How to Use a Clutch on a Dirtbike

This is an article about using a clutch on a dirt bike. Dirt-biking can be fun, but on the other hand, hard, and dangerous.

Steps

  1. Image titled Use a Clutch on a Dirtbike Step 1
    1
    Go out to an open area.
  2. Image titled Use a Clutch on a Dirtbike Step 2
    2
    Start the bike with the kick starter on the right side, beside your right leg.[1]
  3. Image titled Use a Clutch on a Dirtbike Step 3
    3
    Always let your bike warm up before riding to prevent damage to your engine.[2]
  4. Image titled Use a Clutch on a Dirtbike Step 4
    4
    When ready, pull in the clutch all the way, then on the left side, push down on the shifter to put the bike into first gear.[3]
  5. Image titled Use a Clutch on a Dirtbike Step 5
    5
    Gently give the bike gas while letting the clutch out slowly. When you need to shift gears, it is up to you to use the clutch to shift up or down. However not using it will tear up your gears.[4]
  6. Image titled Use a Clutch on a Dirtbike Step 6
    6
    To put the bike in neutral when the bike is not on, depending on the bike, shift down until it is in first then lightly click up a gear. If it rolls forward without stopping then it is in neutral. For bikes with only 3 gears neutral is always the lowest gear. To be sure, tap down about 5 or six times.[5]

Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I know when to shift?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Do I have to change gears, or can I leave it in first?
    Wesley Willett
    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.
  • Question
    How fast do I want to release the clutch?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Slowly, slowly let the clutch out and slowly give the bike gas and you should be able to do a nice start.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to pull my foot off of the clutch while applying the brake?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Do I downshift when I want to go down?
    Community Answer
    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].
  • Question
    How many gears does a two stroke bike have?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    A two stroke bike has 5-6 gears.
  • Question
    When I release the clutch, do I have to be in first gear?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How long does it take to let go of the clutch?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    When I'm about to stop, do I shift all the way down to 1 with the clutch pulled in?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, hold the clutch and shift it down and press the brake while doing it.
  • Question
    Can I shift back into neutral while the dirtbike is on?
    Community Answer
    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.

Warnings

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cNs7WX0W3w
  2. ↑ https://www.diymotofix.com/blog/warming-up-dirt-bike-engine-how-to
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjwA8loiHms
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id53SCKX0x0
  5. ↑ http://dirtxtreme.com/ride-dirt-bike-beginners-guide-ride-like-pro/

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 35 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 142,410 times.
93 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 35
Updated: December 22, 2020
Views: 142,410
Categories: Cycling