400 EX Shifting

[bmxdukie]

This might sound stupid but my son just bought an 03 ex 400 used.
The bike runs amazing. He was telling me that you only need the clutch for starting out.
I don't believe that to be true.
Could someone tell me the proper shifting mode for this unit.
I don't want to replace any parts if we don't need to.
Thanks in advance.

[junior636]

A lot of people shift with out using the clutch, I personally always use the clutch to shift each gear because I don't want to replace the transmission or any transmission parts any sooner than I should have to. Tell him to start using it...

[TheAwesomehonda]

You can shift without using the clutch but i don't think it's very good for the trany.. It will jurk bad to if you aren't at the exact right rpm when you shift.. Just use the clutch!!

[b0rn c0nfused]

I usually use mine but if you shift at the right rpm range it doesn't hurt. (Still not a good idea)

[400exwhipper]

There's a technique to it, apply a small amount of pressure on the shifter and let off the throttle for a quick second and it will slide right into gear just as if you used the clutch, if you slam gears that's bad, I also only do this for quick up shifts

[bmxdukie]

Thanks for the info... He was riding today and he used the clutch all the time.

[HondaRacing83]

ive always used my clutch. clutch is your friend in berms lol

[Rohr397]

I use my clutch to shift but every once and awhile I have a sketchy moment and I hit the shifter down without as a jerk reaction. You can get away with it every once and awhile but don't do it on purpose.

[CJM]

You know what your doing, yes you can shift without the clutch. I generally dont use mine unless Im shifting down or starting off. But I tend to "feel" the engine as I call it and shift at the proper rpm like you might do in an un-synchronized manual trans car

[slightlybent47]

I don’t use the clutch when I shift up. I just let off the gas to get the tension off the transmission and she slides rite in.
Down shifting I tend to use the clutch if my rpm’s are high, but if there low I just stick it in there and let er rip.
I’ve been doing it that way for 40 years, never had a transmission problem.