Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Clutch in,,,,or clutch out?, clutch, in


Question
Recently I completed the USA Four Corners Tour. At every stop, my fellow rider would chide me for having the bike in first gear while at a stop light. He insisted it would cause extensive clutch wear. I feel, the ability to quickly move from a possible rear end collision requires being in gear. We both drive the Honda Valkyrie.

Thanks,

John

Answer
Your friend is wrong as far as I know.

For safety reasons, yes, it's best to have it in first gear with the clutch squeezed, ready to go.

Increased clutch wear? I don't see that. In fact, if he's putting it in neutral every time, letting the clutch out, then squeezing it again to put it in first gear to ride away, it sounds like he's using the clutch twice as many times for each stop/start as you are--I'd bet HIS clutch would wear out sooner!

Are you sure he's not just pulling your leg??? ;-)

Pat