Friction Zone
Friction Zone
I remember in my MSF course the instructor teaching us the friction zone and the friction zone was very easy to find on the bikes in the course but I'm having the hardest time finding it on my XL1200.
When I think she is in the friction zone, she does start to pull off but when I roll on the throttle she starts to sputter like she wants to stall.
Is the friction zone hard to find on Harley's?
I know the only way to find it on my bike is to have a parking lot session but everytime I think my schedule is clear some BS rises up. I get frustrated and hit the streets but have one hell of a time at STOP signs and red lights.
When I think she is in the friction zone, she does start to pull off but when I roll on the throttle she starts to sputter like she wants to stall.
Is the friction zone hard to find on Harley's?
I know the only way to find it on my bike is to have a parking lot session but everytime I think my schedule is clear some BS rises up. I get frustrated and hit the streets but have one hell of a time at STOP signs and red lights.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, NE
Do you live in a hilly area? Friction zone can be hard to find/use correctly if you are on lots of hills as gravity wants to pull you back, unless your going down a hill of course. I find it easy to find. just very slowely let off the clutch. do it in a parking lot for practice that way if you kill it you wont have to fire it back up in traffic.
Yeah, I have to have a parking lot session. I get frustrated and put her back in park. I guess I'm rushing my upbringing because I want to get out of the newbie stage and just ride. But I won't do that until I'm comfortable with the zone and STOP and red lights.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: East Coast Shore
You can practice with the friction zone in your driveway. Start bike, pull in clutch lever, put in 1st gear, ease out clutch untill bike just starts to move, pull in clutch and bike stops inching forward. wala friction zone. Now to add rear break, throttle and clutch for very slow parking lot manuveres. Sounds to me like you are not giving enough throttle when in friction zone and almost stalling. Practice practice practice. we all need to practice in a safe place every now and again to not get complacent and for reinforcment.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 24
From: New Hampshire
Well this "Friction Zone" must be a fairly new term as i have ridden bikes for years, but have just recently started hearing this term. What exactly is the friction zone? The best way to get used to your clutch is to get to a parking lot and do some low speed starts and stops. Motorcycles are all different and some need a bit more throttle than others when taking off. Everyone will feel different. Practice makes perfect.
Last edited by IRON1250; Jul 3, 2012 at 12:21 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Impatience will not get you to find it any easier. Only time, practice and experience. Also, with different loads the bike will react AA little different. When I ride 2up I find I need a bit more throttle on hills and to start from a stop. Just keep on keepin' on. Good luck.
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Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
Slipping the clutch is the old fashioned term for friction zone. That sounds more high tech, huh?
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Why don't you pick up a copy of the Ride Like A Pro video, it's only $30?
It's a great instructional video and has a lot of tips on low speed maneuvers in the friction zone.
It's a great instructional video and has a lot of tips on low speed maneuvers in the friction zone.
