Got some newbie questions.

[Lucky34]

ROFLOL!

The same thing happened to me at first!!! (I REALLY hurt my tailbone this one time... accelerated too hard and my butt slammed into the hump!)

You get used to it though... I can now shift using a clutch during fast acceleration

[Jynx]

Clutchless up-shifting, again, when done right, does NOT hurt the tranny at all.

The only time you have to use the clutch is when you are not giving it enough gas, that when you roll off the throttle, it doesn't unload enough.

But if you are even moderately getting on it, a quick roll off on the throttle a bit to unload it, and just apply pressure to the shift lever...it will click right up with no issues.

I have not missed a shift yet when getting on it, though have with the clutch.

If you hear any sort of grinding or feel any resistance, you aren't doing it right.

When downshifting without the clutch, it's the same thing...cept you have to blip the throttle open and close to unload for a downshift...obvious difference is with upshifts you are already ON the throttle.

Down-shifting without the clutch requires some practice...but in my opinion is worth it for even a moderate rider, in terms of learning, so that you can limp her home if you ever fry a clutch, brake a lever, etc.

[Revlis]

just use two fingers on the clutch. That way you never really let go of the bars.

Yup, That's what I have been doin... I found it uncomfortable under full throttle to use four fingers on that clutch, so I use two...

Works great.