Noob needs info/advise.

[Madman44]

Well guys, it's my third day of riding and I have a couple questions.
I've noticed that after I've pulled the clutch in all the way to slow down, and reapply throttle the bike will slow down and jerk me forward a bit like I tapped the bakes or something. Am I doing something wrong?
And do you guys pull the clutch in all the way when slowing?
Thanks in advance!

[BFisher244]

get your rpms a little higher. search for the term "blipping" your throttle

[JustRidin]

Wait wait wait, I'm a bit confused. Are you reapplying the throttle before releasing the clutch again?!!!?!

[Minikin_Jo]

Ease the clutch out to make the transition smooth, don't just drop it (meaning, don't let go of it fast)

or you might be in the wrong gear (too low of a gear for the speed you're going.)

[EthioKnight]

Originally Posted by Madman44

... after I've pulled the clutch in all the way to slow down...

um...pulling the clutch in disengages the engine, it won't slow you down drastically, not unless you apply brakes.
You might be trying to engine brake...i.e., you downshift and rev while releasing the clutch. look up terms "blipping throttle", "rev matching" and "engine braking" to get a better understanding...until you do though, keep on using the brakes

[Madman44]

Thanks guys, you were right.
I got my hands on an owner's manual and I was definitely going too fast for the gears I was using. The ride today was much smoother

[fatestkid]

The owners manuals gear changing isn't really applicable to real world. According to it you are in 6th gear at.any speed above 30 or so MPH correct?

If I understand your issue this is what's happening.
1.pull the clutch
2.slow down naturally or through breaking
3.let go of the breaks (if applied) and engage the clutch while giving gas and the bike jerks.

If this is the case then in step three you need to give more gas and slowly let out the clutch. Also if you slowed down a lot let's say you dropped speed by 20+MPH then you down shift, rev the engine and slowly drop the clutch.

[JeffM]

Hello Mike. Also, the only time you need to pull the clutch in fully is when you are at a stop. Pulling it in fully when shifting is not necessary.

When shifting up or down only a slight pull on the clutch is needed to unload the transmission from the engine when you choose a gear. Motorcycle clutches are different than automobile clutches as they are made to be slipped. Let the friction zone be your friend when shifting.

It will take you a while to feel smooth when shifting but all it takes is practice.

Jeff

[Madman44]

Originally Posted by fatestkid

The owners manuals gear changing isn't really applicable to real world. According to it you are in 6th gear at.any speed above 30 or so MPH correct?

If I understand your issue this is what's happening.
1.pull the clutch
2.slow down naturally or through breaking
3.let go of the breaks (if applied) and engage the clutch while giving gas and the bike jerks.

Hey Fatty, thanks for the reply.
That's exactly what was happening. I applied all the tips I got during today's ride and it was much more enjoyable, and less intimidating. Thanks for the advice.

[Madman44]

Originally Posted by JeffM

Hello Mike. Also, the only time you need to pull the clutch in fully is when you are at a stop. Pulling it in fully when shifting is not necessary.

When shifting up or down only a slight pull on the clutch is needed to unload the transmission from the engine when you choose a gear. Motorcycle clutches are different than automobile clutches as they are made to be slipped. Let the friction zone be your friend when shifting.

It will take you a while to feel smooth when shifting but all it takes is practice.

Jeff

Thank you. I was wondering this since I began riding a few days ago but I was too afraid to give it a try. I'll definitely work on it on tomorrow's ride. Thanks for all the helpful replies, guys.