Ducati Monster Forum

powered by:

December 22, 2024, 04:11:35 PM *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
News: Please Help
 
   Home   Help Search Login Register  



Pages: [1] 2   Go Down
  Print  
Author Topic: Covering the clutch  (Read 8552 times)
Rambler1982
Full Member
***
Offline Offline

Posts: 136



« on: November 19, 2008, 05:23:48 PM »

In my MSF course, they taught us to hold the left handlebar while covering the clutch when we ride.  Essentially, we're not gripping the handlebar, but wrapping our hand around both the handlebar and the clutch (though not pulling in the clutch).

This hasn't been a problem, since most of my riding is around the city, and I'm using the clutch frequently.  However, at higher speeds (i.e. freeway), I've found that gripping the left handlebar (and thus not covering the clutch) gives me some added stability. Moreover, I'm not shifting as much, so there's no need to use the clutch.

Accordingly, my question for you is..... Do you still cover the clutch at high speeds, or do you find it unnecessary?

Thanks  Grin
Logged
He Man
Post Whore
******
Offline Offline

Posts: 11596



WWW
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2008, 08:40:56 PM »


the main idea behind covering the clutch in msf is, your still getting use to riding a bike and your clutch is the only way to disconnect the bike from the motor.

You should have the clutch adjusted so that it is in a position where you can best reach it in case shit happens. aka all you need to do is extend your fingers and its right there. 

I dont cover my clutch, unless i am expecting to use it often (aka city riding) i dont shift with the clutch on the highway either. you can just back of the throttle a bit and snap the shifter with your toe and it will go right in, smoother than using the clutch and faster.
Logged

2006 Ducati S2R1100 Yea.... stunttin like my daddy CHROMED OUT 1100!!!!


Check out my Latest Video! 05/13/2017 :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4xSA7KzEzU
bigiain
Flounder-Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 1478



WWW
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2008, 09:00:23 PM »

However, at higher speeds (i.e. freeway), I've found that gripping the left handlebar (and thus not covering the clutch) gives me some added stability.

This is wrong - you shouldn't be holding on the the bars tight enough to effect the stability. You don't need to cover the clutch, but you also shouldn't be hanging on that tight either...

big
Logged

somegirl
crazy bike girl
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 9777


aka msincredible


« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2008, 09:20:36 PM »

This is wrong - you shouldn't be holding on the the bars tight enough to effect the stability. You don't need to cover the clutch, but you also shouldn't be hanging on that tight either...

That is the typical newbie death-grip.

OP, you will find that your bike is actually much more stable if you loosen up your grip.  From time to time, try "flapping" your arms like chicken wings to remind yourself to relax.  Use your legs and abs to hold yourself up.

For freeway riding I will often just rest my hand on my leg (unless it's cold and I want to take advantage of my heated grips).
Logged

Need help posting pictures?  Check out the photo FAQ.
Rambler1982
Full Member
***
Offline Offline

Posts: 136



« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2008, 04:55:37 AM »

This is wrong - you shouldn't be holding on the the bars tight enough to effect the stability.

Perhaps "stability" is the wrong word. It's more just a peace of mind and an added sense of security. That said, I think I also might need to work on not gripping the bars so tightly.
Logged
Jaman
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 1573



« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2008, 08:40:58 AM »

I cover both the clutch & brake with 2 fingers, more of a habit from riding dirt bikes, than from any added benefit on the street...

You will find that as you get more comfortable and loosen up your grip, the bike will handle MUCH better!

Try MS's occaisional arm/elbow flapping, as well, use your knees/legs to grip the bike more, and stay conscious of having a light/fingertip kinda grip on the bars...

