When To Use Clutch Slowing Down A Dirt Bike

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When To Use Clutch Slowing Down A Dirt Bike - Do You Need To?

Рет қаралды 30,138

Күн бұрын

Wondering when it's the best timing to use the clutch when slowing down on a dirt bike? Do you even need to use the clutch when downshifting through the gears? These questions will be answered and more if you watch the whole video.
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Motocross Hideout is my personal brand to help new riders learn to properly and safely ride a dirt bike so that you don't crash and miss out on life because of an injury. My Virtual Dirt Biker School is an online riding course/camp that teaches anyone new to dirt bikes the basic techniques to stay in control and become a better rider faster. I've taught many first time riders over the years, both guys and girls, young and old.
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Disclaimer: Dirt biking can be dangerous if you don't respect the bike or terrain. This video shows you tips to help keep you safer as well as improve your riding technique and skill so that you stay in control while riding. I, Kelley Fager from Motocross Hideout, am not held responsible for a crash resulting in an injury from trying these techniques. Please use proper dirt bike riding gear to help prevent an injury.

Пікірлер: 101

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

How often do you use the clutch when downshifting?

@MotocrossHideout 9 ай бұрын

Hey Eli, did this video not answer that question for you?

@alechendrix9367 3 ай бұрын

@@user-sl8vs7gc3rI would but that’s just me

@user-sl8vs7gc3r 3 ай бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout It did thank you

@craftea4990 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, This was the only video i could find explaining down shifting in detail.

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, and I'm glad you found my explanation helpful! Download my Free guide if you want to become a safe and confident rider! Thanks for watching.

@kaydenmacdonald7214 2 жыл бұрын

thank you so much. i just purchased a crf250r couldn’t have rode it without you boss 😎

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, glad I could help. Is this your first dirt bike, Kayden?

@BossPresident 2 жыл бұрын

thanks for the explanation because just learning and was trying to figure it out on my own, was out today stalling it every time I slow down or stop except on my last run I didn't, this explains clearly how to go up and down the gears and what's going on, so thanks again, going to practice more.

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful. What would you like to see next?

@BossPresident 2 жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout np, a nice house paid for lol went the other day to practice and my tire was flat, I only noticed after went around the corner, so now need to change that first.

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

Ha. Yeah, flats suck. Did you run over a nail? I like to check the tire pressure before I ride in case it lost air since I rode last. That way I can fill it up so it won't pop when I ride.

@BossPresident 2 жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout that's a good idea, should have checked before I started, construction next door, it's possible I ran over something.

@PsychiCorey 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks these vids def help more than most. I just got a TBR7 and it's intimidating learning to ride. But learning stick in a car was the same eventually it's trusted muscle memory

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found them helpful! You're right - building muscle memory is the key to making it easier! What makes your TBR7 intimidating to ride?

@Modestulio Жыл бұрын

Nice and quick vid thanks. Not so long ago started riding some 4 stroke 250cc china bike and was always downshifting with cluch just like a car 😁 live and learn 🤙

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Nice, thanks for watching!

@lil_levetti 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate this video I haven’t found any videos explaining this and now you really did I know how to ride my bike way better thanks man

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful, Jaesean! Thanks for watching, and don't forgot to sign up for my free training!

@jaydubz3038 2 жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout hey so you keep the clutch in while downshifting the whole time?or you tap it everytime you downshift

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

You can do it either way. Try both and see which is better for you. You can downshift without using the clutch as well, which is what I often do. Thanks for watching, Jay!

@jaydubz3038 2 жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout thanks for the info man🤟🏽

@deenorealryte9811 11 ай бұрын

Best video ever!! I watched over 20 videos and literally this 1 video summed it all up!! Thank you I’m definitely subscribing and liking ☝🏽💯

@MotocrossHideout 11 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard! Glad you found it helpful - please share it with your friends or family that want to stay safe and have fun dirt biking!

@omarrivera5401 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that tip man I’m about to hop on now

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, glad you found it helpful, Omar!

