Covering the clutch

[Rambler1982]

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 

[He Man]

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.

[bigiain]

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

[somegirl]

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).

[Rambler1982]

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.

[Jaman]

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]

[Spidey]

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.

[1313]

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.). 

[hyphen]

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.

[Rambler1982]

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:

[bigiain]

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

[somegirl]

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

[Rambler1982]

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.

[somegirl]

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.

[Ducatista]

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.