I have a 03 silverado and the windshield wipers are stuck on. The only way to stop them is to remove the fuss.
You would have to downshift, but you wouldn't have to let out the clutch. It wont damage the clutch, thats what it is made for. If you didn't downshift, would you start out in 5th gear?
As long as you apply the clutch fully, it should do no damage to a car or bike. If you RIDE the clutch for a long time, you will wear it out very quickly in which case it is bad for both cars and bikes.
Sounds like you need a new switch.
check with your dealer ,to see if there is a racall ,for that problem , they had alot of problems with the wiper motors , i have a 96 chevy p/u ,that had the same problem , it cost me about$30 at orielly auto parts for a new circuit board for the wiper motor ,because my milage was to high to get the recall from the dealer.
