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When I took the Calif MSF course many years ago, the "instructor" never discussed this topic. He was more concerned about showing off his tricked out HD in the parking lot to the class. This video was not available and I had to learn this skill the hard way, by trial and error. These videos are a life saver for new riders today.
@@sdot13tube The purpose of taking any class or course is to have something explained to you so that you don't have to "figure it out" for yourself. (That's how societies progress - by building on previous discoveries, knowledge, etc. instead of everyone starting over from scratch.) In any case, you were correct. Not only did I fail the final riding test, but I did a retake later and failed again. That same instructor then encouraged me to "find another sport". Instead, I paid for a private lesson with a different MSF instructor who pointed out the things I was doing wrong. I then practiced by myself in a parking lot using what I had learned and have ridden safely for a number of years. It turns out the "friction zone concept" is not obvious to everyone. That's why Kevin made this video on it. I've also seen a number of videos on this by Jerry Paladino who says that lack of this skill is the reason many fail to master riding a motorcycle.
@@terry_willis well that sux bro, I also failed the first time low siding in the emergency braking. But we basically duck walked the first day learning the friction zone. Sucks Calif course you went to is that inept 👎🏽
@@MCriderThis is a new tip for me, too. Is this a “develop a feel for where the transmission will allow the shift to happen” kind of thing, or is it possible anywhere in the friction zone?
I learn how to use my clutch since I practice with some motorcycles police officers ... It's more easier to make U-Turn and going to gaz station with my Goldwing . It's not perfect but I practice hard ....
Kevin, I was waiting to hear you discuss preloading the gear lever before pulling the clutch into the friction zone, allowing much smoother shifts whether up or down.
We’ve done a fun exercise where we get on an uphill slope, engine running , not too steep and we practice backing up using our clutch as a brake… super helpful getting in that friction zone. It’s hard not to reach for the brake!!!
These videos are a big help. I'm getting excited to start riding when the weather gets warm next year. Still have to get a bike though. I'm thinking either adventure or sport.
I thought I was pretty good with the friction zone but after watching this I realize that the reason I have problems in a tight roundabout is because I am pulling the clutch in too far. Thanks for the great tips as always and Merry Christmas!
I started using two fingers on the clutch and two on the grip recently and find I can be much steadier because my hand doesn't move relative to the clutch over bumps or acceleration.
I totally agree with you, I do the same thing. Not only do I get a better grip on the bars, I am not prone to pulling in the clutch if I need to grip tighter. Also, the two fingers on the bar add a 'feeler" gage for the clutch. Less guessing where the friction zone is.
At a course I took recently, I was advised to just use two fingers on the clutch and have been doing so ever since. The only time I use all fingers is when starting and when stopped at a long light. If the clutch is set up properly the other two fingers fit nicely between the lever and the grip. So no need to use all four fingers most of the time and this balances with the use of two fingers to cover the brake. What is your experience?
From first gear to get moving, you release the clutch slowly what about going from second gear to third gear what should be the rate of letting go of the clutch. I wish you had mentioned it in your video.
I’m no pro but been doing this on my bike for years. It’s especially useful for my wife with really small hands to get the zone where she has the best finger strength and therefore best control
I NEVER leave my bike in gear at a stop light, unless I think it'll be going green shortly. I can get it in gear and ready to go when the cross-traffic signals turn yellow.
Truthfully no wear happens when clutch is fully engaged at a stop light, wear only happens when you slowly release engaging the rear wheel or so called friction zone. So leave 'er engaged at those traffic stops...👍
Let's say I'm at a stop and a truck is running up behind me fast. Where will I go? Into the rear of the vehicle in front of me? Into crossing traffic? You do you, I'll do me.
@@denniseaton8136 You stand a better chance of survival barreling into cross traffic wide open than being rear ended by an escapee from a retirement home..
If anyone wants to practice controlling your bike in the friction zone, go to a parking lot and practice riding at a walking pace. Your left wrist should hurt after a while.
This is why everyone tells you to take the MFS class, at least the one I went to taught all of us and explained everything about it, I asked my teacher one day, I said why are all those bikers watching us,he said those are the people that just keeps taking their temp's every year because they don't want to take the classes because I will break them from all their bad habits 😂
absolutely NOT. when the engine is cold and the oil is still thick, when I shift I always pull the clutch all the way, way past the friction zone. This way, the shift is smoother, at least till the oil doesn't warm up. Engines are different , oils are different, driving styles are diferent, there's no universal rule.
Become a Member of MCrider and get instant access to the Forums & Field Guide
www.MCrider.com/Member
Sign up as a Pro Member, pay for the first year in advance, and get a free Field Guide Book shipped directly to your home!
You will also get the digital Field Guide, the Forums, ad-free MCrider videos, and an MCrider reflective decal!
Merry Christmas!
Kevin
When I took the Calif MSF course many years ago, the "instructor" never discussed this topic. He was more concerned about showing off his tricked out HD in the parking lot to the class. This video was not available and I had to learn this skill the hard way, by trial and error. These videos are a life saver for new riders today.
I find it hard to believe you took an MSF course, let alone pass without figuring out the friction zone on a clutch 🤯
@@sdot13tube The purpose of taking any class or course is to have something explained to you so that you don't have to "figure it out" for yourself. (That's how societies progress - by building on previous discoveries, knowledge, etc. instead of everyone starting over from scratch.)
In any case, you were correct. Not only did I fail the final riding test, but I did a retake later and failed again. That same instructor then encouraged me to "find another sport". Instead, I paid for a private lesson with a different MSF instructor who pointed out the things I was doing wrong. I then practiced by myself in a parking lot using what I had learned and have ridden safely for a number of years.
