How to Use the Clutch on a Motocross Bike

Download Article
Learn how to pull the clutch and shift gears like a pro
Download Article

How to clutch on a dirt bike.

Steps

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-1.jpg\/aid887902-v4-728px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":305,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":482,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Start the bike, compress the clutch and then push the shift lever downwards ( most bikes shift pattern is Down for first, and up for the following gears ) [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-2.jpg\/aid887902-v4-728px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":305,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":482,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is often the hardest part for beginners. If the engine RPM suddenly drops, that either means you are not giving enough throttle, or you are releasing the clutch too rapidly, or perhaps both. Once in first gear and moving, shifting to the next gears is much easier. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-3.jpg\/aid887902-v4-728px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":305,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":482,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so in sync will keep the engine RPM from spiking. Lift the shifter lever until there is a firm click into the next gear. [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-4.jpg\/aid887902-v4-728px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":305,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":482,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You may then accelerate and shift into the next gear using the same process.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-5.jpg\/aid887902-v4-728px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":305,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":482,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [4]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-6.jpg\/aid887902-v4-728px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":305,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":482,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You will be in the top end of the gear most likely, and applying too much throttle will cause your RPM to spike.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-7.jpg\/aid887902-v4-728px-Use-the-Clutch-on-a-Motocross-Bike-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":305,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":482,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In a bike with a shift pattern that is Down, Up, Up, you will need to get to first gear, and then raise the shift lever halfway between first and second. This is often hard to do for beginners. An easy way to hit neutral on most bikes is to shift to neutral while still moving. [5]
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use the brakes without holding the clutch?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but when you start to slow down, rapidly lay off the gas and pull in the clutch to avoid stalling.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 21
  • Question
    Do I use the clutch while turning a bike?
    Community Answer
    You should pull in your clutch and shift to a lower gear, and make the turn while slowly accelerating.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 18
  • Question
    Do I use the clutch while driving?
    Community Answer
    Never use the clutch while driving. Doing so will damage the clutch and decrease the life of the engine.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 24
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If it is your first time, it is best to start with a smaller bike. A 100cc dirt bike is ideal. 85cc will also work. If you start with something too big, there is a chance you will be kicked off the back of the bike on take off.
        Thanks
      • You should Always clutch so as to prolong the life of the bike transition, and other parts. If you shift straight to a higher gear without clutching you may stall the bike or cause gear damage.
        Thanks
      • Practice makes perfect.
        Thanks
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES
        Thanks
      • Make sure you have a helmet and proper gear ( gloves, boots, etc. )
        Thanks
      • If you are new to dirt biking, start in an open area with few or no objects that may be hit.
        Thanks
      • Take care when using a bike larger than you are. You could be thrown off, or may lose control. Some bikes are much heavier than they look, and can cause severe injury if they land on you,
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Dirt bike ( preferably of small displacement if you a beginner )
      • Helmet
      • Open area to practice
      • Optional, but recommended: Somebody to watch and help you in case you fall off or injure yourself.

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Kick Start a Dirt Bike
      How to
      Set Sag on a Dirt Bike
      How to Quickly Adjust the Suspension on a Dirt Bike (and Stiffen the Front Forks)
      How to
      Ride a Dirt Bike
      How to
      Build Dirt Jumps
      How to
      Build a Dirt Bike Ramp
      How to
      Jump on a Dirt Bike
      What Does a Dirt Bike Need to be Street Legal? All Your Questions Answered
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://dirtxtreme.com/ride-dirt-bike-beginners-guide-ride-like-pro/
      2. ↑ https://www.motosport.com/blog/how-to-use-a-clutch-on-a-dirt-bike
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjwA8loiHms
      4. ↑ https://dirtbikeplanet.com/how-to-downshift/
      5. ↑ https://dirtbikeplanet.com/neutral/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 113,096 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement