TIP OF THE MONTH
courtesy of Gary Semics
Motocross Clutch Techniques
It's easy for a seasoned pro to use the clutch anytime they need to and in motocross that's a lot. You shouldn't use the clutch when skimming the whoops but other than that you should pretty much always have a finger or two on the clutch, ready to nip it like a trigger in order to have better control. For instance, when jumping through the whoops he proper use of the clutch will allow you to have better timing and control at delivering just the right amount of power to the rear wheel when it compresses into the troughs of the whoops. This will give you better jumping control out of the whoop so you can land just where you want from there and so on. In order to do this properly you have to be able to hold onto the grip and use the clutch independently. Many pro riders will hold onto the grip with two fingers and use the clutch with two fingers. Many other pros will hold onto the grip with three fingers and use the clutch with one finger. I like this way better because I have more strength holding onto the grip with three fingers. I use my index finger. Whatever combinations of fingers you prefer is up to you but this technique is a must for any serious motocrosser or off-road rider.
This very same clutch technique should also be used while riding most of the track. You should use it exiting corners and on jumps where you have a short approach. It's also beneficial when landing from a jump in order to get more power to the rear wheel and accelerate faster. When using the clutch as mentioned in all the above it's used more like a trigger, you don't slip it, you nip it like a trigger.
Being able to hold onto the grips and use not only the clutch but also the front brake is a much do for any serious motocrosser or off-road competitor.
These and more clutch techniques are shown and explained in the Volume 3 Technique DVD #3 (Clutch, Throttle and Shifting Techniques). See a free preview and/or order online at; http://wp.gsmxs.com/dvd-3-clutch-throttle-clutch-control/
It's easy for a seasoned pro to use the clutch anytime they need to and in motocross that's a lot. You shouldn't use the clutch when skimming the whoops but other than that you should pretty much always have a finger or two on the clutch, ready to nip it like a trigger in order to have better control. For instance, when jumping through the whoops he proper use of the clutch will allow you to have better timing and control at delivering just the right amount of power to the rear wheel when it compresses into the troughs of the whoops. This will give you better jumping control out of the whoop so you can land just where you want from there and so on. In order to do this properly you have to be able to hold onto the grip and use the clutch independently. Many pro riders will hold onto the grip with two fingers and use the clutch with two fingers. Many other pros will hold onto the grip with three fingers and use the clutch with one finger. I like this way better because I have more strength holding onto the grip with three fingers. I use my index finger. Whatever combinations of fingers you prefer is up to you but this technique is a must for any serious motocrosser or off-road rider.
This very same clutch technique should also be used while riding most of the track. You should use it exiting corners and on jumps where you have a short approach. It's also beneficial when landing from a jump in order to get more power to the rear wheel and accelerate faster. When using the clutch as mentioned in all the above it's used more like a trigger, you don't slip it, you nip it like a trigger.
Being able to hold onto the grips and use not only the clutch but also the front brake is a much do for any serious motocrosser or off-road competitor.
These and more clutch techniques are shown and explained in the Volume 3 Technique DVD #3 (Clutch, Throttle and Shifting Techniques). See a free preview and/or order online at; http://wp.gsmxs.com/dvd-3-clutch-throttle-clutch-control/
