stay in neutral so i don't have to use my clutch !!!

This whole ass comments section is funny asf 😂

Solid video. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you

I Been riding dirt bikes my hole life and I sometime don’t use the clutch when I change down a gear but now that I know all of this it helped me learn more thank u man

I keep trying the clutch on my sick powerbanded PW50 but it just skids

Been shifting without a clutch for many many years without any problems on several types of bikes and ATV's. I can tell you that when milliseconds count, when properly done the clutch is not necessary. Once that bike is rolling all you need to do is manipulate the transmission load with the throttle and shift. The clutch is not useless. It is especially useful for specific needs that are too many to list. Shifting is a very basic principle and if someone doesn't get it, then you need more riding experience. Great explanations of the various techniques in this video! There is way too much controversy around this subject because of the various riding styles. Pick the techniques that work for you and your style and shut up already.

I always chang it up depending on what I'm doing but it's nice to know that I'm doing it right every way you showed how too. Thank you.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is the greatest video ever! People think I am crazy because I use number 4 when shifting. Like you said in the video I to have never had any transmission problems! People don’t realize it’s not like a car transmission. Man I’m just happy I found this video. Thanks again!

How To shift a dirtbike the right way? : *use clutch*

Newer rider with about 2 months experience. Yamaha r6 and some dirt bikes my little bro and I recently bought. We use the clutch every time when shifting up and down. Going to try out method 3 soon! Also, beautiful scenery! Keep the vlogs coming 👍🏼

That's really helpful! Thanks man! 👍👍👍

This helped clear up SO much for me. Thank you!

My dad once put the throttle to the rear brake so when he pressed down on his leg it would accelerate

Cool way to describe everything, my friend! But, for your information, you *can* shift a manual car without using the clutch, so long as your synchros are good and you know what you're doing. I've owned two manual vehicles (a 1999 Chevrolet S10, and a 1993 Honda Accord, both 4-cylinder engines), and the idea is the same as it is on the bike, basically: Get up to the speed where you'd shift, let off the throttle to take load off of the transmission, and (at least in the case of my Accord) pull the gear stick from whatever gear you're in, and pull it to the gear you're going to, but don't try to force it in. Put a little pressure on it, and it'll be like the transmission grabs and pulls it in on it's own. Of course, it takes a load of practice, but the thing to note is with a passenger car, you really wanna do it as your revs start to fall. If you do it too soon or too late, you'll grind the gears. With anything involving motor vehicles, be careful, be smart.

Love the light trance in the background. And throughourly enjoyed the video, good advice. Thanks

you help me so so much thank u bro And Hi from Bulgaria

"These bikes, they're made to take abuse." Five seconds later: "You don't want to be fully loaded, because it's not good for the transmission." @4:30 Seriously though it seems like you're implying that shifting this way is abuse.

I was riding a race when suddenly my clutch broke, So i just improvised and rode the race out with just letting the gas go and shift. And since then I’m using this techniek.

Cheers im buying a bike tomorrow for this coming summer and i wouldnt even of known about the way you do it i only watched videos where they showed the first method by the sounds of it i prefer ur method and thats what im going to be trying thanks for the video

Hey congrats on your new 300

Been doing MX for 14 years and I always use the clutch just because it's a habit. It doesn't exactly take a million seconds longer to flick the clutch during a gear change whether it's up or down. To be honest there are people I know that are throwned upon in disgust because they don't use the clutch and from my experience, those that don't use the clutch do go through more transmissions than those that do. Believe me or call me a liar it's up to you but 14 years mx experience with an extra 5 years riding on road experience not one credible person has advised me to not use the clutch.

I find it depends on the type of riding your doing as well. I've never road street bikes but I have rode mx and trail bikes. Both Yamaha 450s. I find on the mx track I never use clutch. But in the woods it's a little different. Either way to each their own and whatever works best for the rider is what they should go with. All that being said I agree, you will not hurt the trans shifting without clutch.

Thank you man I’m new sub and I liked video ! Thanks for the lessons

be interesting doing a gearbox teardown of a clutchless shifted box vs one that's been treated nicely with clutch use

Am I the only one who’s always been taught to pull the clutch when shifting down?

Fantastic explanation and video. Tank you very much.

all i needed to know. good video!

just bought a enduro bike never use clutch changing up gears on the road do use it changing down. mt10 got a flat shifter on it but not a down blipper. it a wonder the mx and enduro bikes dont have these. i ride up the road where you ride on the road bike. love it up there ive taken the name off my vids try to stop two many going there.

