Another advantage to "covering" your levers like this is reaction time saved. It takes time to reach for your levers which could make the difference between a save and a stack. Learned that from street riding.
hey I have a question... if I'm going around a turn in 1st and end up having to slow down and my bike is about to stall do I literally pull the clutch in and just let it out and start driving again or do I actually have to let it out slowly again like when you first take off? I need help with medium to sharp turns and how to use the clutch then if I need to..
Thought this was no brainer, until i rode my brothers kawasaki kx125 where the clutch is hard as a rock. I got an ktm 125 exc...hydralic clutch cabel ftw! whoop
Thank you for this video!! I see way too many guys with YT channels trying to show how good they are, who don't cover the levers and then reach with their whole hand to grab the clutch/brake and then pull the lever all the way to the handlebars. It's hard to not be a little disappointed at that time, knowing they have a $12,000 race bike, and couldn't be bothered to adjust the clutch. I am not a pro rider, I'm just learning, but I'm trying to learn with good technique, provided by channels like Dirt Bike Channel. Why don't people listen to the professionals more!?
I’ve always got at least one finger on the brake and clutch it helps me to steady my throttle. Through technical hard induro and feathering your clutch through that stuff really helps.
There are a few brands of high end levers and perches now , so if you have a stiff clutch pull, it can be appreciably better ...if you have a cable activated clutch , they are worth looking at . The KTM Magura has a nice pull. We mostly run Rekluse Core clutches and Exp's in the southeast , riding in the woods. Most of us don't even ride a new bike until the Rekluse is in . They will may you faster and smoother , but running a stock clutch and knowing how to use it is a valuable skill. It teaches you the total game .
Great lesson. Most top riders advocate for one finger usage. I'm practicing but my default seems to be for two fingers. Likely because I used to ride a DR and the clutch and breaks had more drag. The KTMs I have now are much smoother and require less force but my habit is to use two. Thanks for info. Keep up the great videos.
I am planning to purchase a dirt bike too (alongside with my Superduke) and these kind of videos are really helpful for an inexperienced dirt bike rider like me, who has a lot to learn! Great vid, thanks.
Yup I see what your saying, it came across my mind after riding a 4hour gncc race where I could barely hang on to the bike, but like u said seat time is the key
I hate crushing my other 3 fingers with the clutch lever so I have mine cut down to a little nub.. also if I'm in rough terrain I can slip my finger up around the lever instead of up behind it. I haven't had any problems slipping off and missing it. But I buy gloves with a lot of grip on the bottom of the finger/palm.
Yes I can relate to that. Thougt that I was the only one. I use 2 fingers but always crush the 3rd with the lever when riding enduro in places that need more technique skills or need to pull the front wheel into something. I there any advice you can give? @DirtBikeChannel
Midwestern clever lever is a nice piece of kit, reduces pull force between 30-50%, and is shorter for 1-2 fingers. Helped with my hand cramping. It does have a longer engagement tho, which I like but some may not.
My father was a pro hillclimber and taught us kids when u loose power climbing shift down a gear other than that I thought ur video was informative thank you
+Vel0ci_R4ptor Aka Angus Holmes try looking on Craigslist and don't just look in your area look all around and offer to come get the bike I found a 07 crf100f for 650 some times you can get 1,300 for them
I started out on motorcycles, where I typically use all four fingers on the clutch, unless I'm going full throttle. It just helps ensure you're getting a nice clean shift and not slipping the clutch all the time. But I learned real fast after I got my rm 250 to use 2 fingers on the clutch for shifting because that damn thing will rip out of your hands otherwise.
I started with 2 fingers and i had a hard time trying to relearn now i only use one finger which is the middle finger and now i have way better grip on the bars. Sometimes i have to use all fingers to grip the bars for more precise steering or climbs.
Correct. Also if you need to do wheelie and to pull the bar up its much easier to do it with 3 fingers on the bar than with two (not even mentioning only one). But need to have clutch and break really easy to push. Otherwise 2 fingers on both levers/2 fingers on bar is the universal way.