@shadowmead8506 Жыл бұрын

I was riding in the rain following my brotherinlaw when he suddenly pulled over. I pulled over too and pulled the clutch in while in 6th gear i never downshifted, when i went to pull out while still in 6th from a dead stop i heard a terrible sound in the engine. now the bike wont go over 45mph. Im hoping i just need to adjust the clutch again. bikes 6 months old klx and i made an appt with dealership hopefully something simple. Awesome vid!

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

I haven't heard of something like that happening before. Let me know what you find out. Hopefully nothing major. That's awesome you get to ride with your in-laws!

@shadowmead8506 Жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout I’ll let you know what dealership says!

@tragile9108 8 ай бұрын

Did you find out ?@@shadowmead8506

@saleen2645 Ай бұрын

So what did the dealer say?@@shadowmead8506

@macdividinz2789 Жыл бұрын

This was amazing and very helpful. You’re the best

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped, Mac! Do you have any questions with riding a dirt bike right now?

@macdividinz2789 Жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout I’ve been practicing alot this past couple weeks brother so I’m getting the basics pretty good. At first I had concerns about downshifting into turns but I think I figured it out. Since I’m a trucker i pretty much use the same principles when shifting on my bike. I got a starter dirt bike for the sole purpose of getting used to it before I get an actual motorcycle. Your video was very practical and concise so it helped immensely brother! Keep up the amazing work 💪🏽

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Awesome, great to hear that you're starting on a beginner dirt bike before riding on the road! I believe everyone should do that before getting a motorcycle for the street. I also encourage you to check out my channel for more tips to build your confidence, or download my free "Basic Techniques Guide".

@andreyorozco2854 Жыл бұрын

This is so helpful my front tire kept locking up thank you

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

You're welcome, Andrey! What was causing it to lock up?

@mattmontana9690 Жыл бұрын

I jus bought a 2022 crf125f after owning a semi automatic Chinese pit bike. I been struggling with stalling out and this video helped a lot especially with explaining how to down shift. My only question is ; will I damage the engine if I wait until I’m fully stopped from riding in a high gear to do all my down shifting?

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Nice bike to upgrade to, Matt! Nope, you won't damage the engine. You just have to keep the clutch pulled in while shifting down if the engine is still running. With the engine off it doesn't matter. It usually helps to roll the your bike back and forth a few inches to make shifting easier. Does that make sense, Matt?

@Twist2210 6 ай бұрын

So do you hold the clutch down the hold time whilst going down in gears? Or do you have to release the clutch and throttle each time?

@MotocrossHideout 6 ай бұрын

Both ways can work. Try both and see what you prefer or what works better and then let us know :)

@bicc1 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks helped a lot

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

@coltonlynn2825 27 күн бұрын

Ive been riding for a while just wondering what happens if you upshift without the clutch without letting off the gas at all, I accidentally did it I was powershifting and bumped the shifter before I slipped the clutch and I was wide open while shifting

@MotocrossHideout 27 күн бұрын

It's just going to be a lot harder on the transmission/gears. Doing it once probably won't do any damage if it didn't over rev, but doing that often will wear parts out faster than using the clutch.

@YoungSazz 4 ай бұрын

New rider here. (2024 ninja 500 I shift up to 4th gear fine. (6gears all together. Haven’t used yet. (40mp is my fastest so far ). When I need to slow down to make a turn, Iv been squeeze clutch, front break, while braking /and no throttle I downshift to 3,..2….then 1st . I’m holding the clutch the entire time and breaking. IS THIS OK ?? Or am I ruining something. ?

@MotocrossHideout 4 ай бұрын

Yep that's fine to hold the clutch while braking and shifting. Welcome to riding two wheels!

@_aintj Ай бұрын

If I’m in 3rd gear and comin to a stop can I just break then pull the clutch in while still in 3rd until it’s my go or do I have to downshift every stop I come to

@MotocrossHideout Ай бұрын

You can come to a stop in 3rd gear, but I recommend shifting down into 1st before going again or else you'll have to slip the clutch a lot, putting more heat and wear into it than necessary.

