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Dirt bikes are fun to ride, but they require a bit of skill to master. If you want to get started riding a dirt bike, you’ll need to practice some basic skills before taking off.
One of these skills is learning how to use the clutch on your dirt bike.
If you’re new to riding a dirt bike with a clutch, it can be difficult to know what to do when you first start out.
Fortunately, this article will teach you everything you need to know about using a clutch on a dirt bike.
Is It Hard To Ride A Dirt Bike?
The first thing you should know about riding a dirt bike with a clutch is that it’s not as easy as just jumping on and starting to go.
You have to learn how to control the speed of your bike by controlling the amount of pressure you apply to the clutch lever.
This takes time and practice. But once you’ve mastered the art of riding a dirt bike with a clutch, you’ll find yourself enjoying the thrill of riding even more than you did before!
What Is The Difference Between A Dirt Bike With & Without A Clutch?
When you first buy a dirt bike, you may think that you don’t need to worry about learning how to use a clutch because there’s no clutch pedal.
In fact, many people who buy their first dirt bike without a clutch pedal end up having trouble getting used to riding one.
So if you’re thinking about buying a dirt bike for the first time, make sure you read all the instructions carefully, so you understand how to operate your bike properly.
When you ride a dirt bike with a traditional clutch, you have to pull back on the clutch lever to use the clutch and slow down or stop the engine.
Then you release the clutch lever to let the engine rev again.
When you ride a dirt bike without a clutch, you simply push the throttle forward to increase the speed of the engine and hold the throttle in place until you feel like slowing down or stopping the engine.
Where Is The Clutch Located On A Dirt Bike?
You might wonder where the clutch is located on a dirt bike. Most dirt bikes have a clutch lever mounted on the handlebars.
When you pull back on the clutch, it engages the gears and lets the chain drive the rear wheel. When you release the clutch, it disengages the gears and allows the chain to spin freely.
There are other types of clutches available for dirt bikes too.
Some models have a separate clutch pedal instead of a clutch lever. Others have a button-operated clutch that you press to engage the gears.
How Do I Know Which Type Of Clutch My Dirt Bike Has?
There are two main types of clutches: cable operated and hydraulic. Cable-operated clutches use cables attached to the pedals to activate the gears.
Hydraulic clutches use oil under pressure to engage the gears. Both types of clutches work similarly, but there are slight differences between them.
Cable-operated clutches are usually easier to use than hydraulic ones. They’re less expensive and require fewer parts. However, they aren’t very strong and tend to wear out quickly.
Hydraulic clutches are stronger and last longer than cable-operated ones. They cost more money, though, and require more maintenance.
If you want to get the best performance from your dirt bike, you should choose a model with a hydraulic clutch.
If you’re looking for something cheaper, you can still get a good quality dirt bike with a cable-operated clutch.
How Do I Operate The Clutch On My Dirt Bike?
The next step after choosing which type of clutch you want is to figure out how to operate it.
There are three basic ways to control the speed of a dirt bike with a hydraulic clutch:
Pull Back – Pulling back on the clutch lever engages the gears and slows down the engine. You can do this by pulling back on the clutch lever while holding the throttle open. This method works well when you’re going downhill at low speeds.
Push Forward – Pushing the throttle forward increases the speed of the engine. Holding the throttle in place keeps the engine running as long as you keep pushing it. This method works well during flat ground rides.
Hold Throttle – Holding the throttle in place will allow the engine to run continuously. It doesn’t matter if you pull back on the lever or not. Just keep pressing the throttle forward to maintain the speed of the engine as long as you want.
What Is The Purpose Of The Clutch On A Dirt Bike?
A clutch is used to slow down or stop an engine. It’s basically a gearbox that connects the crankshaft to the transmission.
The purpose of the clutch is to reduce the amount of power being transmitted through the transmission.
When you push the clutch lever to the left (pulling back), the engine is slowed down. When you let go of the clutch, the engine stops completely.
When you hold the throttle in place, the engine continues to run even if you don’t move the clutch lever.
How Does The Clutch Work In Practice?
Once you know what kind of clutch your dirt bike has, you’ll be able to tell whether it needs lubrication.
Lubricating the clutch helps prevent friction between the clutch plates and the flywheel. Friction causes heat and wear. Heat reduces the lifespan of the clutch.
You may also notice some play in the clutch mechanism. This means that the clutch isn’t fully engaged. Play makes it harder to shift into different gears.
You can easily check to see whether your clutch needs lubrication by taking off the bottom bracket.
Look inside the crankcase where the chain goes around the sprockets. If you find any oil, then your clutch probably needs lubrication.
Conclusion
Dirt bikes aren’t just fun toys. They have many uses, including riding them in competitions. Choosing the right type of clutch is important because it affects the way you ride your dirt bike.
Riding a dirt bike with a clutch is easier than it sounds. Just make sure you are wearing the right gear and that you have enough practice before hitting the trails.
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We traveled all over the US finding new ATV trails to explore. While my friends were hanging by the pool with their friends, I was on the thrilling trails with my dare-devil family.
I can only thank them for that, because now 20-something years on, I can teach my kids how to ride their ATVs along the trails that I used to love so much when I was their age.
If you’re looking for a new hobby for you or your kids, I cannot recommend ATVs enough. They’re fun, adventurous, and a great talking point in the office on a Monday morning!
I have created this website in the hopes of showing you all of the best trails around the USA, as well as tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your quad biking experience. So, stay a while and read up before your next big adventure - you won’t regret it, believe me!
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