How to Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike

How to clutch on a dirt bike.

Steps

  1. Image titled Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike Step 1
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    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 )[1]
  2. Image titled Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike Step 2
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    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.[2]
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  3. Image titled Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike Step 3
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    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.[3]
  4. Image titled Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike Step 4
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    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. Image titled Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike Step 5
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    To shift down, ease off the throttle until your speed is roughly equal to the higher end speed of the lower gear.[4]
  6. Image titled Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike Step 6
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    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. Image titled Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike Step 7
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    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.[5]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I use the brakes without holding the clutch?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but when you start to slow down, rapidly lay off the gas and pull in the clutch to avoid stalling.
  • Question
    Do I use the clutch while turning a bike?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should pull in your clutch and shift to a lower gear, and make the turn while slowly accelerating.
  • Question
    Do I use the clutch while driving?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Never use the clutch while driving. Doing so will damage the clutch and decrease the life of the engine.
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Warnings

  • DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Make sure you have a helmet and proper gear ( gloves, boots, etc. )
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  • If you are new to dirt biking, start in an open area with few or no objects that may be hit.
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  • 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,
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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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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References

  1. ↑ http://dirtxtreme.com/ride-dirt-bike-beginners-guide-ride-like-pro/
  2. ↑ https://www.motosport.com/blog/how-to-use-a-clutch-on-a-dirt-bike
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjwA8loiHms
  4. ↑ https://dirtbikeplanet.com/how-to-downshift/
  5. ↑ https://dirtbikeplanet.com/neutral/

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 101,497 times.
149 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: September 27, 2019
Views: 101,497
Categories: Dirt Bikes
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