[tips727]

I never tried to shift my '00 LT without using the clutch. The transmission was clunky enough while using the clutch that I never considered shifting without it. But on my '05 model, the transmission is much smoother and quieter. I understand that this is the first year of a change in the type of transmission gears used. Clutching is such a habit with me that I do it automatically but I have tried shifting without the clutch a few times just to see if I could and it worked pretty well - most times I could shift smoothly but a few times not so. I don't expect to practice enough to get good at it - was just wondering since I used to shift my Japanese bikes without clutching all the time with no apparent harm.