very stupid question
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 34
From: Ca
RE: very stupid question
The only thing to worry about is riding the clutch. That is holding it halfway too long, or having it adjusted too far out. I don't always release it perfect, that is changed gear, gas and slow release, but never had a problem except with every Honda I've ever had (4), worse in the 60's and 70's. I'm told motorcycle clutches are made for much more use than cages.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: very stupid question
ORIGINAL: SpeedsterX
Dude!!
It's like sex.
Get a feel for it first. If anything you're doing "seems" too fast or too slow,,
then ease off or hammer it alittle more.
The engine will "tell" you what it needs as you're going through the progression!
Just don't give it TOO much gas prematurely!
"Cause that would be PREMATURE E-GASULATION!!
(and nobody wants THAT!!!)
[IMG]local://upfiles/4802/D6E62CE761534E588110FEB183C9B3F6.gif[/IMG]
Dude!!
It's like sex.
Get a feel for it first. If anything you're doing "seems" too fast or too slow,,
then ease off or hammer it alittle more.
The engine will "tell" you what it needs as you're going through the progression!
Just don't give it TOO much gas prematurely!
"Cause that would be PREMATURE E-GASULATION!!
(and nobody wants THAT!!!)
[IMG]local://upfiles/4802/D6E62CE761534E588110FEB183C9B3F6.gif[/IMG]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 36
From: Georgia Mountains
RE: very stupid question
When I first learned to drive a stick, I was taught to keep my foot on the floorboard unless I was actually shifting. Even at a traffic light, I wouldn't drop into first until the light turned green. In 24 years of owning standard shift trucks with over 130,000 miles on all of them, I never replaced a clutch.
I think MSF teaches to hold in the clutch while in first gear at a light, in case you need to "escape", and that argument certainly holds merit. However, I do think the "keep your foot on the floorboard/hand on the grip (not clutch lever)" is sound advise. In recent years I have learned to operate in the "friction zone", while dragging the back brake, in order to do slow speed manuevers. This goes against whatI have traditionally done for years, but there is no doubt that this skill is a MUST in order to operate these large bikes at slow speed.
So, learn to ride properly. Take an advanced riders course, and don't worry about it. Cluthes are relatively cheap anyway.
I think MSF teaches to hold in the clutch while in first gear at a light, in case you need to "escape", and that argument certainly holds merit. However, I do think the "keep your foot on the floorboard/hand on the grip (not clutch lever)" is sound advise. In recent years I have learned to operate in the "friction zone", while dragging the back brake, in order to do slow speed manuevers. This goes against whatI have traditionally done for years, but there is no doubt that this skill is a MUST in order to operate these large bikes at slow speed.
So, learn to ride properly. Take an advanced riders course, and don't worry about it. Cluthes are relatively cheap anyway.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
RE: very stupid question
I guess I've never had a clutch problem in after alot of miles and bikes over the last 15 years.
But this got me thinking, may we don't need to use the clutch at all. after you get going just shift witout the clutch, I'm sure that will be more smooth. [sm=confused06.gif]Clutches are an elaborate plot by the MoCo to suck more money from our pockets.
But this got me thinking, may we don't need to use the clutch at all. after you get going just shift witout the clutch, I'm sure that will be more smooth. [sm=confused06.gif]Clutches are an elaborate plot by the MoCo to suck more money from our pockets.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,366
Likes: 3,650
From: SE NC
RE: very stupid question
ORIGINAL: SpeedsterX
Dude!!
It's like sex.
Get a feel for it first. If anything you're doing "seems" too fast or too slow,,
then ease off or hammer it alittle more.
The engine will "tell" you what it needs as you're going through the progression!
Just don't give it TOO much gas prematurely!
"Cause that would be PREMATURE E-GASULATION!!
(and nobody wants THAT!!!)
[sm=funnypostabove.gif] thats a good one. Its like driving a standard in your car, dont abuse it or ride or slip it and it will last you a long long time.
[IMG]local://upfiles/4802/D6E62CE761534E588110FEB183C9B3F6.gif[/IMG]
Dude!!
It's like sex.
Get a feel for it first. If anything you're doing "seems" too fast or too slow,,
then ease off or hammer it alittle more.
The engine will "tell" you what it needs as you're going through the progression!
Just don't give it TOO much gas prematurely!
"Cause that would be PREMATURE E-GASULATION!!
(and nobody wants THAT!!!)
[sm=funnypostabove.gif] thats a good one. Its like driving a standard in your car, dont abuse it or ride or slip it and it will last you a long long time.
[IMG]local://upfiles/4802/D6E62CE761534E588110FEB183C9B3F6.gif[/IMG]
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 180
Likes: 2
From: indianapolis
RE: very stupid question
ORIGINAL: dmr
well, you should ease out(disengage) the clutch while applying the throttle. try not to "bang" gears. when you do that, you chew the clutch a bit. on other thng, try not to ride with your left hand on the clutch lever. if you are, you may be inadvertantly pulling the clutch lever in slightly (engaging) whichwill also cause some wear. just some thoughts
well, you should ease out(disengage) the clutch while applying the throttle. try not to "bang" gears. when you do that, you chew the clutch a bit. on other thng, try not to ride with your left hand on the clutch lever. if you are, you may be inadvertantly pulling the clutch lever in slightly (engaging) whichwill also cause some wear. just some thoughts
When the clutch lever is pulled in by your hand, i.e. touching the grip, the clutch is DISengaged.
When the clutch lever is free (your hand is not squeezing it) the clutch is ENgaged, that is, transmitting power from the motor to the transmission.
If you DISengage the clutch while applying the throttle, you'll make a lot of noise but you won't go too far.
OK, enough of that.
I agree with the poster who said just act natural, or words to that effect. I started riding on small dirt bikes many years ago, and I think that is a good way to get to feel one with the machine. That, to me, is what is necessary to ride well.
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