Q&A for How to Use a Clutch on a Dirtbike

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Question

How do I know when to shift?

Community Answer

Listen to the engine. When the engine gets louder and you hear it sound like it is stressing more than it should, that is when you shift.

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Question

Do I have to change gears, or can I leave it in first?

Wesley Willett

Community Answer

You have to change gears if you want to go faster, because if you rev the motor up too high, the motor will blow out. Even when you just want to cruise, you have to at least shift up to the second gear.

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Question

How fast do I want to release the clutch?

Community Answer

Slowly, slowly let the clutch out and slowly give the bike gas and you should be able to do a nice start.

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Question

Is it necessary to pull my foot off of the clutch while applying the brake?

Community Answer

Your clutch is not by your foot, it is by your left hand. But yes, you need to use your clutch when braking.

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Question

Do I downshift when I want to go down?

Community Answer

By going down, I assume you mean slowing down; so yes. But if you downshift while going faster than a gear can handle, you will destroy the engine; only downshift if the engine is at low revs [2-4K].

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Question

How many gears does a two stroke bike have?

Community Answer

A two stroke bike has 5-6 gears.

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Question

When I release the clutch, do I have to be in first gear?

Community Answer

Yes, when first starting the bike, you must start in first gear, but as the RPMs increase, you must shift up to a higher gear.

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Question

How long does it take to let go of the clutch?

Community Answer

It depends on the amount of revs you're at, but just release the clutch slowly until you feel the bike pull back.

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Question

When I'm about to stop, do I shift all the way down to 1 with the clutch pulled in?

Community Answer

Yes, hold the clutch and shift it down and press the brake while doing it.

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Question

Can I shift back into neutral while the dirtbike is on?

Community Answer

Yes, but no power will be going to the rear wheel, so you will be coasting and the engine can work freely without the clutch being squeezed.

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Question

How do I shift gears on a dirt bike?

Community Answer

First, pull in the clutch. Next, locate the shifter by your left foot, and click it up once. No need to let the clutch out as slowly as when you first take off.

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Question

How do I bail on a dirt bike when in midair?

Community Answer

If you think you can land the bike, try. Anything that can get between you and the ground is helpful. Otherwise, you should bail up and off to the side so that the bike does not land on top of you. If you know how, try to roll out of it, but never fall headfirst. Your best bet is to land feet first, then hit the ground and roll out.

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Question

How many gears are there on a 4-stroke?

Community Answer

Depends what size bike. It's usually between 3 - 6 gears, ranging from smallest to biggest bikes.

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Question

After I switch into first gear and slowly let off the clutch, do I still have to let off the clutch when switching to higher gears?

Community Answer

No. The only time you have to slowly let off the clutch is when you take off, otherwise you can pull in the clutch and instantly let out as soon as you have shifted the bike into the next gear.

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Question

Do I still have to apply the clutch to shift the gear up or down when the bike is not on?

Community Answer

No, when the bike is not on it won't matter, but you have to be in first gear to use the clutch when the bike is on.

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Question

Do I always have to use the clutch to change gears?

Community Answer

On a dirtbike, and because of the way that your gears engage (dog engagement), you don't. This is something you can almost only do on motorcycles and sequential race gearboxes. Do not try it in a normal road car because you will blow up your trans.

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Question

Do I always have to use the clutch to change gears?

Community Answer

Yes, you do. Otherwise you risk having too high an RPM for a gear that isn't designed for it.

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Question

Do I need to half pull the clutch in when changing gears on my dirtbike?

Community Answer

No. It is always best to fully pull the clutch back and shift. You could always shift without pulling the clutch, but don't make this a habit. It will tear the bands in your transmission. In short, pull the clutch all the way back.

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Question

Do I have to pull the clutch in when changing gears up?

Community Answer

Yes. You also have to use the clutch when shifting down. If not, you could mess up your transmission.

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Question

If I go to shift up, do I have to let off the throttle when I pull the clutch in to shift?

Snoochie Boochies

Community Answer

It depends. Most race style dirt bikes have dog clutch transmissions, which means that you don’t necessarily have to pull in the clutch to shift or let off the throttle. It would be considered the easiest technique to let off the throttle, pull in the clutch and shift up, but a more experienced rider might be able to find the sweet spot of a gear and shift up without letting off or pulling in the clutch as it would be the fastest way to shift. However, some would argue that not pulling in the clutch or letting off would wear out the transmission quicker.

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Question

Do I use the clutch to control my speed?

Community Answer

No, use the throttle to control speed but if your engine is revving too high, then use clutch to shift up. Or, if it’s on the verge of stalling, then use the clutch to shift down.

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Question

How do I use the clutch when stopping at a stop sign? How do I drive one uphill?

Community Answer

If you are riding in 4th, you will pull in the clutch, shift to 3rd and let go of the clutch.Then pull it back in and shift to 2nd and let go. Then pull it again and you'll pull in the clutch and shift down into 1st when you stop. Usually riding up a dirt hill, you want to be in 1st, asphalt hills. 1st or 2nd works too, even 3rd.

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