1 or 2 fingers covering the clutch are a good way for a person to learn how to do a wheelie. My first shot at a wheelie was with 4 fingers on the clutch. My left arm flied back and I almost went with it. I honestly have no idea how I didn't fall that day. Since then I started riding with 2 fingers on the clutch, and maybe I will change the lever position because when I pull the clutch with 1 finger it hits my middle finger.
seems like a silly idea to be holding the end of the grips if your going off road because any rock that you hit hard that catches you off guard is gonna knock your hand off the bar and screw you over
Helloo all you guys with a Jap bike (cable clutch) heres a tip ! -remove the lever -place the cable upright position -take some heat shrink wrap for wires and stuff -put the wrap over the upper end of you C cable so it goes over the steel tip and 2-4cm extra -heat the wrap so its tight around the cable and fill the bowl (:D) with lubricant like CRC 5-56 ETC -repeat 2-3 times so the oils runs into the cable -install the lever and you done ! this had huge difference on 125 and 250 CR but ofc you could go buy a new cable :)
I was told by multiple semi pro riders to use all 4 fingers on the clutch, but that was before hydraulic clutches were ever a thing in dirtbikes. It's quite a challenge to pull in any clutch I've used with one finger, it usually takes at least 2 or 3
Man my brakes, clutch, and throttle are all so bad my brakes barely work my clutch is extremely hard and my throttle is super sluggish would new throttle tube and cable, hand brake and cable and clutch lever and cable wor or would it be waste of money??
Cannot do one finger clutch on my vintage Moto Guzzi NTX 650... as sometimes even 4 fingers are not enough. It's not the cable or lack of lube. It's tought by its design
I use my middle fingers on clutch and brake with my Midwest engineering clutch and brake lever . I have really front brake control and clutch control. I can hold bars better to . I know it works because I bought my new husqvarna 2019 tx 300 . The stock lever were terrible felt like I lost brake and clutch control I had .
+Belicose777 Especially when the cables get dirty. I have a cable clutch on my Yahama. If you keep a new- ish cable on there, it's still a one or two finger operation.
Hi pal I watch a lot of your tips to improve my skills but the hardest one is throttle control when standing. I put a different tamper wich helps a lot but still not good when standing I always lose control when accelerating. Some tips please....
I use one finger at high speeds to give me better grip of the bike at high speeds whereas I'll use 1 to 4 depending on how fast I'm going and how much control I need 👍🏻
I got a little lazy with clutch control since I've been riding Rekluse. In technical rocky sections, I just get trough with torque in 3rd like a 4 stroke, it's unstallable... I'll slip it out of a tight spot to launch the bike or get over whatever is in front of me. But covering the levers with one finger is imperative!
My clutch is a tough pull. I can't pull it with one finger. :( Maybe I should look into new levers. But..... I was gifted with small hands. Lol. So it's quite the stretch to get one finger to grab the lever anyhow.
Im riding a 2016 Husky 501 and get armpump and cramps in my left hand when riding technical and hard trails so I'm now trying to get a Clake One Light Clutch. Should reduce the needed pull force to 25% and make one finger clutch operation effortless
Andrew Robbins I have worked on both lever position and suspension. I now ride with suspension as soft as it gets when riding on rocky ground. I have seen that some are complaining about the WP fork on the 2016 Husky and KTM's being too hard on the first half of the stroke and that it can be improved with aftermarket parts so Im looking into that too. Slave Racing FX has a Ray kit from a Italian company that should improve the fork for tecknical riding so I'm trying to figure out if it is worth trying. Here in Thailand we are not blessed with professional suspension tuners so its abou finding something you can install on your own.
#newrider /// going up and down my block, usually get up to 3rd or 4th gear... now when its time to downshift, I have just been kicking it down a gear to slow down and u-turn, without using the clutch.. Bike slows / engine brakes, all is well. However, some people say USE THE CLUTCH ON THE DOWNSHIFT TOO... Cool. I will practice that, but what I need to know is.. while downshifting thru multiple gears, can I hold the clutch in the whole time I'm kicking down, or do I just need to quickly pull the clutch and downshift at the same time, then let go and then do it again to go another gear lower. HOLDING THE CLUTCH THE WHOLE TIME vs. QUICK PULLS AND RELEASE ON THE DOWNSHIFT.. I have no clue..
I don't have a dirt bike right now, but I am gonna get one in a few weeks, and I'm a little confused, I know how to use the clutch for shifting, but I'm confused on if you have to pull the clutch with the break to stop
Your recommendations for improved clutch control are good. You mention that not all people can clutch with one finger for very long due to fatigue (or arthritis for us older riders). A solution to that is the Midwest Mountain Engineering clutch lever that cuts the pull force in half. Full Disclosure: I am biased because I am the manufacturer of these levers. My levers are short and designed for one or two finger use. Since they are short you can pull them to the bar without pinching your fingers and maintain maximum grip on the bar at all times. Check them out at www.midwestme.com
That was a very useful and informative video, I always used to run with all my fingers on my clutch and none on my front brake. I always felt it was a little weird when I would ride with just my palm on my handle bar, I always felt like my hand was gonna fall off
+Dirt Bike Channel The Clake one light clutch lever is made from a composite fiber flat spring which doesn't flex when pulled in but can bend up or down to 45 degrees without breaking. Its certainly not easy to bend. They are expensive but a game changer. Me an a mate both use them. I'll never go back to a standard lever again.
