As a result of this, the clutch does not fully engage the flywheel and thus prematurely wears the disc and flywheel. 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. Clutch in+ in gear+ idle+ heavy impact from behind = wheelie, Youre stopping at a set of lights, stay in gear until the traffic behind you has stopped, then select neutral if you feel comfortable. This site is owned and operated by Francois Steyn. 3. You will notice this when the bike holds the same speed while you click up gears. Its combustion that explodes out of your pipes and propels your bike forward, and if your bike is running either too lean or too rich on fuel, you might stall out every time you hit the throttle. Bracing your feet against the pedals helps your body maintain stability and resist the forces that downhill braking puts on your body. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. You will not persuade the authorities that it was to prevent you getting tail ended. Now switch feet. Oh yes, use your clutch, use neutral, AND use your brain. Its also enjoyable and satisfying to do so because it necessitates some skill in order to complete. If you want to master a variety of riding techniques, you must use the friction zone in your clutch. Am I missing something? "Have not ridden in 40 years, and want to relive the good days! Understanding how to safely and properly use the clutch is essential for any motorcyclist. 1984 Honda CB700SC Nighthawk S (cafe) Vote Related Topics Motorcycle Cars and Motor Vehicles 0 comments Best Add a Comment More posts you may like r/motorcycles Join Holding Clutch While Riding Bike There is no need to hold the clutch while riding a bike. It is important to be aware of how the clutch works and to practice proper driving techniques to avoid riding the clutch. If you holding clutch or neutral gear while downhill, then you may have to put more pressure on brakes . As a result, the friction plate will slide against the clutch plate. It will cause some wear, yes. Some situations may require you to ride your clutch, while others may not, leaving you with far less control over your vehicle. Roll on the throttle as you release the clutch. Either way, there is still an element of additional wear by holding in the lever for long periods. Strong springs compress the plates together and the resulting friction transfers the power from the engine to the gearbox and the wheels. These steps are described below with proper explanation. The clutch requires you to perform some advanced functions more frequently. If you press the accelerator while releasing the clutch on a motorcycle, the car will stall. So at bare minimum, my bike wouldve been destroyed. Spot on Russ, I do the same and agree clutches are cheap to replace. With the clutch pulled in, there is no engine braking and your brakes have to work harder to stop the bike. Motorcycle accidents are the most common in the first few months after the vehicle is purchased. Because a wet clutch runs in oil which causes drag, there is more power loss than in a dry clutch setup. In slow traffic the rear brake applied by itself will stop the bike with no fork dive. While braking, you should always depress the clutch. I have never replaced a clutch or any related components on any of my road bikes. 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. My two principal reasons for holding the clutch are (1) the delay added by having to put it in gear in an emergency (even though we all think we are faster than physics) and (2) because finding neutral on my Nighthawk is such a giant PITA that the light is usually ready to change by the time I get the (sometimes erroneous) light. : (. But if your bikes ratio is off and too much fuel enters the chamber, itll flood your ignition process. A clutch, which is an important and expensive component of any vehicle, is critical to its proper operation and maintenance. As a result, a question that often pops up on motorcycle forums is whether it is bad for your bike if you ride the clutch. Guess it depends on how long you keep the bike and whether you actually like it or dont care. Horses for courses, do what makes you more comfortable gauging in the safety aspect . The clutch is only used when shifting gears. But I certainly accept the argument about rear-ending too, especially at highway road works stops.. While youre still holding the clutch, shift into the next gear. If done too often it can cause the clutch to slip or wear out sooner than it should, resulting in added costs for repairs or replacements. Motorcycles are an enjoyable activity for many people, but it is critical to take care of the clutch in order to avoid damage. A helmet is a no-brainer, and so is a jacket. Press down on the gear shift to put the motorcycle into first gear. Always expecting to get cleaned up. 