two finger technique

Does anybody use just two fingers to operate the clutch and/or brake, and if so, in what situations?

Thanks,

Keith

[thepaintbox]

I tend to use three (all but the index) for each, and cover them almost always. It feels really weird to not have it covered.

Just two might have trouble being firm on the front brake or have trouble controlling the clutch position in traffic, imo.

[Water Warrior 2]

Some riders will tell you to do "this or that" for safety and they are speaking with the best of intensions. Also they are probably right. I prefer to do what is most comfy for me.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by kmkindred

Does anybody use just two fingers to operate the clutch and/or brake, and if so, in what situations?

No. Never.
Just a little slip and you are down to one.......or NONE!

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

No. Never.
Just a little slip and you are down to one.......or NONE!

That's exactly what I was thinking, but the issue came up the other day (I won't bore you with the details), so I thought I'd put it out to this group and see what people had to say.

While I'm at it, can I ask kind of a newb question? When you engage the clutch, do you pull it in all the way (so the lever is touching the handlebar), or just what is necessary to shift? As I get more riding experience, I'm noticing subtleties in both my skill and the bike and I'm developing new questions.

Keith

[dannylightning]

Originally Posted by kmkindred

That's exactly what I was thinking, but the issue came up the other day (I won't bore you with the details), so I thought I'd put it out to this group and see what people had to say.

While I'm at it, can I ask kind of a newb question? When you engage the clutch, do you pull it in all the way (so the lever is touching the handlebar), or just what is necessary to shift? As I get more riding experience, I'm noticing subtleties in both my skill and the bike and I'm developing new questions.

Keith

i use all my fingers on the clutch so i can make sure it is pulled in all the way. and only 2 on the break

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by kmkindred

While I'm at it, can I ask kind of a newb question? When you engage the clutch, do you pull it in all the way (so the lever is touching the handlebar), or just what is necessary to shift?

Best to pull it ALL the way. It is VERY hard to gauge exactly how much is needed and too much is a LOT better than too little. Muscle memory is important and developing that requires doing it exactly the same way every time.

Or to put it another way.........don't try to get too "cute"; there really is nothing to be gained. :biggrin:

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Best to pull it ALL the way. It is VERY hard to gauge exactly how much is needed

I think that this answer is probably good advice for a new rider, but I also think that experience counts for a great deal. I find that a light touch on the gear pedal, while pulling in the clutch, lets me feel when the bike is ready & comfortable to slip into the next gear. Most times this is before the clutch lever touches the grip. I suppose this is at the point that the clutch disengages, which is slightly before the lever reaches the grip.

On the point of "two fingers", I never really thought about it, so today I took special notice, and yes, I realised that I too used two fingers, third & fourth, on both hands to operate the controls.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alantf

I realised that I too used two fingers, third & fourth, on both hands to operate the controls.

I find that somewhat facinating; maybe I should make it a point to see exactly what I do, rather than what I THINK I do.

So, where do the second and fifth fingers go? Behind the lever (or still on the grip) would seem to be a bit awkward ??

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

So, where do the second and fifth fingers go? Behind the lever (or still on the grip) would seem to be a bit awkward ??

The second finger (that is, the first finger after the thumb) seems to stick straight out, & my little finger (pinkie?) seems too short to do anything anyhow. Like I said, I'd never realised what I did, until I took special note.