Try one! I tried to combat arm pump with a rekluse, but like others have said, didn't like the loss in lever feel. So I removed the rekluse and swapped in a Clake One- it's amazing, you should try it for hoots. Makes clutching the front tire up way more controllable. I find that with the standard clutch, it's very hard to hold the bike firmly while it's trying to jump out from under you AND use all that finger strength to maintain good clutch control. I don't mean for normal riding, but more for a pivot turn, slow wheelie, or placing the front tire deliberately in a rock section or something. Holding the bars with the appropriate grip strength, and the clutch with such little pressure, makes the 2 things easier to separate in your mind/muscle control if that makes sense. Instead of hanging on to the bars AND the clutch- you can hang on to the bars, and work the clutch with one finger so easily it doesn't affect your other fingers and thus your grip on the bars.
+MTX Boy There is a hydraulic conversion kit mady by Magura called HYMEC. I'm going to get one very soon since my Husky has no hydraulic clutch. Check it out: www.magura.com/en/powersports/products/katalog/produkte/detail/80-2014/clutches/allgemein/hymec-off-road/allgemein.html
I ride a lot of rocks, how do you work the clutch? Also do you throttle up to get up over the rocks or do I work the clutch and just make my way through slower? Most my riding is rock and hills and roots and mud. I've been trying to figure it out but it's been tough. Thanks for any input.
hey thanks for the upload. i really found this helpfull. i just bought a kawasaki klx140 as my first bike and I'm trying to get use to using the clutch and the excelerator without stalling. any tips would be really appreciated 😊
+DerMagirus Hydraulic clutch has nothing (almost, besides energy loss on the cable) to that. It's physics. You have to squeeze springs on your clutch, no matter how. If your mechanical clutch is too hard, try new cable ( or lube it ). Or simple you are too weak, then try to work out your left arm -> ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81uQNL-TCqL._SL1500_.jpg
M.E.A.T - Mild Enduro Associates Team It's probably the old cable and my arm haha I lubed it a few days ago and it felt waay better, I should remind myself more frequently that this a part of the 'daily' maintenance, too. :D
Production of consumer goods does not guaranty perfect materials for your particular riding stile either . Not to rub you the wrong way but , thanks for passing this info on brother .
Interesting style of hands off the edge of the bars, I'm going to try that and see . It makes sense you would have more control with a wider grip on the bars. Any other advantages you noticed ?
+Jason Livingstone It helps me to feel more like I'm in "attack mode", you know what I mean? It's hard to describe, and I'm not always doing it perfectly. It's just something I try to do (when I have time to thing about it), when I'm out there on the bike.
I understand it is less difficult to pull the lever if it is set further inboard, but my bike came with Mika fatty bars and that is not possible. Is there anything I can really do about that?
hey sir, gave u a like an subscribed... im a dirt bike enthusiast an looking to build a youtube channel like yours....any insight on how to do so daily...so a year from now i can b pushing my rlr brand thanks
I was wondering if you could explain slipping the clutch a little more. In the video sometimes you double pump the clutch lever other times you pull it all the way in. I was wondering if you could give examples of times when you use each of these and what exactly they do. Also is slipping the clutch a way to help control speed without using the break? Im just trying to get a better understanding of what slipping the clutch is and when are the most useful times to use it when riding. I understand that pulling the clutch lever partially in is entering the friction zone, and this give the rear tire some power but not the full power as if the clutch were fully engaged. But what is the benefit of using this friction zone. Is it almost like braking in a way? Thanks for the help and sorry for the long comment.
+clbrown23 Sometimes when you need to get the RPMs up a little bit more you can gently pull the clutch in a bit to let the motor rev up. Then you slowly release that clutch to put the power down to the wheel. It's called feathering the clutch.
That's what you needed to do when you showed the video "I don't need a 450." Had you worked the clutch right you would have flown up that hill with no issues. Anyway, I use two fingers but the faster I've gotten the less I have to use the clutch in these types of issues, period!
If your only stabbing at the clutch to slow down why not jus get out of the throttle? I have a rekluse and am getting to the point I don't know why I need the clutch anymore besides a few scenarios. I do agree with you on covering levers and only using a finger to do it but still don't understand why not just letting out of the throttle or downshifting doesn't work better for you than grabbing the clutch for shaving speed
I see you have the stubby/shorty clutch, or whatever you want to call it, do you prefer it then the OEM brake and clutch levers? Are they really worth it? I have a short brake and clutch and I always have the problem on which finger to use, most people say the middle finger, two fingers? Or one, if I use one it hurts, to much pressure or pull back. I'm regretting it, should I go back?
