ORIGINAL: marc11

The tranny is synchronized, you DO NOT need to use the clutch on upshifts and if done correctly the bike will shift smoother, faster and with less wear on the tranny and clutch plates than with the clutch. You also do not need to use the clutch on downshifts, but the matching of the RPM and timing is far more critical and precise that most cannot master it, downshifting incorrectly will bend things, so better to down shift with the clutch. And I am not talking pulling it in, holding it, dropping a gear and letting it out either. A quick stab at the lever, small blip of the throttle and a drop of the gear done almost at the exact same time is all you need. I've been riding for over 20 years and have never had to repalace a gear, shift fork or clutch pack on any of my bikes.