@duckygang603 Жыл бұрын

So when you come to a complete stop you have you clutch pulled in, then could you let go of it or does it need to stay in a till the bike is turned off?

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

If the engine is in neutral then you can let go, but if it's still in a gear and you let go then it will die. Make sense? Thanks for watching!

@duckygang603 Жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout thx

@RADscouter 6 ай бұрын

I have a question, if i want to brake, do i pull in the clutch as im breaking, or no? And if i want to go to a completly stop, do i hold the clutch and brake? And if i want fo just slightly brske, do i still need to use the clutch or no?

@MotocrossHideout 6 ай бұрын

You don't "need" to pull in the clutch unless the engine RPM is dropping too low and is going to stall. Can you try following what I showed in this video? :)

@jarodspeeltgamesdeanvlogt4034 Жыл бұрын

when i stop i pull the cluch in with car puch ofc i hold it in util i stop and when i stopped i put it in 1gear or in nurial/nutral idk

@bradleyblanchard9178 Жыл бұрын

Sometimes you can change gears without using the clutch, what is your take on not using the clutch when shifting to like 2 going to 3

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Yep, I usually don't use the clutch when shifting. You just have to briefly let off the throttle to unload the transmission just before you shift. Does that make sense, Bradley?

@bradleyblanchard9178 Жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout Yes sir, so starting off basically, I'm going to learn myself on using the clutch for sure, but I'm a new rider with a dirtbike, I have had a 4wheeler forever but just wanted to change up to something different..

@ILoveeFootballl 2 жыл бұрын

When on a turn do you stay in the same gear or down shift? Also when do you know when to shift up or down?? Also wonderful video 🙂

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

It really depends on how much I slow down before the corner and how fast I need to accelerate right after the corner. I like to be in the low to midrange RPM. Thanks for your comment!

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

I know it's a late reply, but I just made a quick video answering your question here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qLFdg86b3t_TpnU.html

@mylesgreen1361 7 ай бұрын

I've seen videos of ppl pushing down to go in first gear. But I just wanna make sure that if I shift down from like gear 4, I dont go str8 to first gear. Or does it go in order when down shifting.

@MotocrossHideout 6 ай бұрын

Hey Myles, each time you push down on the shifter, it goes down one gear (so you don't need to slam on it). So to go from 4th to 1st gear you need to click down 3 times. Make sense?

@ceronbrothers4570 Жыл бұрын

What if your in 4th and brake all the way to where you should be in 1st and then shift all the way down to 1st from 4th, should I be doing this and does it hurt my bike?

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Nope, that's fine as long as you're just trying to shift one gear at a time and you're stopped or going slow when you get to 1st gear.

@jaysmutty7223 2 жыл бұрын

When you downshift from 6 all the way to 1st do you pass neutral or is it from 6 to 1st then baby kick up back to neutral

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

Yes to both, if I understand your question properly, Jay! It's definitely easier to just shift all the way down so that you know you're in first, in my opinion. Does that make sense?

@NoahPhan-gi4cb 6 ай бұрын

um i know that u gotta kick your foot up to shift up but how do you downshift?

@MotocrossHideout 6 ай бұрын

Hey Noah, it's just a "click" down to downshift. You don't have to slam it hard, or at least you shouldn't have to since it only goes down one gear at a time on dirt bikes.

@owen__4611 Жыл бұрын

Does it hurt the buke if i am in the top gear and have the clutch pulled in and roll to a stop then with the clutch pulled in shift to 1st gear and take off

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Nope. As long as you're gently (not slamming) shifting down one gear at a time. Some people hit the shifter too hard for some reason.