+Kwadwo This is actually the exact same length as the stock lever. It just looks shorter. The stock lever is an easier pull. Not sure which I like better.
+Dirt Bike Channel With the shorter lever when you pull it in you don't have that knuckle bump and that benefits me a lot, but it is harder to pull in, feels like there is more tension. But with the stock levers or lever it is easier to pull in, which is amazing, but that knuckle bump is a pain. Do you have any tips for the tension on shorter levers?
Another advantage to "covering" your levers like this is reaction time saved. It takes time to reach for your levers which could make the difference between a save and a stack. Learned that from street riding.
+osimnod Good point!
instablaster
hey I have a question... if I'm going around a turn in 1st and end up having to slow down and my bike is about to stall do I literally pull the clutch in and just let it out and start driving again or do I actually have to let it out slowly again like when you first take off? I need help with medium to sharp turns and how to use the clutch then if I need to..
"Don't use more than two fingers" haha jk good educational video :)
+OffroadJAX I see what you did there.
OffroadJAX that's some useful advice
I’ve been using more than 3 fingers 👹
marshal siler bro what💀
Thought this was no brainer, until i rode my brothers kawasaki kx125 where the clutch is hard as a rock. I got an ktm 125 exc...hydralic clutch cabel ftw! whoop
Carl Strandberg what’s a hydraulic clutch cable ????
Great video! One finger is the way to go
I like to use my thumb for the clutch lever so all my other fingers can grip the bars.
+Jaden Brake I really did laugh out loud when I read this!!!
😂
Dirt Bike Channel you could just say lol
MitchEEMouse "I really did lol when I read this" sounds wrong
Anton H yeah but it is just short hand
Thank you for this video!! I see way too many guys with YT channels trying to show how good they are, who don't cover the levers and then reach with their whole hand to grab the clutch/brake and then pull the lever all the way to the handlebars.
It's hard to not be a little disappointed at that time, knowing they have a $12,000 race bike, and couldn't be bothered to adjust the clutch.
I am not a pro rider, I'm just learning, but I'm trying to learn with good technique, provided by channels like Dirt Bike Channel. Why don't people listen to the professionals more!?
I’ve always got at least one finger on the brake and clutch it helps me to steady my throttle. Through technical hard induro and feathering your clutch through that stuff really helps.
There are a few brands of high end levers and perches now , so if you have a stiff clutch pull, it can be appreciably better ...if you have a cable activated clutch , they are worth looking at . The KTM Magura has a nice pull. We mostly run Rekluse Core clutches and Exp's in the southeast , riding in the woods. Most of us don't even ride a new bike until the Rekluse is in . They will may you faster and smoother , but running a stock clutch and knowing how to use it is a valuable skill. It teaches you the total game .
This is advise I wish I would of learned the first day I started riding.... 40 years ago.... Good stuff. Teaching my kid this method.
Great lesson. Most top riders advocate for one finger usage. I'm practicing but my default seems to be for two fingers. Likely because I used to ride a DR and the clutch and breaks had more drag. The KTMs I have now are much smoother and require less force but my habit is to use two. Thanks for info. Keep up the great videos.
+Chain Driven 2 would be fine in certain situations, like when coming to a stop. I like the 1 finger approach when in
"attack" position on the bike.
Some riders also use their middle finger, worth trying :)
I am planning to purchase a dirt bike too (alongside with my Superduke) and these kind of videos are really helpful for an inexperienced dirt bike rider like me, who has a lot to learn! Great vid, thanks.
Yup I see what your saying, it came across my mind after riding a 4hour gncc race where I could barely hang on to the bike, but like u said seat time is the key
I hate crushing my other 3 fingers with the clutch lever so I have mine cut down to a little nub.. also if I'm in rough terrain I can slip my finger up around the lever instead of up behind it. I haven't had any problems slipping off and missing it. But I buy gloves with a lot of grip on the bottom of the finger/palm.
I can relate to that.
Yes I can relate to that. Thougt that I was the only one. I use 2 fingers but always crush the 3rd with the lever when riding enduro in places that need more technique skills or need to pull the front wheel into something. I there any advice you can give? @DirtBikeChannel
My clutch is so stiff it takes my whole hand to pull it
Get some easy clutch online. Thank me later
Yz250 life. It's a rough pull on my 2002
Same
Same and my bike is 65cc
Yup
it seems as if you did not start out this way and use all 4 fingers on the clutch it's a hard habit to quit and only use 1 or 2
Midwestern clever lever is a nice piece of kit, reduces pull force between 30-50%, and is shorter for 1-2 fingers. Helped with my hand cramping. It does have a longer engagement tho, which I like but some may not.
I race enduros and this was really helpful
My father was a pro hillclimber and taught us kids when u loose power climbing shift down a gear other than that I thought ur video was informative thank you
what if I do pinky excercises everyday and have a super buff pinky that allows me to hang on to the bar by only my strong pinky?
EpicGamerWorld 😂
I’ve been riding since I was 5 my pinky is all I need 😂😂
wtf 😂
EpicGamerWorld then you’re set, 100% 😂 no cap
exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
Slide the lever in a bit so you get more leverage and leaving room for only 2 fingers.
Thanks for putting so much time and effort into making these videos for us
Time to replace my clutch cable or some lube.
lube it good but don't use more than two fingers
see what i did there?
ArmasADVish
What kind of lube is good for the clutch?
Safer Chimney wd40 will do it for me but I have friends who swear by this stuff:
www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/940/10995/Dupont-Pure-Silicone-Lubricant
ArmasADVish
Sweet!! Im gonna do it now👌🏻
Thx man
Saunasaatana lmfao
I wish I could afford a dirt bike ;(
Your not alone mate :(
You do have a point mate, but it's pretty hard trying to find a jon that pays good enough money to afford a bike. If you know what I mean. Haha
+Vel0ci_R4ptor Aka Angus Holmes try looking on Craigslist and don't just look in your area look all around and offer to come get the bike I found a 07 crf100f for 650 some times you can get 1,300 for them
+James Epperson Alright Thx mate for the advice
And cycletrader
I started out on motorcycles, where I typically use all four fingers on the clutch, unless I'm going full throttle. It just helps ensure you're getting a nice clean shift and not slipping the clutch all the time. But I learned real fast after I got my rm 250 to use 2 fingers on the clutch for shifting because that damn thing will rip out of your hands otherwise.
I started with 2 fingers and i had a hard time trying to relearn now i only use one finger which is the middle finger and now i have way better grip on the bars. Sometimes i have to use all fingers to grip the bars for more precise steering or climbs.
Correct. Also if you need to do wheelie and to pull the bar up its much easier to do it with 3 fingers on the bar than with two (not even mentioning only one). But need to have clutch and break really easy to push. Otherwise 2 fingers on both levers/2 fingers on bar is the universal way.
1 or 2 fingers covering the clutch are a good way for a person to learn how to do a wheelie. My first shot at a wheelie was with 4 fingers on the clutch. My left arm flied back and I almost went with it. I honestly have no idea how I didn't fall that day. Since then I started riding with 2 fingers on the clutch, and maybe I will change the lever position because when I pull the clutch with 1 finger it hits my middle finger.
seems like a silly idea to be holding the end of the grips if your going off road because any rock that you hit hard that catches you off guard is gonna knock your hand off the bar and screw you over
I was thinking the same thing, even with bark busters.
@south east adlay just move them in. It also gives more leverage
Helloo all you guys with a Jap bike (cable clutch) heres a tip !
-remove the lever
-place the cable upright position
-take some heat shrink wrap for wires and stuff
-put the wrap over the upper end of you C cable so it goes over the steel tip and 2-4cm extra
-heat the wrap so its tight around the cable and fill the bowl (:D) with lubricant like CRC 5-56 ETC
-repeat 2-3 times so the oils runs into the cable
-install the lever and you done !
this had huge difference on 125 and 250 CR but ofc you could go buy a new cable :)
+HerskalleLuottoo Thanks for the tip. The cables aren't too expensive, so some guys might just want to buy a new one.
These new riding tip videos are excellent! Keep it up man :D
+GtiKyle I'm glad someone likes them :)
I was told by multiple semi pro riders to use all 4 fingers on the clutch, but that was before hydraulic clutches were ever a thing in dirtbikes. It's quite a challenge to pull in any clutch I've used with one finger, it usually takes at least 2 or 3
Same bro and ik im 5 yrs late
idk about that lol
Man my brakes, clutch, and throttle are all so bad my brakes barely work my clutch is extremely hard and my throttle is super sluggish would new throttle tube and cable, hand brake and cable and clutch lever and cable wor or would it be waste of money??
Cannot do one finger clutch on my vintage Moto Guzzi NTX 650... as sometimes even 4 fingers are not enough. It's not the cable or lack of lube. It's tought by its design
Dear Guys.
After a session in motocross, I get pain in my lower back. Are you facing this topic?.What kind of exercises did you recommend for this?
Arnulfo Galvan One thing that could help is strengtheing your core and lower back muscles. I know that helps with lower back pain
I will try, thank you...
A bit late, but look into a machine called the reverse hyper.
Great videos! Keep up the training vids with the beautiful scenery.
Good explanation about the control, that's how I ride also
+Roman Muzychenko Thanks Roman.
Nice video man
Thanks for the video. I'm gonna have some real strong indexes in no time :O
I use my middle fingers on clutch and brake with my Midwest engineering clutch and brake lever . I have really front brake control and clutch control. I can hold bars better to . I know it works because I bought my new husqvarna 2019 tx 300 . The stock lever were terrible felt like I lost brake and clutch control I had .
Th one finger thing works well with hydraulic clutches. Traditional clutches require a little more finesse and muscle.
+Belicose777 Especially when the cables get dirty. I have a cable clutch on my Yahama. If you keep a new- ish cable on there, it's still a one or two finger operation.
Good tip.
Hi pal I watch a lot of your tips to improve my skills but the hardest one is throttle control when standing. I put a different tamper wich helps a lot but still not good when standing I always lose control when accelerating. Some tips please....
It's good advice. Use one finger.to the clucth
I use one finger at high speeds to give me better grip of the bike at high speeds whereas I'll use 1 to 4 depending on how fast I'm going and how much control I need 👍🏻
Yo thank for all the help
I got a little lazy with clutch control since I've been riding Rekluse. In technical rocky sections, I just get trough with torque in 3rd like a 4 stroke, it's unstallable... I'll slip it out of a tight spot to launch the bike or get over whatever is in front of me. But covering the levers with one finger is imperative!
+mark grenon That is my fear with Rekluse Auto clutch... getting lazy.
It's like riding a bike.. You never forget. Training wheels be damned; I'm getting a Rekluse!
My clutch is a tough pull. I can't pull it with one finger. :(
Maybe I should look into new levers.
But..... I was gifted with small hands. Lol. So it's quite the stretch to get one finger to grab the lever anyhow.
I learned a lot of using only one finger from mountain biking. using one finger helps a lot
nice tips I've been using all 5 1 works way better thanks for the tips
Why not just make the hand grip your clutch if you use all 5
Im riding a 2016 Husky 501 and get armpump and cramps in my left hand when riding technical and hard trails so I'm now trying to get a Clake One Light Clutch. Should reduce the needed pull force to 25% and make one finger clutch operation effortless
Peter Thygesen I would also make sure your lever is in the correct place and your suspension might be a little too hard
Andrew Robbins I have worked on both lever position and suspension. I now ride with suspension as soft as it gets when riding on rocky ground. I have seen that some are complaining about the WP fork on the 2016 Husky and KTM's being too hard on the first half of the stroke and that it can be improved with aftermarket parts so Im looking into that too. Slave Racing FX has a Ray kit from a Italian company that should improve the fork for tecknical riding so I'm trying to figure out if it is worth trying. Here in Thailand we are not blessed with professional suspension tuners so its abou finding something you can install on your own.
i ride a super sport like that, i always have 2 fingers on the clutch at all times and 1 finger on braks
Becoming a lost art on 4s. A very necessary skill on 2s. Lever was a bit high imho to keep your elbows up (wrist was slightly bent).
Shannon Sofield you don't need perfect form to ride, jeez
cool tips,thanks
Thanks for the good tips!
#newrider /// going up and down my block, usually get up to 3rd or 4th gear... now when its time to downshift, I have just been kicking it down a gear to slow down and u-turn, without using the clutch.. Bike slows / engine brakes, all is well. However, some people say USE THE CLUTCH ON THE DOWNSHIFT TOO... Cool. I will practice that, but what I need to know is.. while downshifting thru multiple gears, can I hold the clutch in the whole time I'm kicking down, or do I just need to quickly pull the clutch and downshift at the same time, then let go and then do it again to go another gear lower. HOLDING THE CLUTCH THE WHOLE TIME vs. QUICK PULLS AND RELEASE ON THE DOWNSHIFT.. I have no clue..
Do more of these plz
Great advise bro
I don't have a dirt bike right now, but I am gonna get one in a few weeks, and I'm a little confused, I know how to use the clutch for shifting, but I'm confused on if you have to pull the clutch with the break to stop
ronnie mac told me to run my clutch bar high so ive got fully good use of my lever
I love Ronnie Mac!
Your recommendations for improved clutch control are good. You mention that not all people can clutch with one finger for very long due to fatigue (or arthritis for us older riders). A solution to that is the Midwest Mountain Engineering clutch lever that cuts the pull force in half. Full Disclosure: I am biased because I am the manufacturer of these levers. My levers are short and designed for one or two finger use. Since they are short you can pull them to the bar without pinching your fingers and maintain maximum grip on the bar at all times. Check them out at www.midwestme.com
+Steve Pohl Hi Steve, Hit me up at kyle@dirtbikechannel.com. Maybe we can work up a product review on your levers.
That was a very useful and informative video, I always used to run with all my fingers on my clutch and none on my front brake. I always felt it was a little weird when I would ride with just my palm on my handle bar, I always felt like my hand was gonna fall off
Thank you very much for this video
You are welcome
I use two because if I use one the lever hits my joint on my middle finger and after a while it gets sore
+Maurisa Hoggatt Yeah, whatever works best for each rider is okay.
I have my perch slid in toward fork so that it limits to only two fingers. levers also need cutting to clear bark busters
I have aluminum wrap around hand guards. riding toward the outside of the bars is uncomfortable. seems like a good tip otherwise.
Aim your levers lower for less arm pump. Look how far your wrist has to bend while you are actually squeezing the clutch
Get yourself a clake one. I've heard sombre very good things!!
+Broadysword To expensive and easy to bend IMO. Haven't tried one though...
+Dirt Bike Channel The Clake one light clutch lever is made from a composite fiber flat spring which doesn't flex when pulled in but can bend up or down to 45 degrees without breaking. Its certainly not easy to bend. They are expensive but a game changer. Me an a mate both use them. I'll never go back to a standard lever again.
Try one! I tried to combat arm pump with a rekluse, but like others have said, didn't like the loss in lever feel. So I removed the rekluse and swapped in a Clake One- it's amazing, you should try it for hoots. Makes clutching the front tire up way more controllable. I find that with the standard clutch, it's very hard to hold the bike firmly while it's trying to jump out from under you AND use all that finger strength to maintain good clutch control. I don't mean for normal riding, but more for a pivot turn, slow wheelie, or placing the front tire deliberately in a rock section or something. Holding the bars with the appropriate grip strength, and the clutch with such little pressure, makes the 2 things easier to separate in your mind/muscle control if that makes sense. Instead of hanging on to the bars AND the clutch- you can hang on to the bars, and work the clutch with one finger so easily it doesn't affect your other fingers and thus your grip on the bars.
nicee! ive learned alot
that's why I think handebar on ktm is too short so you have to hang on its edge.
Wish my yz had a hydraulic clutch.
+Jacob Northrup same my clutch is so hard
+MTX Boy There is a hydraulic conversion kit mady by Magura called HYMEC. I'm going to get one very soon since my Husky has no hydraulic clutch.
Check it out:
www.magura.com/en/powersports/products/katalog/produkte/detail/80-2014/clutches/allgemein/hymec-off-road/allgemein.html
haha my xr200's clutch is so hard to pull i fucked my tendons in my left hand up for a month or 2
My hydraulic is way harder than a mechanic version :O.
I ride a lot of rocks, how do you work the clutch? Also do you throttle up to get up over the rocks or do I work the clutch and just make my way through slower? Most my riding is rock and hills and roots and mud. I've been trying to figure it out but it's been tough. Thanks for any input.
Blisters are usually caused by ill fitting gloves. Either the wrong size or just a brand that doesn't fit the shape of your hand/fingers.
can you make a vid with a "clutchcam"? like hillclimbs and technical stuff, maybe loghopping.
+florian558866 Not a bad idea. I'll put that on my list.
Can you do a review on the ktm 690 enduro? I would like to know what are your thoughts as an everyday bike and also as a shtf vehicle.
Are you pulling in the clutch all the time when off the gas and coasting or only when you are keeping it from stalling or switching gears
Where you grab the bar has a lot to do with how long you reach is small people will have no problem with close grip.
Here's a video of how he does it..nice vid....
hey thanks for the upload. i really found this helpfull. i just bought a kawasaki klx140 as my first bike and I'm trying to get use to using the clutch and the excelerator without stalling. any tips would be really appreciated 😊
one finger is good on hydraulic clutch only or wet clutch too or other mechanical clutch
Right. My clutch is way too hart to pull it with one finger :/
+DerMagirus Hydraulic clutch has nothing (almost, besides energy loss on the cable) to that. It's physics. You have to squeeze springs on your clutch, no matter how. If your mechanical clutch is too hard, try new cable ( or lube it ). Or simple you are too weak, then try to work out your left arm -> ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81uQNL-TCqL._SL1500_.jpg
M.E.A.T - Mild Enduro Associates Team It's probably the old cable and my arm haha I lubed it a few days ago and it felt waay better, I should remind myself more frequently that this a part of the 'daily' maintenance, too. :D
thanks bro
What's your opinion on the RSC & EZ3 clutch levers? Thx
Two fingers any time. Even if you broke one, you have another. Usually the middle one stands up.
Production of consumer goods does not guaranty perfect materials for your particular riding stile either . Not to rub you the wrong way but , thanks for passing this info on brother .
nice watch
How about the angle of the handlebar? what is your idea of a good angle?
I ust to get blisters but then I bought a pack of those donuts that go on the grip and now I'm fine.
+Goldensniper I see people using those and think they should just adjust their grip. Once I started doing that, no issues!
+Dirt Bike Channel Ya but some habits are hard to break I understand why you would grip a little further out probably for better turning and handling.
can you stop in any gear or do you need to be in gear1 pull clutch then brake i know that
Is that a midwest clever lever?
Off topic, but what watch are you wearing in this video? I like it.
Citizen Eco Drive Nighthawk I think. Been wearing it for 12 years now.
Interesting style of hands off the edge of the bars, I'm going to try that and see . It makes sense you would have more control with a wider grip on the bars. Any other advantages you noticed ?
+Jason Livingstone It helps me to feel more like I'm in "attack mode", you know what I mean? It's hard to describe, and I'm not always doing it perfectly. It's just something I try to do (when I have time to thing about it), when I'm out there on the bike.
I understand completely. Ill give it a test.
Do you downshift before going into corners?
I understand it is less difficult to pull the lever if it is set further inboard, but my bike came with Mika fatty bars and that is not possible. Is there anything I can really do about that?
hey sir, gave u a like an subscribed... im a dirt bike enthusiast an looking to build a youtube channel like yours....any insight on how to do so daily...so a year from now i can b pushing my rlr brand thanks
i have an older bike like I have is 85 xr100r the clutch is very Stef I have to use my hole hands to shift and other
get a new cable. and maintain it
+Cbxh Akaka I bought one
I was wondering if you could explain slipping the clutch a little more. In the video sometimes you double pump the clutch lever other times you pull it all the way in. I was wondering if you could give examples of times when you use each of these and what exactly they do. Also is slipping the clutch a way to help control speed without using the break? Im just trying to get a better understanding of what slipping the clutch is and when are the most useful times to use it when riding. I understand that pulling the clutch lever partially in is entering the friction zone, and this give the rear tire some power but not the full power as if the clutch were fully engaged. But what is the benefit of using this friction zone. Is it almost like braking in a way? Thanks for the help and sorry for the long comment.
+clbrown23 Sometimes when you need to get the RPMs up a little bit more you can gently pull the clutch in a bit to let the motor rev up. Then you slowly release that clutch to put the power down to the wheel. It's called feathering the clutch.
That's what you needed to do when you showed the video "I don't need a 450." Had you worked the clutch right you would have flown up that hill with no issues. Anyway, I use two fingers but the faster I've gotten the less I have to use the clutch in these types of issues, period!
If your only stabbing at the clutch to slow down why not jus get out of the throttle? I have a rekluse and am getting to the point I don't know why I need the clutch anymore besides a few scenarios. I do agree with you on covering levers and only using a finger to do it but still don't understand why not just letting out of the throttle or downshifting doesn't work better for you than grabbing the clutch for shaving speed
well he doesn't have a rekluse lol so he has to use his clutch or his bike will stall
What series ASV clutch lever are you running on your bike and does it adjust in and out like the factor lever?
Thank you meat hand.
+carlin hicks Who's got the meat hand?
I see you have the stubby/shorty clutch, or whatever you want to call it, do you prefer it then the OEM brake and clutch levers? Are they really worth it? I have a short brake and clutch and I always have the problem on which finger to use, most people say the middle finger, two fingers? Or one, if I use one it hurts, to much pressure or pull back. I'm regretting it, should I go back?
+Kwadwo This is actually the exact same length as the stock lever. It just looks shorter. The stock lever is an easier pull. Not sure which I like better.
+Dirt Bike Channel With the shorter lever when you pull it in you don't have that knuckle bump and that benefits me a lot, but it is harder to pull in, feels like there is more tension. But with the stock levers or lever it is easier to pull in, which is amazing, but that knuckle bump is a pain. Do you have any tips for the tension on shorter levers?
On two strokes you always need your finger on the clutch when riding enduro