\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Riding the clutch on a motorcycle is an important skill to master in order to ride safely and efficiently. If the carburetor spring is incorrectly re-assembled after rebuilding or cleaning a carb, it will cause acceleration issues to make the motorcycle stall out. Read about the correct way to stop your motorcycle in this post. If you are stopped at a light, you should have the brake held in (if for no other reason than to keep your brake light on). Dont ride your brakes going downhill. The friction material contaminates your oil and holding the clutch lever causes wear on the clutch throwout bearing. At the same time, move the gear shift into first gear by pushing downwards on the shifter. In obstacle courses (i.e. Roll the throttle towards the front of the motorcycle ("roll off") to go slower. The clutch is only used when shifting gears. If you bought your fuel-injected bike used, find out if it has any after-market power enhancements. A proper saddle bag like these from Viking Bags is a good idea. technical officer and Triumph Bonneville rider Steve Spalding says the mechanical issue largely depends on the type of clutch your bike has. Probably not a huge issue if there are a couple of cars behind you, but the brake lights are there for a reason. Because, even with the clutch lever pulled right back to the bars, within a minute you will be riding into the intersection whether you like it or not as all the crap metal parts in the engine expand with the heat and engage the clutch. When accelerating, the clutch lever should be progressively released to prevent the engine from stalling or jerking. it never turn off the bike. Using the clutch to to feed in the power is much more controllable than popping the front wheel up with just the throttle. The hands are also high up on the list of injuries, due to the natural reflex to catch yourself when you fall. As you come upright and straighten out again, let go of the clutch completely and ride it out on full power. Once youre in the friction zone, the bike will start to power walk itself forward. Carb cleaning is part of routine maintenance on a carbureted motorcycle. Its never been and issue with me. With a dry clutch the thrust bearing (or sometimes called a throw-out bearing) rubs against the pressure plate fingers while on a wet clutch a rod pushes against the clutch pack the purpose of both types is to separate the friction plates. As the motorcycle increases speed, continue to ease the clutch lever out smoothly and slowly. Squeeze the front brakes at the same time with 2 fingers to ease into the stop. Will this damage my bike at all? I figured if I need to put my right foot down or get off the bike and walk down a section with it I could let off the clutch and the rear tire would lock up . A motorcycle with a poorly set air-fuel ratio has the potential to keep stalling out while riding. This article not only confirmed. If you ride in areas where the weather is unpredictable, take a rain coat or thermal inner with. You will not notice if your clutch wears down quickly or requires replacement if you only ride it in the friction zone for a short period of time. Most bike clutches are wet which means they run in oil ( usually the same oil as the engine and transmission) but some, such as many old BMWs, use a dry clutch thats essentially the same as a car, Steve says. Have any of you ever been hit from behind by a large object weighing 1, 2 or 3 tons that is your full throttle and thus wheelie. Im referring to pulling in the clutch while moving along, either fully or half way in. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you downshift as a habit when braking you will be in 1st gear, cluthch in , your left foot down allows your right foot to hover the brake and the front brake engaged if needed. Clogged jets mean your fuel cant transport to the combustion process, and your air-fuel ratio will run lean. Guess it depends on how long you keep the bike and whether you actually like it or dont care. Roll the throttle towards the back of the motorcycle ("roll on") to go faster. Youll learn everything you need to know about how to use the clutch, the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you let go of the clutch too fast on a motorcycle, it can cause the engine to stall and cause the bike to jerk forward. When riding the clutch, you should always keep your left foot lightly on the clutch lever while accelerating and decelerating. Below is a list of some good value gear available on Amazon that I recommend: Helmet: HJC i70 (Street) or HJC DS-X1 (Dual sport)*Boots: Fly Racing MaverikJacket: Alpinestars T-Faster AirGloves: Alpinestars SP-8 v2. For more information, please see our Thanks. After up-shifting, my instructor told us in MSF class that we should release the clutch slowly for four to five seconds. Half of the plates are driven by the engine output shaft, and every second one drives the final drive going to the gearbox and drive train. 2. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Originally Answered: What will happen when the brake is applied without pressing the clutch pedal? While it can be tempting to use the clutch to control speed or help make a smoother ride, the long-term stress and wear on the clutch can lead to costly repairs. A dry clutch will run hotter and wear faster if ridden in the friction zone often. RACQtechnical officer and Triumph Bonneville rider Steve Spalding says the mechanical issue largely depends on the type of clutch your bike has. I have always gave myself distance and an angle to flee from the well trained drivers on the road. There are many situations where riding the clutch in the friction zone, in order to feed in or shave off power, will make riding much easier and safer. If youre riding a motorcycle, you should avoid burning up the clutch. A 1000cc sport bike could go 70 MPH in 2nd gear if you wanted to (not that I'd recommend that). You can remedy this by re-tuning your carb, or on fuel-injected bikes, by having the mechanics re-flash your bikes CPU fuel maps. Inspect the intake boots on the bikes carb. Stand on your left foot, put your right foot on the rear brake pedal, and use your now free right hand to throttle up gradually. One way to do it is to pull the clutch while releasing the throttle. A division of A07 Online Media, LLC. Learning to ride a wheelie is also an excellent skill for those who enjoy adventure travel and off-roading. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Learn more about us. . General thumb rule is that if you are driving an automatic car, then irrespective of whether the engine is turned on or off- it is not recommended to drive downhill in neutral for the safety of the automatic gearbox. The idea of major wear n tear to a clutch held in is of little importance. Quick Answer: What Is The Effect Of A Loose Clutch Wire In The Engine Of A Bike, How Is Friction Harmful When Riding A Bike, Question: Why Is Friction Harmful When Riding A Bike, Quick Answer: When Does Friction Get Harmful When Riding A Bike. I love riding out here. Furthermore, the clutch is considered a wear-and-tear component, so any damage caused by riding it will be voided by the vehicles warranty. Using clutch when going downhill - Off-Road Riding Technique - ThumperTalk So, it is always advised to depress the clutch when braking, at least to begin driving with. Riding the Clutch on Your Motorcycle: How Bad is It? If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,742,957 times. And if its too lean, there wont be enough fuel to ignite, and the airflow will extinguish your combustion. around cones or rocks on a hill), revving the bike engine while the clutch is slipping provides some stability, and was . In slow traffic the rear brake applied by itself will stop the bike with no fork dive. If you skip a gear by accident, dont worry. A new rider should ask himself or herself if he or she can ride the clutch on a motorcycle. Start the bike and put it in neutral. Experts discourage us from using our motocycles clutch recklessly. If youre riding a motorcycle and driving in the friction zone, youll probably find that the clutch is more forgiving than that of a car. I constantly monitor the rear and modulate the tail light as cars come up behind. Pulling in the clutch lever releases the pressure of the springs and cause the plates to rotate freely past each other without any friction, thereby disengaging the engine and the gearbox. Oh yes, use your clutch, use neutral, AND use your brain. This will keep the speed down while maintain momentum.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'adventurebiketroop_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurebiketroop_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); A more spectator friendly way to do a u-turn is the elephant turn. Shifting down to the correct gear is a much better habit in the long run. If its bad enough, your bike could stall out. If you are driving a manual car, it is best to engage second or third gear when heading downhill. What is the bad thing about riding a clutch on a motorcycle? This can result in a loss of control, as the bike will be difficult to maneuver and may even cause you to lose balance and fall off. When shifting into neutral from first gear, make sure that you. Home FAQ Question: If I Hold The Clutch On My Bike While Going Downhill Does It Have Any Harmful Effect On The Bike. Adventure bikes tend to live a harder life, as many experienced off road riding skills requires the rider to ride the clutch in the friction zone in order to modulate the amount of power going to the rear wheel. The most common reason for motorcycles to keep stalling out is improper clutch input at the riders hands. How to Shift Gears on a Motorcycle: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow When you reach 2,500-3,000 RPM, youll want to shift gears in your car. What is the main cause of this problem. It took us 90 days to cover the 15 500 km.From time to time I write motorcycle reviews for sports magazines and the local newspapers and attend the odd bike launch when I have to opportunity. ", https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-horsepower-definition-explanation-history#page-3, https://www.autoevolution.com/news/shifting-gears-on-a-motorcycle-14103.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cpOQh529b0, http://www.motorcycleassistant.com/how-to-shift-gears-on-a-motorcycle.html, https://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/motorcycle-downshifting-techniques, https://themcdonalds.net/richard/wp/totw-keep-your-wrist-flat-to-avoid-throttle-problems/. Stalling can happen due to various causes, the most common being the rider failing to engage the clutch while decelerating the throttle during stops or shifts. If theyre opening in unison with the motion of the throttle, valves fully opened when the throttle is fully engaged, your throttle cable might have some extra slack. It is not a crime to do so, but it is a crime to allow the police to see you doing so. When downshifting, only downshift one gear at a time. Thanks for reminding me of how I used to ride with no problems, even miss the hill climbs. Then, roll the throttle toward you to close it completely and press down on the gear shift with your foot. The wet clutch consists of several disc-shaped clutch plates packed together on a shaft. The disadvantage of a wet clutch is that it contaminates the engine oil due to depositing its wear particles in the oil, but thats what the oil filter is there for. If you want to make an elephant turn, you can do so more easily with a crowd around you. To shift gears on a motorcycle with a manual transmission, start the motorcycle with the clutch engaged. But I certainly accept