QuestionHi,
I recently took and passed a motorcycle rider safety course. I have a license, but have not been riding. Mainly, because I don't have the slightest idea when I am supposed to use the clutch, or when I am not supposed to use it. Therefore, I feel I would be an unsafe driver. They didn't teach us this. I have asked friends, and I get "depends" for an answer. Can you please tell me the info I need? I know I need to use it before I upshift or downshift. But what about before I start it, or before I brake, etc., etc.? I understand technical language. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
AnswerChris,
Thanks for the question.
I am amazed (and a little sad) that you could take and pass the MSF course yet still not have this skill. Never the less, I'll give you some pointers.
It sounds like you already understand how to use the clutch when changing gears. As for "when to use it when starting", that's an easy answer: ALWAYS pull in the clutch when starting your bike. If you don't, and your bike is in gear, it will lurch forward unexpectedly, possible causing it (and you) to fall over. So always pull in your clutch when starting your bike. Most modern bikes have a safety circuit that does not let you start them while in gear, but older ones don't, so make it a habit to pull in the clutch when starting up. Once your bike is running, and if you want to let it warm up a little, put the gears in Neutral (so that the green light goes on). NOW you can let the clutch out and the bike will not go anywhere.
As for using the clutch when braking, that's a little more complicated. In MSF school, you were told to use both brakes when stopping. That's good advice. But your motorcycle has a THIRD kind of brake: the engine. When you let off the throttle while riding, the motorocycle slows down, same as a car. This is because the engine, which is trying to reach idle speed, is slowing the rear wheel, because the clutch is engaged and the motor is in gear. This is called "engine braking". Obviously, just before you stop, you need to have the clutch pulled in or the engine will die.
OR, If you let off the throttle and pull in the clutch while in motion, the engine will drop to idle immediately, and you are "coasting", just like on your bicycle when you are not pedaling. You then use just the "regular" brakes to come to a stop.
The complicated part is that neither method is "wrong". And at this point, you need to use whatever method is most comfortable for you. The more "correct" method is to use engine braking. It works like this: when slowing, downshift like normal. Let a combination of the engine and brakes slow you down. Just before you come to the stop, pull in the clutch and hold it in, so you are ready to go when needed. Most experienced riders use this method, but if you want to coast to a stop, there is nothing "wrong" with that.
I can see that this skill is causing you some frustration. Learning to shift and use the clutch is definitely the most skill-intensive part of riding a motorcycle. There are no shortcuts: it just takes practice, period. You have to go out and do it. The good thing is, the more you practice, the better you'll get at it- I promise. Pretty soon, you'll use the gears and clutch without thinking about it. You'll find yourself able to "massage" the clutch for smoother starts and shifts. Again, it takes time, and practice. I strongly suggest you do not ride in heavy traffic until you have full confidence to do so. I suggest you ride your bike during low-traffic periods, probably weekend mornings. Maybe even seek out a big empty parking lot and practice stops and starts. Try out both engine braking and coasting to a stop. See which you like better. Coasting is easier, but engine braking is the better skill to learn.
I would contact the MSF and see about maybe taking the course again for free or ask for some personal instruction. Let them know your problem with clutch use, I'm sure they will be willing to help.
If this continues to be a problem, please do not hesitate to email again.
Ride smart, have fun,
Bill Roberson