 [moto]
Logged
Spidey
Crashin' mofo
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 4842



« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2008, 08:47:43 AM »

I don't cover the clutch on the freeway.  In fact, I'm often not holding onto the bars with that hand on the freeway.  Yes, that makes me less likely to avoid the mattress in teh middle of the lane.  But my bike isn't comfortable for slab riding, so I need a break in body position.  I cover the clutch in the city some, but not all, of the time.  I tend to do a lot of clutchless upshifting and downshifting.
Logged

Occasionally AFM #702  My stuff:  The M1000SS, a mashed r6, Vino 125, the Blonde, some rugrats, yuppie cage, child molester van, bourbon.
1313
Sr. Member
****
Offline Offline

Posts: 441


« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2008, 10:27:16 AM »

I only cover the clutch when I'm coming up to intersections. When it's cruising time, hands are on the grips (trying hard to avoid the death grip.).  Grin
Logged

09 M696
hyphen
Full Member
***
Offline Offline

Posts: 200


The Resident Ninja


« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2008, 12:42:41 PM »

i cover the clutch in heavy traffic with 2 fingers.  at speed your grip shouldn't be tight, the lighter on the bars the better.  don't be fooled into a false sense of security from the death grip.

as mentioned already, they only have you cover the clutch in the class to prevent newb accidents.
Logged
Rambler1982
Full Member
***
Offline Offline

Posts: 136



« Reply #9 on: November 20, 2008, 06:36:54 PM »

i dont shift with the clutch on the highway either. you can just back of the throttle a bit and snap the shifter with your toe and it will go right in, smoother than using the clutch and faster.

Wait, hold on a sec... you can shift gears without pulling in the clutch???

I feel like a COMPLETE idiot for asking that question, but then again, I'm a total n00b, so it's the only way I'm gonna learn. :BLUSH:
Logged
bigiain
Flounder-Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 1478



WWW
« Reply #10 on: November 20, 2008, 06:48:07 PM »

I cover both the clutch & brake with 2 fingers

A question for all you "I cover the clutch" guys, how many of you are old-school ex-two-stroke riders who've got a story or two that starts something like "I remember the third time my RGV/KR1/MachIII siezed up on me on the interstate at 110mph..."?

four-stroke-only johny-come-lately-big
Logged

somegirl
crazy bike girl
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 9777


aka msincredible


« Reply #11 on: November 20, 2008, 06:48:45 PM »

Wait, hold on a sec... you can shift gears without pulling in the clutch???

I feel like a COMPLETE idiot for asking that question, but then again, I'm a total n00b, so it's the only way I'm gonna learn. :BLUSH:

Yeah, aka "clutchless shifting".  If you're going to try it, start with upshifting, not downshifting.

We had a bit of a discussion on it here: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3727.0
Logged

Need help posting pictures?  Check out the photo FAQ.
Rambler1982
Full Member
***
Offline Offline

Posts: 136



« Reply #12 on: November 20, 2008, 07:07:48 PM »

Yeah, aka "clutchless shifting".  If you're going to try it, start with upshifting, not downshifting.

We had a bit of a discussion on it here: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3727.0

That was very helpful, thanks.

I think I'm gonna continue to work on my basic rider skills before attempting this.
Logged
somegirl
crazy bike girl
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 9777


aka msincredible


« Reply #13 on: November 20, 2008, 07:49:39 PM »

That was very helpful, thanks.

I think I'm gonna continue to work on my basic rider skills before attempting this.

Sounds like a good plan. waytogo
Logged

Need help posting pictures?  Check out the photo FAQ.
Ducatista
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 826


I don't need to brag about a titanium member.


WWW
« Reply #14 on: December 14, 2008, 05:45:28 PM »

A good friend of mine and long-time racer clued me in to his technique for relaxing his grip on the bars.  He said that during races on the straight, he would just put one or two fingers on the left bar and hold the throttle open with his thumb and forefinger on his right.  It would force him to relax for those few precious moments where he didn't need both hands on the bars.  It would also help to remind him not to grip so tightly in the turns.
Logged

carbon fiber Superbike front fender, bar end mirrors, floating cast iron rotors, carbon fiber chin fairing, Cycle Cat frame sliders, Arrow carbon fiber low mount slip ons, Rizoma billet cam belt covers w/ plexi windows, Rizoma billet front sprocket cover, billet handlebar clamp, carbon fiber rear hugger, tail chop, open air box, Corbin seat, stainless clutch springs w/ black keepers, suicideless sidestand bolt, Evoluzione clutch slave cylinder

www.myspace.com/bitgoddess
Pages: [1] 2   Go Up
  Print  
 
Jump to:  


Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.21 | SMF © 2015, Simple Machines
Simple Audio Video Embedder
Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!
SimplePortal 2.1.1