the argument about rear-ending too, especially at highway road works stops.. A vehicles downhill speed will increase due to gravity. Once the line-up of cars behind you is stationary, you can pop the bike into neutral if the traffic light sequence is long. How bad is this for your motorcycle? Finishing in neutral with left foot down and right foot covering the rear brake. The clutch wont like it, but your bike wont like you flipping it over either. Stay left or right far enough to leave an escape if the need arises. Riding the clutch is useful to keep the bike from stalling at walking speeds or to control power delivery in slippery conditions like mud. Riding the clutch can be bad for your car, as it can cause premature wear on the clutch. Keep your arms and legs bent. The front brake control is the handle directly above the throttle on the right handlebar of your motorcycle. My right foot came off the back brake early and went down out of habit, leaving me with a front brake only emergency stop. Am I missing something? Meaning no disrespect to anyone, but if a rider is in a parking lot and the rider is going slow enough to have to pull the clutch (feather it) then the rider should stop to put distance between the rider and what ever is in front of the rider that is causing the rider to slow to a speed that is . As you press down on the rear brake lever, use your index and middle finger to slowly squeeze the front brake controls. You really shouldnt start your motorcycle without actually sitting on it, with the side stand retracted, in neutral and with the clutch lever pulled in. Whoever installed them may have messed with your engine timing. Ive had to do it. Riders who want to save fuel may fully compress the clutch lever as they roll down a hill in an attempt to do so. . Privacy Policy. I was taught in 1972 to always be in gear at a red light, ready to proceed.you actually lost marks for a pass back then. "Have not ridden in 40 years, and want to relive the good days! Clutches are cheap. Not only that, but it can also affect the riders balance and control of the motorcycle. You can always leave the bike in first gear while holding the clutch open while stopping, and you may even prefer to do this when stopped on a steep incline. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It happens every time you hit the throttle. If youre experiencing power loss during acceleration, with or without stall outs, especially if its accompanied by backfiring, take your motorcycle to a tech who specializes in your brand and have the professionals reset your timing for you. I am going to take the written test. Yes Ill vouch for that, had loads of brit bikes, and now ride a yamaha sr500 and a xs650, the xs drag and slip is just like a 60s royal enfield, now sorted with a homebrew hydraulic system. Does Holding The Clutch Down Damage It Motorcycle There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the motorcycle and the rider's habits. In this article, we will explore the effects of riding the clutch, how to avoid it, and the potential risks associated with it. As a result, the friction plate will slide against the clutch plate. Additionally, riding the clutch can cause the engine to overheat, leading to reduced fuel economy and increased wear on the engine components. PS if your left handed (like me), there is a certain percentage of people, especially in worcester england who still think left handers are pariahas, ie tied hands behind backs etc etc, anyhow, if your lefthanded your brain is predominantly righthanded and vice versa, tell that the royal county, (worcester, ) they cant process the info & tell you to eff off, nuff said Of course I use the clutch and am in gear right to when the light changes. It is critical to slip the clutch as part of manual transmission driving. It engages more smoothly and run quieter than a dry clutch. It wont damage the bike as long as you make sure to match the throttle to the gear you have shifted to. Squeeze the clutch lever in, then slowly ease it out. All my pupils including prospective Police riders were taught to stop comfortably then smoothly preform the shuffle., as required by the examination body. 2. Step Two: Check that your gear shifter is in neutral, but if not, press it into place. Keep an eye on your mirrors for a vehicle about to rear-end you and plan where you can go in an emergency. Does giving gas while releasing the clutch cause unnecessary wear? Keeping up with the general carb service is an effective way to keep your motorcycle from stalling. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. I have noticed a few stupid remarks about bikes stalling if you drop the clutch! Mechanically, it is definitely better to release the clutch at every opportunity. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I always sit in neutral at the lights. It is easy to become complacent if you dont realize how easy it is to ride the clutch without realizing it. The safety aspect is more important. When riding the clutch, you always slightly release the clutch discs, allowing them to slide against each other. Beginner riders often ask whether it is okay to use the clutch while riding. So its better for mechanical reasons to put the bike into neutral.. A wet clutch runs cooler and is therefore more durable. I have a 55 Norton. When brake fluid boils, brake pedal fade will occur, or complete brake failure can happen while driving downhill. This is different from riding the clutch of your motorcycle in the friction zone, halfway between fully in and fully out. The most obvious sign to a failing clutch happens when the gears slip. But it can be a very useful skill to get your big heavy adventure bike over obstacles, pot holes or ditches in a dirt road. [2] 4. First of all, to dispel the myth engine braking does not harm your engine at all. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform.