Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike

How to clutch on a dirt bike.

Steps

  1. Take off: Start the bike, compress the clutch and then push the shift lever downwards ( most bikes shift pattern is Down for first, and up for the following gears )
  2. Once the bike is in gear, very slowly let the clutch out while applying throttle at an equal rate. This is often the hardest part for beginners. If the engine RPM suddenly drops, that either means you are not giving enough throttle, or you are releasing the clutch too rapidly, or perhaps both. Once in first gear and moving, shifting to the next gears is much easier.
  3. To shift to second, pull in the clutch lever, at the same time release the throttle. Doing so in sync will keep the engine RPM from spiking. Lift the shifter lever until there is a firm click into the next gear.
  4. Once in the next gear, let off the clutch and apply throttle, in sync with the clutching. You may then accelerate and shift into the next gear using the same process.
  5. To shift down, ease off the throttle until your speed is roughly equal to the higher end speed of the lower gear.
  6. Compress the clutch while letting off the throttle, shift down, then let the clutch out while applying little throttle. You will be in the top end of the gear most likely, and applying too much throttle will cause your RPM to spike.
  7. Hit neutral: In a bike with a shift pattern that is Down, Up, Up, you will need to get to first gear, and then raise the shift lever halfway between first and second. This is often hard to do for beginners. An easy way to hit neutral on most bikes is to shift to neutral while still moving.

Tips

  • If it is your first time, it is best to start with a smaller bike. A 100cc dirt bike is ideal. 85cc will also work. If you start with something too big, there is a chance you will be kicked off the back of the bike on take off.
  • You should Always clutch so as to prolong the life of the bike transition, and other parts. If you shift straight to a higher gear without clutching you may stall the bike or cause gear damage.
  • Hitting neutral on some bikes can be difficult when it is between first and second. One trick with some bikes is to shift to neutral while still rolling at a fair rate. Hitting neutral when the bike is stationary can sometimes be very difficult.
  • Practice makes perfect.
  • Clutching in most any gear above first can be done significantly faster than clutching for takeoff. This is mainly because the mass of the bike is already moving.

Warnings

  • Make sure you have a helmet and proper gear ( gloves, boots, etc. )
  • DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES
  • Take care when using a bike larger than you are. You could be thrown off, or may lose control. Some bikes are much heavier than they look, and can cause severe injury if they land on you,
  • If you are new to dirt biking, start in an open area with few or no objects that may be hit.

Things You'll Need

  • Dirt bike ( preferably of small displacement if you a beginner )
  • Helmet
  • Open area to practice
  • Optional, but recommended: Somebody to watch and help you in case you fall off or injure yourself.

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