Releasing the clutch on a dirt bike is a fundamental skill for getting the bike moving and controlling your speed. It involves coordinating the clutch lever with the throttle.
Understanding the Dirt Bike Clutch
The clutch acts as a connection between the engine and the transmission (which turns the wheels). When the clutch lever is pulled in, this connection is disengaged, allowing the engine to run without the rear wheel turning (even if the bike is in gear). Releasing the lever gradually re-engages this connection, transferring power to the wheel.
Step-by-Step Clutch Release
To release the clutch smoothly and start moving on your dirt bike, follow these steps:
- Prepare to Start: Ensure the bike is in first gear and the clutch lever is pulled fully in towards the handlebar.
- Apply Initial Throttle: Give the bike a little gas on the throttle and hold the engine revs steady.
- Ease Out Clutch: Ease the clutch out gently and slowly. Pay close attention to the engine sound and feel.
- Find the Biting Point: As you ease the lever out, you will reach the "biting point". This is the point where the clutch plates start to make contact, and the engine begins to connect with the transmission. You will usually hear the revs begin to drop slightly as the engine starts taking the load of moving the bike.
- Coordinate Throttle and Clutch: Once you find the biting point, with the rear brake covered (ready to use if needed for control), you need to slightly increase the revs while continuing to let the clutch out smoothly.
- Full Engagement: Continue releasing the clutch lever smoothly until it is fully out. By this point, the bike should be moving forward under engine power.
- Important Note: Releasing the clutch too quickly without enough throttle will stall the engine. Giving too much throttle while letting the clutch out too slowly (slipping the clutch excessively) can cause unnecessary wear and heat. The key is a coordinated release, especially finding and working from the biting point.
Mastering the clutch release, particularly finding and controlling the biting point, is crucial for slow-speed control, navigating obstacles, and smooth starts. Practice in a safe area will help you develop the feel for your bike's clutch.