I once changed gears without letting off the throttle and no clutch somehow I was just riding around and I thought I pulled in the clutch but I didn’t and then it just changed gears and I’m like htf

Mate your not wasting 5 minutes and 58 seconds on my day. You are actually making more exciting because I like to here what you have to say and how to properly do something.

I'm thinking about getting a yz125x and I feel like this helped me out because there's really not much to do and you really said it in a simple way so this will help me later on if I get the dirt bike. Thank you

The way I learned to not use the clutch is the first time I rode I forgot to use the clutch put my foot up and went right in lol I hardly ever use the clutch. Except starting off(ofcourse)

I’m 13 and I’ve had my Honda CRF110 since I was 6 and it has an automatic clutch with 4 gears. I just let the throttle of and shift.

I’m #1 and #2. I’m going to try #3. Informative video. Thanks

Thanks so much you taught me a lot

Dirt bike transmission s are pretty tough no doubt but on the gear shaft there are things called dogs that will fit into holes called dog houses on the next gear when you shift. Over time clutchless shifting can mash down the dogs and dog houses and mess up the transmission. Never happened to me but have seen it on a lot of Harleys and a VFR and a yz80. I don't clutchless shift but did it you do just thought I'd give my 2 cents.

All 2 Stroke riders be like:😲

Awesome thanks for the info! I normally change gears by putting my finger in the end of the exhaust and swerl it around while at full revs.

Never had a clue that you didn't need to clutch to shift.....Always thought it was required. Great video

I swear so many people know literally nothing about transmissions... it is a SEQUENTIAL TRANSMISSION if you don't know what that is, look it up its the same style of transmission used in racecars, not using the clutch will not damage any components at all as long as theres no load on the transmission (by letting of the accelerator) it is completely down to personal preference, i use the clutch on 4 strokes and I rev match downshift but on 2 strokes i just click up and click down. Too hard with there powerband it is what the transmission is DESIGNED to do, it will not hurt the engines, gaskets, rings, clutch, zip, nope, nada, nothing at all even powershifting will not hurt a bike 99% of the time like a car, in race conditions on a dirt bike it will almost all the time wheelspin with a powershift, not causing any harm to the clutch, using the built in limiter will bring the revs down perfectly if you time it correctly, and most the time with as quick a shift you should be shifting the revs will not even go up too much as to where it should be with such short gearing thats on bikes Motorbikes are in no way similar to cars especially the transmissions. please just stop talking about stuff you have no clue about, maybe you belong in the quadbike community instead??

I do this all the time when I race I press the front brake all the way when going full throttle and shift up but I usually win these races

awesome video thx!!!!

I ride a 1999 KDX200 and my personal preference is number 2.✊🏻✊🏻👍🏻 Works great

My Kawasaki Transmission got killed, but it was not from my shifting patterns or methods, it was from all that water that kept getting in! Slow speed I just reduce throttle and change gears, when I am up riding it a bit harder, I use the traditional method, of throttle off, clutch in, change gears, back on throttle! Good tips!

It's your bike, ride it as you wish. Bang shifting is hard on the transmission no matter how you try to convince yourself it's okay. The clutch is there for a reason, not just decoration.

Thank you all the way from the NYC ride 🙏🙌 safe

Great video I never knew I could change gears without using clutch

I use the clutch to up shift but never to down shift I rev match instead

clutches are for wheelies only 😂

I use all those methods depending on the circumstances. You left out that you should preload pressure on the shifter before reducing power to the transmission. This makes the actual shift much faster and reduces the possibility of a missed shot or false neutral.

A great video, and the first one ive seen that actually makes sense and is easy to understand.

I use my starter for high performance shift

Ok to start I've been riding dirt bikes, motorcycles and atvs since I was 8 years old. I'm now 41. That's 33 years for what it's worth! I have always SLAM shifted (example 4)! Never broke ANYTHING! (Except a toe, but that had nothing to do with shifting! That was the stumps fault, it refused to move...) Also, never replaced a clutch, because I'm not ABUSING IT! Even after 20,000 miles on a klx 250. There are only three times to use your clutch: 1. The obvious starting into motion and stopping. 2. Pulling the front end up (WHEELIES) 3. THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE! To reduce engine breaking when your ass is sliding down hill on a wet surface or in loose terrain like gravel or leaves. Just my opinion... but if you use the clutch for any other purposes you still have some learning to do.

Ive just switch to clutch and you have helped me heaps thanks mate

Thank you, needed to hear this. Mental debate.