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. A handy home mechanic might be able to do this with the carb still mounted onto the bike, but its easier to take the carb off before uninstalling and reinstalling the spring. When you ride the clutch, you notice that it is constantly shifting in constant, incessant motion on the two clutch plates. Spray it down with carb cleaner and give it a thorough cleaning to relieve any clogs or debris build-up that will affect fuel flow. Further to my statement about big wheelies when tail ended. Dry clutches transfer less power to the wheels than wet clutches. Youll learn everything you need to know about how to use the clutch, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Then, slowly release the clutch lever while twisting the throttle. Just for interest sake you wouldnt want to hold the clutch in on a late 60s early 70s Suzuki T500 for too long. In normal day-to-day riding, it is rarely necessary to ride the clutch in the friction zone, but there are situations where it is helpful. That's why most bikes have a firm clunk when first gear is selected. A motorcycle stall-out is more than just embarrassing; it can be hazardous. In this case, riders should not be discouraged because the clutch may not be available. It just prevents the bike from jerking when you open and close the throttle in first. Another possibility is that a driver rides the clutch, causing additional stress and wear to the clutch. Keep an eye on your mirrors for a vehicle about to rear-end you and plan where you can go in an emergency. If youre beginning to feel like an improper air-fuel ratio has become a reoccurring theme in this piece, youre not wrong. I have always gave myself distance and an angle to flee from the well trained drivers on the road. 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. 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. If I dont get it into neutral before I stop the clutch drag will have me out into middle of the junction! Then, roll the throttle toward you to close it completely and press down on the gear shift with your foot. It is much better to gear down and let the engine assist with the braking, than simply holding the clutch in all the way. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Question: If I Hold The Clutch On My Bike While Going Downhill Does It Have Any Harmful Effect On The Bike. The process will cause wear on your clutch and transmission. Is it okay to ride your brakes going downhill? But will it mean a new clutch in the near future?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurebiketroop_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurebiketroop_com-medrectangle-3-0'); There are two types of motorcycle clutch systems. By using our site, you agree to our. Both types add unnecessary wear if the clutch is held in for prolonged periods. 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. Beginner riders often ask whether it is okay to use the clutch while riding. Of course you wouldnt shoot out into an intersection without knowing what youd be getting into. A dry clutch will run hotter and wear faster if ridden in the friction zone often. 2. Wheni stop at hte lights i st back about 2 lenghts nad have my bars aim to one side of the car in front. A clutch is the lever that engages and releases the rider from a bike while keeping the pedal position steady. I saw the car coming from behind, and I quickly zipped in between the car I was behind, and the car next to it. [3] 5. If you want to make an elephant turn, you can do so more easily with a crowd around you. I totally agree. A proper saddle bag like these from Viking Bags is a good idea. I have ridden for 30 years and always leave the bike in gear and hold the clutch. I had never heard to this until a couple of physiotherapists pointed it out to me. Some riders ride their bikes on steep hills with the clutch fully disengaged to save gas. It will make a louder noise than a wet clutch and be more difficult to engage as smoothly. Thats how I have survived 35 years of riding. Riding the clutch is the term used for pulling in the clutch lever halfway so that the plates are allowed to slip somewhat so that only some of the power is transferred but not all of it. practice and I have yet to replace any internal clutch component in any vehicle I have ever owned, so no argument mechanically speaking. 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. Even if I am in neutral I still hold the clutch in to reduce the noise. You may need a little more speed to counter the lean of the bike or to avoid a dangerous situation. You bet. If you bought your fuel-injected bike used, find out if it has any after-market power enhancements. Learn more about us. You will end up dropping your clutch the bike will pop a wheelie and you will end up on the pedestrian crossing causing them more damage than being pushed or you will end up decorating the side of the 40 footer with a large Red splatter. The problem with free-wheeling around a corner is that you dont have proper control of the bike. If you drive a stick shift car, it is critical that the clutch is kept completely in place. Squeeze the clutch lever in, then slowly ease it out. Shouldnt be any concern unless you have an insatiable habit of revving hard at a stop. 01 May 2023 16:13:23 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 nearly always just tap/ease the gear lever (no clutch required) into neutral as I glide the last few meters to a stop. What about riding through a Red light and the traffic camera clocking you? If you apply the brake until the car comes to a stop, the engine will lug and then stall out. Its never been and issue with me. wobble enough to engage and launch itself into cross traffic. Being a 2 stroke this was OK for 20 seconds or so, but really not a good idea. The clutch should never be pressed while turning corners. The most obvious sign to a failing clutch happens when the gears slip. There are two types of clutches in a motorcycle: wet clutches and dry clutches. As you press down on the rear brake lever, use your index and middle finger to slowly squeeze the front brake controls. I had one pupil who talked the same crap about riding away from a tail ending. For tips on shifting gears on a semi-automatic transmission, read on! With the bike still leaned over, this sudden increase in power will break traction and spin the rear wheel, sending the bikes rear into a power slide. When accelerating, the clutch lever should be progressively released to prevent the engine from stalling or jerking. 