It turns out the "friction zone concept" is not obvious to everyone. That's why Kevin made this video on it. I've also seen a number of videos on this by Jerry Paladino who says that lack of this skill is the reason many fail to master riding a motorcycle.
@@terry_willis well that sux bro, I also failed the first time low siding in the emergency braking. But we basically duck walked the first day learning the friction zone. Sucks Calif course you went to is that inept 👎🏽
That clutch is the magic trick to handling motorcycle very formative inforamation mcrider thanks for your wisdom!!
HUH?! Shift in the Friction Zone?
HOLY SMOKES!! You taught me something totally new after 38 years of riding!!
Thanks Kevin
🤜🏽💥🤛🏽
Thanks for sharing, there is always more to learn...me included. ;)
@@MCriderThis is a new tip for me, too. Is this a “develop a feel for where the transmission will allow the shift to happen” kind of thing, or is it possible anywhere in the friction zone?
I learn how to use my clutch since I practice with some motorcycles police officers ... It's more easier to make U-Turn and going to gaz station with my Goldwing . It's not perfect but I practice hard ....
You can learn to shift without the clutch at all
@@rayss3323 I've done that once by accident. Speed shifting. But purely by accident.
Kevin, I was waiting to hear you discuss preloading the gear lever before pulling the clutch into the friction zone, allowing much smoother shifts whether up or down.
We’ve done a fun exercise where we get on an uphill slope, engine running , not too steep and we practice backing up using our clutch as a brake… super helpful getting in that friction zone. It’s hard not to reach for the brake!!!
Thank you for all of your great content,it has made me enjoy my rides ,and kept me safe✌️
These videos are a big help. I'm getting excited to start riding when the weather gets warm next year. Still have to get a bike though. I'm thinking either adventure or sport.
Once mastered - you learn for a lot of riding you live in the friction zone. More good content Merry Christmas Kevin to you and your family!
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
I thought I was pretty good with the friction zone but after watching this I realize that the reason I have problems in a tight roundabout is because I am pulling the clutch in too far. Thanks for the great tips as always and Merry Christmas!
Thank you sir
I started using two fingers on the clutch and two on the grip recently and find I can be much steadier because my hand doesn't move relative to the clutch over bumps or acceleration.
I totally agree with you, I do the same thing. Not only do I get a better grip on the bars, I am not prone to pulling in the clutch if I need to grip tighter. Also, the two fingers on the bar add a 'feeler" gage for the clutch. Less guessing where the friction zone is.
Great advice thanks again for sharing
Very helpful tips in your video 😊👍 Cheers from Australia matey 🇦🇺🍹🕺
I watch most of your videos I was just in an accident and my phone was still on the bars when I got to it I love quadlock
GREETINGS FROM THE PPRC GREAT VIDEO TODAY.🇺🇸🏍️
If you use two or three fingers on clutch, the remaining fingers on the grip will be your stop so you don’t go too far into the dead space.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas!
TY for Sharing
At a course I took recently, I was advised to just use two fingers on the clutch and have been doing so ever since. The only time I use all fingers is when starting and when stopped at a long light. If the clutch is set up properly the other two fingers fit nicely between the lever and the grip. So no need to use all four fingers most of the time and this balances with the use of two fingers to cover the brake. What is your experience?
From first gear to get moving, you release the clutch slowly what about going from second gear to third gear what should be the rate of letting go of the clutch. I wish you had mentioned it in your video.
You are still releasing through the friction zone but it does not have to be as precise.
Pro tip: Where the friction zone is can typically be adjusted on your clutch.
I’m no pro but been doing this on my bike for years. It’s especially useful for my wife with really small hands to get the zone where she has the best finger strength and therefore best control
I would like to know what if I am making a turn of two corns spaced like with a distance of 2 meters
I NEVER leave my bike in gear at a stop light, unless I think it'll be going green shortly.
I can get it in gear and ready to go when the cross-traffic signals turn yellow.
Truthfully no wear happens when clutch is fully engaged at a stop light, wear only happens when you slowly release engaging the rear wheel or so called friction zone. So leave 'er engaged at those traffic stops...👍
What would you do if you need to move quick? Best to stop on 1st gear with the clutch in
You should be in first gear at the light in case the person in the car behind you is not paying attention
Let's say I'm at a stop and a truck is running up behind me fast. Where will I go? Into the rear of the vehicle in front of me? Into crossing traffic?
You do you, I'll do me.
@@denniseaton8136 You stand a better chance of survival barreling into cross traffic wide open than being rear ended by an escapee from a retirement home..
Morning please,
How about “squeeze” instead of “pull”? Keeps it at the wrists and not the shoulders
Honest question. Is this not going to burn your clutch out? I have always been taught not to "ride" the clutch.
If anyone wants to practice controlling your bike in the friction zone, go to a parking lot and practice riding at a walking pace. Your left wrist should hurt after a while.
33% time of this video is advertisement. Don't you think it is too much?
I love my Quad lock, just saying it a great tip
2 fingers vs 4? Do you think it matters?
Yes. Two fingers are better
I use three -- index finger stays on the throttle
Can I realise the crutche all through.
This is why everyone tells you to take the MFS class, at least the one I went to taught all of us and explained everything about it, I asked my teacher one day, I said why are all those bikers watching us,he said those are the people that just keeps taking their temp's every year because they don't want to take the classes because I will break them from all their bad habits 😂
absolutely NOT. when the engine is cold and the oil is still thick, when I shift I always pull the clutch all the way, way past the friction zone. This way, the shift is smoother, at least till the oil doesn't warm up.
Engines are different , oils are different, driving styles are diferent, there's no universal rule.