@jarodspeeltgamesdeanvlogt4034 Жыл бұрын

if i drive my streetbike 4takt i stop at a light or something i downshift when i already stopped cuzz its really hard for me to downshift while stopping is that bad for the engine or not that bad same as car going in 1 or 2 gear when i already stopped the equilly time between the downshifting and rpm of the engine is jhust hard to tell for me

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

It's not hard on the engine if you have the clutch pulled in. Why is it hard for you to downshift while stopping, Jarod?

@andreac.w 2 жыл бұрын

When I turn the bike off should I put it in neutral before turning it off

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Andrea, you don't need to before turning it off, but I generally do so that I don't accidentally try and start it while in gear and have it take off on me! Thanks for watching! I recommend you watch my free workshop if you want to learn how to safely ride with confidence: motocrosshideout.com/workshop

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

I just made a video answering your question, Andrea. Here it is: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oa2ddMxzzsjRops.html

@_Vinny_the_singer_ Жыл бұрын

When coming to a stop do I hold the clutch then brake or brake then hold clutch?

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Good question, Vinny! It doesn't really matter as long as you don't let the engine RPM get too low and stall out. When you use the brake first, the engine braking will help slow the bike down (slightly), but when the RPM gets low you'll need to pull the clutch in before it dies. Make sense?

@_Vinny_the_singer_ Жыл бұрын

Yes thanks

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

You're welcome - I actually just made a quick video answering your question here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/apiKmdiKycCzp2w.html

@bunnyman6321 2 жыл бұрын

Do you downshift then brake or brake then downshift?

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

I usually brake and then start downshifting. If you start shifting down too early, the engine might over rev, plus it's slower if you wait to brake - sometimes I need to brake quickly to prevent a crash. Does that make sense?

@bunnyman6321 Жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout Thank you kindly! That makes a lot of sense. Is it ever ok to brake and downshift simultaneously? If you don't mind could you drop a video on this?

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful! I saw you watched my other video on shifting... Yes, I use the brakes and downshift at the same time regularly. Is that hard for you to do? What exactly do you need to know about it?

@bunnyman6321 Жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout Yeah I watch your videos; they are excellent! The braking and downshifting not hard for me to do. A couple of veteran riders gave me different advice on the subject so I wanted to know how other seasoned riders do it. I'm always looking to improve my riding so I ask questions to the Guru's. I don't see videos on braking and downshifting on the Tube but it's many about shifting up. I always look to better my fundamentals cos fundamentals is key. Even pro mx/sx riders still work fundamentals so I think I should too 🤣 I tried the downshift then brake like 1 rider recommended n the bike jerked hard n almost threw me over the bars. I tried the brake then downshift n it was smooth. I like this technique. Thanks for the feedback!

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Nice, I gotcha - thanks for watching! Yeah, I'll have to add that to my video list, although I probably won't have time for a few months before I start making videos again. I like to focus on the braking first and foremost, and then downshift when I need to based on where the engine RPM is it. The initial braking point is key because you want the weight to transfer onto the front tire for traction before you really pull hard on the lever. As for the fundamentals, have you downloaded my basic techniques guide?

@yazenmethaq5475 Жыл бұрын

How can you emergency stop without stalling

@MotocrossHideout Жыл бұрын

Hey Yazen, I recently made a video answering that question here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o9-pebp6tprLj4E.html Let me know what you think!

@MRALEX9870 2 жыл бұрын

How many Consecutive downshifts can you do ?

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

You can only shift one gear at a time, but you can keep shifting down all the way to first if you want - just make sure that the engine RPM will match close to the speed you're going. Does that make sense?

@MRALEX9870 2 жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout i understand now its all on the RPMs that you're currently in i so would have to be completely be off the throttle wait for speed drop and then downshift again as opposed to Just downshifting rapidly one right after the other

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, more or less. You just don't want the engine to over rev when you down shift it. If the engine is screaming then you shifted down too early.

@MRALEX9870 2 жыл бұрын

@@MotocrossHideout Thx man This a very helpful video and very detailed on the subject

@MotocrossHideout 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, thanks for your kind words! Don't forgot to grab my free basic techniques guide if you haven't already!