MSF Grad -- Big thing I learned!!

[NealWright]

MSF was great. Actually had an awesome weekend for it (70's and sunny). I got a clunker, but made it through (10k miles, on an MSF bike!!).

Here's the big thing I learned (along with so much more).

The "friction zone" is not just to engage the clutch. I've read on and on about learning your friction zone, controlling your friction zone, etc ... never once have I ever seen, you're supposed to slip the clutch in the friction zone for slow speed manuevers.

I've riden dirt bikes, sport quads, and a few bikes ... I've always used the friction zone to just smoothly shift gears, take off, etc. What you'll learn in MSF is that you actually want to maintain a steady engine speed, and use your friction zone to adjust your vehicle speed (ie, slip the clutch).

Thanks, Neal

[crazymadbastard]

Yeah, heard about it. Counter intuative to slip it, at least motorcycle clutches are cheaper and quicker to change than cars.

[adouglas]

Motorcycle clutches (most of 'em, anyway) are wet rather than the dry type used in cars. They deal with slippage much better and don't wear out as easily.