John S. Hegamyer is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach and coaches at training sites throughout Virginia.

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Lesson #2 - Clutch, what the heck is it?

John S.Hegamyer

Wikipedia defines a clutch as: A clutch is a mechanism for transmitting rotation, which can be engaged and disengaged. Sounds simple right? We as motorcyclists know the clutch as stated, but it means a lot more to us on two wheels. The clutch provides a simple way of applying power to the rear wheel while at the same time being able to ration the power without the sudden power burst from the throttle. Its kinda like your get out of jail free card while riding, "how so?" you may ask, well I'll explain.

Early motorcycling skill development rests on a riders use of the clutch. This is important because it offers the new and unskilled rider an immediate release of power should they become overwhelmed or scared. As we all know the clutch is the key to starting and stopping and also greatly eases the act of shifting gears. As a rider develops confidence and greater skill at riding, they tend to use the clutch as an extension of their body, not realizing just how important it is, up until the time that they have to make a tight slow speed maneuver and forgot all about the friction zone.

Friction zone, I thought this was about the clutch? You're right, it is about the clutch. The friction zone is the area of clutch travel that power begins to be applied to the rear wheel, but is still not fully applied, the sweet spot if you will. Dad used to say "don't ride the clutch", but Dad didn't ride. Riding the clutch or using the friction zone while negotiating a tight, slow turn is okay. We want the smooth power transfer without the herky-jerky result of twisting the throttle alone. Smooth riding builds confidence and coupled with a few more skills will result in being able to figure eight on a postage stamp.

After you have completed your pre-ride inspection and you get the bike started and warmed up, reacquaint yourself with your bikes friction zone. To do this pick a spot clear of any obstructions in the drive way and mount your bike. With both feet on the ground, rock back on your heels, so your toes are pointed up and your legs are extended. Shift into first gear and slowly ease your clutch out, little to no throttle. Ease the bike forward using the clutch only until your feet are flat on the ground. Try it a couple of times and get used to the friction zone for your bike.

Now that we got reacquainted with the friction zone and you're reawakening those muscles and reactions we can enter the traveled ways. As you head out on the road feel the difference of being in the friction zone and under full power. There is a difference. As you ride the roads, making numerous stops and goes, you'll probably forget all about how you're using the clutch, until you don't treat it right. One false move and you might get an unexpected thrill. Remember squeeze and ease, squeeze it in and ease it out always, clutch lever that is. Let's find an open parking lot or something similar.

Good, you found a nice open lot, now let's practice a little. Remember the lot, hopefully you'll stop by often and hone your skills, now back to business. Pick out an area where you can practice starting and stopping. Take a few runs, starting and stopping, starting and stopping, starting and stopping. You get the picture right? The goal here is developing muscle memory. That's right, there is such a thing, if you don't believe me ask a guitar player. As you practice stop and goes, make a concerted effort at using the clutch as smooth as possible. If you ride with a passenger often, they'll appreciate your smoothness. You don't want to pay a cab fare for a passenger that won't get back on the bike.

We're going to touch lightly on braking, just because you're gonna be practicing stop and goes. As you brake and get ready to practice clutch use again, let's try to pay attention to stopping using both brakes. Remember to keep your HEAD and EYES up, and looking straight ahead. If you find yourself leaning at the end of your stop you're probably not looking in the right place. Practice a few faster take offs, just in case you're stopped and some guy is about to make you the meet in a car sandwich. No wheelies here, just a quick controlled acceleration. Try an emergency take off while turning left and right, quick and controlled.

As you ride and get up to speeds requiring a gear change you can improve your shifting skills too. When getting up to speed and it's time to shift, roll off the throttle while squeezing the clutch. Apply firm pressure on the gear shift lever either up or down depending on your gear choice, and ease the clutch lever out while gently rolling back on the throttle. Get used to the power band of your particular bike and always strive to make a smooth shift. Remember, squeeze and ease applies here too! Smooth, controlled shifts is the goal, comfortable ride is the reward!

Remember these ideas are for your information to try to become a better rider. Never ride above your skill level, if you're scaring yourself then slow down. Get creative and apply a skill to a realistic on the road scenario.

I'm looking forward to giving you a little food for thought, share some info, all in an effort to make us safer on the roads and live a nice long motorcycling life. Take a skills refresher course and ride safe out there!

Next issue: Braking not breaking!

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