Clutch in while downshifting?

[benjameenie]

I'm a new rider and I noticed that I don't have to hold in the clutch while downshifting. I can just kick down the shifter. Am I totally stupid and have I been shifting the wrong way the entire time? Or am I supposed to hold in the clutch while I downshift? Once again, and always thanks for your help!

[pryan67]

I'm not an expert by ANY means, but I always use the clutch...so maybe I'm doing it wrong too...

[happycommuter]

I knew this topic had come up before, but benjameenie is blameless as the old thread was buried in General Motorcycling Discussion, instead of being in this forum (and title was vague, which didn't help). This situation has been corrected:
http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,1934.0

  (rant ahead)
If a thread is moved by a moderator, it is to avoid this very circumstance: not being able to find past topics of interest because they are miscategorized.  I would urge everyone to familiarize themselves with the various forums and post in the most appropriate one.  Unfortunately I am likely preaching to the choir as this thread is not in General Motorcycle Discussion...

[fishmeister]

                                        It's a dirty job and I'm glad you're doing it!!!

[OhCrap]

I recommend using your clutch every time you shift, unless it's a track bike that gets rebuilt after every couple of races anyway.

This way you probably last a little longer with the clutch pressure parts, but even if you do this perfectly by just applying pressure to the shifter and let the gear decide when to change (sort of anyways) it will cause extra wear, if not damage your gear box and drive shaft eventually.

[Adam Roby]

I recommend always using it on the downshift more to practice and get used to matching the RPM's of the engine.  (Another thread on this).  Basically you give a little throttle when the clutch is in, shift, and release for a smooth transition.  On your 650 you will not notice this, but if you ever go to a bigger bike or a more racing style with high compression, shifting down will actually lock the back tire and cause you to go sideways.  The 650 may do the same if in the rain or other slick surface.  I recommend practicing that.

On a side note:  After a long day of riding and my wrist hurts, I will shift up without, but at low matching RPM's only.

[benjameenie]

I knew the discussion must be here somewhere so sorry for the re-post. But I feel better now with this info, thanks everybody.
See you on the road