So I am not a novice rider. Had my first bike for close to 10 years.
The clutch was kinda hard to pull, so i would full fist that clutch. I now have an XSR and I am starting to try out two fingering it. Tho during one ride I feel like i would pull the clutch with my two fingers, but kicking the shifter was kind of hard or something, but then I moved back to full hand and it was smooth again. I do feel i was pulling it entirely out.
How should I improve my technique?
My current bike is an XSR 900 if it matters or anyone is curious.
Brake.
Also, it’s easy: The reason your bike is hard to shift is because you haven’t fully pulled in the clutch and the engine is still trying to turn the gearbox while you’re shifting. That’s because when not using all four fingers on the clutch lever the remaining ones have to go somewhere, and that is inevitably trapped in between the clutch lever and the grip. Which naturally prevents you from pulling the lever all the way.
So don’t do that.
You can use fewer fingers on the brake lever if you prefer and I usually do – this despite what the MSF screeches at everyone. When braking you may need to maintain some throttle control. I rarely use all four fingers on the brake lever.
The reason your bike is hard to shift is because you haven’t fully pulled in the clutch and the engine is still trying to turn the gearbox while you’re shifting.
I figured, but I had not made that mistake in a long time I was not sure anymore.
Thanks for letting me bounce the idea :)
2 fingers on all 3.
No love for the stink? MOD!!!
Full hand. Is there a reason to use only two fingers other than to keep more grip on the bar itself?
Covering the brake with two fingers can reduce reaction time which is useful especially in traffic.
On the track it is easier to use two fingers to trail brake and maintain throttle control and you will notice many of the best riders using two finger braking.
That’s all good and well for braking. I do that on the street too for fun. It’s cool executing nice rev matched downshifts.
But what’s the benefit of two finger clutching?
I personally see no benefit to two finger clutching.
If you’re going that hard it could benefit you… get a quick shifter.
@Fluffy_Ruffs @Cypher Having the other 3 firmly gripping the handlebar.
A lot of pro-riders seem to use two finger stuff. Some arguments for it is grip and better control (as the friction zone is not that big and mostly toward the closed position of the clutch)
Similar for two finger break so that you dont grab hard and lock the break.
I two finger it just like your mom taught me 👉 😎👉
Ayyy!!
Full hand but I’ve got baby hands.
Same :)
I think the two finger thing for braking would be great if I could manage it reasonably. Probably have to adjust my brake cable for the front though. Dialing it in now that I’m used to it would be a pain.
I use two, simply because I find it more comfortable. I’ve noticed that I instinctively switch to four finger when braking “automatically” though. Like if I’m emergency braking, I wll use four fingers and not think about it.
I do cover the brake with two fingers when going slow, or if I see something up ahead that I might have to brake for, like a car looking like it wants to pull out, or in town.
That reminds me, need to adjust my front brake lever a tiny bit, it’s almost perfect, but not quite:)
Do you have abs?
Yes, I have ABS.
Don’t break your fingers when braking.
But seriously two fingers on the brakes is good in many circumstances as it reduces reaction time and depending on your bike, setup and your ability you may be able to maximise braking with just two fingers.
Shorty levers can help.
Engrish be hard, but i is working on is gooder :)
I am trying it out with two fingers now. Even when I full handed my bike didn’t have ABS.
I think it depends on the bike entirely.
My MT-07 had a stiff clutch (to me) when I got it but eventually I got comfortable using 2 fingers.
Rode my buddies Honda rebel 500 and that thing had a clutch you could pull with a whisper. That bike was the least amount of effort I have ever needed to actually ride anything.
Rode another buddies ninja zx-6r and that clutch required full hand from me the whole time. He uses two but idk how.
Ultimately I think it just comes down to familiarity with the bike and the hand strength you form over time.
Two fingers on both, but four fingers on the clutch when I’m stopped at traffic lights.
You mentioned kicking the shifter, it should never be that hard to shift, apply a little presure up on the shift lever, dip the throttle to ease the pressure on the gears while pulling a little harder on the shift lever, it should slip into the next gear like butter.
I mean I am normally not using a lot of force. I just kinda had to when i was trying the two finger clutch pull.
