Covering the clutch.

**Ms Piggy** · 21st September 2004, 17:37

I was just wondering if any of your seasoned riders, or not so seasoned for that matter, cover your clutch at all times when you ride?

It was drilled into me by the scary guy that took me for my BHS test that I should ALWAYS cover my clutch. I've actually also noticed that by doing this it's worn my clutch lever on the underside & it kinda flops around.

So what do others think? Is this a good idea? Bad idea? Or just a matter or preference?

Ta Muchly.

**Zapf** · 21st September 2004, 17:41

I've only had my VTR for 2 months done around 2500k's on weekends. have been covering clutch and front brakes as often as possible.

**jrandom** · 21st September 2004, 17:41

I can understand covering the front brake, but why bother with the clutch? :spudwhat:

Just for the record, I don't do either. I'm too clumsy to manage good throttle control with two fingers hovering out in midair.

[Edit: any 'might as well tape it open' jokes about the FXR will be dealt to with extreme prejudice.]

**Blakamin** · 21st September 2004, 17:47

I do in traffic, but only as I have to go thru so many gears to get around (up then down etc). I also have a tendency to cover the front brake before I go near any intersections

**Ms Piggy** · 21st September 2004, 17:53

Originally Posted by Blakamin

I also have a tendency to cover the front brake before I go near any intersections

I actually cover my front brake all the time as well, another thing the shouting scary man at my BHS day drilled.

**k14** · 21st September 2004, 17:53

I never cover the clutch. Just move my fingers when i need to change gears. Don't see the reasoning behind covering it aye. Its much more important to cover the front brake IMO.

**Paul in NZ** · 21st September 2004, 17:55

Most likely its vibration and use that has stuffed your clutch lever... Wobbling around in the pivot with all that soft alloy etc. Resting a finger on it would have probably slowed the wear down.

It's a good idea to cover your clutch lever but so is celibacy and I have not managed to do that either! In the real world it's not that easy is it? Ask yourself how often your engine will seize solid, locking up your rear wheel and you only save yourself by pulling in the clutch? Not often.... (well I hope not but I HAVE owned some bikes where it was)

Perhaps you are expecting an emergency gear change? No... Not often...

Since my other hand is whacking the throttle open, giving the front brake a death grip, whacking the throttle open etc etc it's not doing a lot of the old hanging on in grim faced terror of which I am so keen.

I do change gear a lot ('cos I like the VAROOOM noises and I'm pretty good at it) but I do need my left hand for a bit of hanging on along with the old adjusting the visor, fiddling with stuff and waving occasionally. Covering the clutch? I do it, but a low priority...

Mind you, it's a Guzzi so if anything did go pop it would be down stream of the engine and I could cover the clutch with a whole patoon of the Coldstream Guards complete with air cover and armour and it would make next to bugger all difference....

Your experience might differ.

Paul N

Sometimes ya gotta forget the text book bollocks.... Just RIDE the thing for FUN!!!

**F5 Dave** · 21st September 2004, 18:01

Sort of depends, in the old days of 2 strokes it was required for saving seizures.

But yes I do tend to find myself covering the clutch when in traffic conditions, it is probably a good idea to remind learners to cover the clutch (as well as the front brake obviously) so they can remember to pull the clutch when required.

Give yourself a rest when you are at any speed though.

Don’t be scared of shouting Irishmen. Eyes up!!

Have I guessed right?

**sAsLEX** · 21st September 2004, 18:07

covering the clutch can lead to reactionary things like pulling it on in an emergency which could go all pear shaped. Always cover the front brake though.

**F5 Dave** · 21st September 2004, 18:14

Originally Posted by sAsLEX

covering the clutch can lead to reactionary things like pulling it on in an emergency which could go all pear shaped. . .

Yeah I used to think that. Engine braking & all, until I realised that the engine is not a brake & the rear brake has the power to lock the wheel at any speed, so as long as I practise not locking the rear brake there is nothing the engine can contribute.

For learners using the brakes is one of the most important things so many of the BHS stuff is trying to separate other influences. + many learners (esp. girls & I ONLY say that ‘cause some have small hands) wind the throttle as they reach for the brake. & I’ve taught as lot of people to brake.

**Blakamin** · 21st September 2004, 18:16

Originally Posted by F5 Dave

Don’t be scared of shouting Irishmen. Eyes up!!

Have I guessed right?

what is his name???

**jrandom** · 21st September 2004, 18:18

Originally Posted by F5 Dave

until I realised that the engine is not a brake & the rear brake has the power to lock the wheel at any speed

Yes.

Riding a light, highish-compression four stroke single like mine carries the temptation of thumping down a gear or two and letting the engine do the work as you approach intersections, but I've gradually weaned myself off that.

And after an interesting fishtail-gone-wrong dumping me on my backside on the motorway while filtering in the rain, I've decided that the rear brake is best avoided on my bike.

**F5 Dave** · 21st September 2004, 18:19

Originally Posted by Blakamin

what is his name???

I won’t say on the internerd as he is a friend & IMO a good teacher.

He still shouts at me when we go trials riding, but maybe it is someone else.

Instruction works though.

**Jackrat** · 21st September 2004, 18:21

I don't cover my clutch and only cover the front brake if I'm in town and even then only coming up on uncontrolled intersections,How many of them are there in the citys??
I had a bike lock up on me on the southern Motorway once.I still managed to grab the clutch without any dramas.
Personal prefrence I think.
As for scary shouty blokes,the guy should find a new job.