Trials riders learn to use the clutch almost constantly for many of the advanced techniques.
And these translate to enduro, at slow and fast speeds.
"But won't I wear out my clutch?!"
was my first response to slipping the clutch.
But clutch plates are far tougher and more durable than you think.
Also, they don't cost much anyway.
And are easy to replace.
They are just part of your everyday running cost.
We slip the clutch to prevent stalling, maximize traction,
reduce gear changes, provide extra power, and lift that front end faster.
Back to basics!
You should always have one finger on the clutch.
If you've got a tough cable clutch, consider getting a hydraulic conversion kit such as
the one available with the Clake One Light Clutch.
You only want one finger on the clutch and the rest hanging on to those handlebars.
Our first exercise?
Find a slight uphill and ride in a straight line as slow and smoothly as possible.
It's a great way to work on your balance and clutch control at the same time.
Come to a brief stop as well.
It should become automatic to disengage the clutch
and this will eventually mean less stalling in tough terrain.
Now try the same thing in second gear.
You will immediately notice the bike is smoother.
And this is how top riders often get such great traction on steep hills, wet rocks, and mud.
Use a higher gear, slip the clutch.
Try the same exercise but with bigger eights and on full lock turns.
Now try these basic exercises again.
But holding the throttle steady and purely using the clutch to stop and go.
This can transform your hill climbing,
as you keep the throttle open to use the clutch to maintain traction on tough climbs.
Ideally, your clutch will become integrated with
your throttle control in all aspects of your dirt riding.
We will cover 'dropping the clutch' or 'zapping' in a different video.
In the mean time, practice dropping the clutch to lift the front wheel quickly and easily.
But remember to cover that rear brake!
One of our Gumby riders still hasn't mastered this.
I've been trying to do this in second gear and slip the clutch climbing up.
Get used to riding in a higher gear and slipping the clutch at slow and faster speed.
You will find yourself using the clutch when traction starts to become an issue,
such as climbs, rocks, mud, creek beds, and tree roots.
Clutch slipping in higher gears at speed is a common motocross technique.
It reduces the number of gear changes and gets more power to the ground.
We are just starting to work on this now.
And we'll do a video about it once we have learned the basics.