Know the friction zone
The friction zone is the part of the lever travel where the clutch begins to transfer power. Find it by pulling in the clutch, selecting first gear and releasing the lever slowly until the bike starts to move. Learning to hold it there gives you control at very low speeds.
Setting off
- Select first gear, add a little throttle and release the clutch smoothly until the bike moves. Then release it fully.
- Do not release it suddenly, because the bike will jerk forward or stall.
Changing up
- Ease off the throttle slightly, pull in the clutch, select the next gear and release the clutch smoothly while you add throttle again.
- Do these in one flowing movement, and without dropping the revs too much or letting the bike surge.
- Change up at moderate revs on a relaxed ride. Do not hold the engine at high revs for no reason.
Changing down
- Slow down with the brakes first, then pull in the clutch and select the lower gear, and release the clutch smoothly.
- If the rear wheel hops or the bike jerks, you are releasing the clutch too fast or the engine revs are too low for that gear. Ease the clutch out more gently.
- Use engine braking to help control your speed, especially on long downhill stretches.
Neutral and stopping
- To find neutral, change down to first gear and then lift the lever gently half a step, ideally while the bike is moving slowly or stopped.
- At a junction, many riders stay in first gear with the clutch in, ready to go, and use neutral only for longer stops.
Signs that the clutch needs attention
- The revs rise but the bike does not accelerate in proportion, which suggests that the clutch is slipping.
- A clutch lever that feels very hard, loose or sticky, or one that drags in neutral.
- A burning smell when you ride. Have it checked by a mechanic.
Clutch setup, free play and gearbox behaviour vary between bikes. Follow the owner’s manual, and practise in a safe place.