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. Approved. If you are driving a manual car, it is best to engage second or third gear when heading downhill. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. 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. Will holding in the clutch while (highway) riding do anything bad to my bike. When I was 25 a friend and I took our old XT500's on a short trip and I fell in love with adventure bike riding.Shortly after getting married my wife and I rode from Cape to Cairo on 200 cc Chinese road bikes. Step Two: Check that your gear shifter is in neutral, but if not, press it into place. I am in neutral but at the ready. With negligible traction you need to prevent the rear wheel from spinning, which will see you wipe out very suddenly, like I did in Namibia in the image below: The suggested method is to take is slowly, making sure you keep momentum so you dont get stuck, and the using the clutch to trim the power if the wheel wants to spin. Then, slowly apply throttle while releasing the clutch gently until the motorcycle starts to roll slowly. Motorcycle clutches are very durable and even advanced rider training courses teach riders how to use the friction zone to help ride the bike properly. All in all, holding the clutch while riding a bike is an essential part of any riders skill set. Bike boots are therefore a must. The car I moved for, was able to stop without hitting the car that was in front of me, but only with about a foot between it and that stopped car. If youre having trouble tightening it to the point of no slack, your cable might be old, worn, and stretched out, and you may need a fresh throttle cable replacement. Im glad I didnt get that Ducati. In a stick shift car, the clutch needs to be left alone to avoid excessive wear. While riding around a bend, some riders hold their clutch lever all the way in to freewheel their bike. ", 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/. Learn more One of the most important processes of riding a motorcycle is shifting gears. What is the bad thing about riding a clutch on a motorcycle? Anyone who has ever owned an older British, Spanish, or Italian bike will know that you NEVER stop at an intersection with the clutch lever pulled in. Sit with your rear brake engaged and your other foot on the floor, no front brake at all. For safety, it is advisable to leave your bike in gear at the lights, at least until you have a couple of cars pulled up behind you to avoid a rear-ender. Pull in the clutch and release the throttle. Chin over stem. A dry clutch will generate more heat and wear faster. Resting your foot on the clutch is a bad habit to break, so avoid doing so as much as possible. While it is not good practice to ride the clutch during normal riding conditions on the public roads, it may be necessary during slow maneuvers to prevent the engine from stalling, like in a parking lot. Avoid riding the clutch as much as possible in order to avoid damaging the vehicle in the long run. I constantly monitor the rear and modulate the tail light as cars come up behind. Riders who take advanced rider training courses learn how to use the friction zone and how to use clutches for a motorcycle. Just hope the police are not around, you will be fined for running a red light. Dry clutches have less power loss due to not being submersed in oil, which will mean more power being transferred to the wheels. With practice and patience, riding the clutch on a motorcycle can become second nature. Related: 6 Reasons Motorcycles Can Shut Off While Riding (Explained). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Finishing in neutral with left foot down and right foot covering the rear brake. Posted June 14, 2016. First of all, to dispel the myth engine braking does not harm your engine at all. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Clogged jets mean your fuel cant transport to the combustion process, and your air-fuel ratio will run lean. References And combustion doesnt just happen during ignition. If youve got clogged jets and have been experiencing power loss during acceleration that sometimes causes the bike to stall out, pop the carb out of the motor. Its called the right side as it is the correct side. How bad is this for your motorcycle? He came back the new week and apologized as he had seen what I had described on the main road outside his house. This has been my life long (long life?) 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. You should let your guard down before your shift is over, because a gear grind is in your own hands. Riders can be assured that their bike will remain in good condition if they use the clutch correctly and do not rest their foot on the gear pedal. -If you're riding uphill, use a higher gear so that your motorcycle doesn't slow down as much. Ive also read that some riders have the habit of pulling the clutch to the cut the power when riding along in traffic, instead of gearing down.

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