We were on motorcycles for probably 5 hours today. I'm aware of muscles that I didn't know that I had.
I also discovered the virtue of putting your wallet in your front pocket, rather than sitting on it when you're in the saddle.
The hardest thing, quite frankly, was using the clutch. When I learned to drive (way back in the early '70s), it was "three on the tree" and my Dad hammered it into me that you do not ride the clutch. On a bike, you pretty much do it all the time you're running at low speed. Old instincts die hard.
8 comments:
For me, the clutch is either engaged or disengaged; I still don't ride it when on a bike except for short periods. But it's true that when you're doing slow-speed maneuvering (like in a parking lot) you can only control your speed with the clutch, because otherwise you'll be going too fast.
It's coming up on two years since I took the class here in Illinois, and now my wife is about to take it.
Hint: Biker wallet on a chain - you'll be glad you got one.
What Chickenmom said. And I understand about the post-ride pains. BTDT, and now will have to do it again. :)
Keep in mind that much of what you're doing at the course is low speed, so yes, you're riding the clutch a lot. Once you're out in the wild you'll use it pretty much the same as you would in a car - stopping and starting, parking, coasting, and close quarters maneuvers.
It's called "feathering", btw.
Atomic-fungus +1. IMO you should be spending most of your low-speed bumper-to-bumper time "rolling" with the clutch in. I find that with my bike's load well balanced, I can roll at VERY low speeds (<2mph) before having to put a foot down. Use the clutch to get you rolling, then pull it in.
Chickenmom +1. I almost always ride with my pockets empty - ALL of my pockets. That's what a vest's for... ;-)
As others have said, riding the clutch is NOT good, get rolling and pull the clutch in, or dump it to neutral.
Motorcycles have wet clutches. You can ride them all day long and it doesn't hurt a damn thing.
Changing them out about a 20 minute job on most models. I wouldn't worry about it.
Search YouTube for Jerry Palladino's "Ride Like A Pro" video segments.
Using the friction zone of the clutch ('feathering') is how motor officers do amazing short radius turns on Harley Electra Glides.
I have Jerry's 'Ride Like A Pro V' DVD. Need to watch it again and get some more practice in.
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