Hi, great question. Think of it exactly like a modern clutch on your handle bar minus the spring back. So when you apply the clutch, which is the heel down, you can take your foot off in gear and you stay in place. When you rock your foot from heal to toe, the clutch releases and you begin to move... In a modern bike, you have clutch springs that return your clutch handle back to non-enguaged position. These old girls don't do it... Same for the throttle, no return, you roll the throttle back... ;>] love it!!!!

@@kurtlittlefield6321 That's good to know, I've just bought a 46 EL and am awaiting its arrival. I am hanging out for it like a kid at Christmas time.