60 Second Lesson: Starting on an Incline

[Tigadee00]

Everybody loves Raymond... I mean Crash.

[dasmonkeyman]

holding the bike on the biting point/ friction zone regularly is GOING to wear out your clutch, fast

[CaptCrashIdaho]

@dasmonkeyman, on a dry clutch it's probably not the best plan. With a wet clutch (most bikes) it's not that big an issue. However, using the rear brake is IMO the best option. If you're in a bind and need that right foot down? Holding on the clutch won't kill it.

[freesmells]

nice drz

[dippidop]

if any LEARNERS have just watched this, DISREGARD it and find a better video.

[ChromeAngel1000]

OMG! thanks captcrash!

[delkial]

haha it is not that easy...!!!

[projekt89130]

@delkial Why not?

[lifeisgood070]

cool 60 second lesson. That's exactly what I do on a hill. On a car you can even use the handbrake if your a pansy lol.

P.S. -> I wouldn't use the clutches friction zone to keep you stationary on a hill for an extended period of time. You are obviously killing your clutch by doing that. That's why the guy uses the rear brake.

Rear brake is always safer to stop @ low speeds with. GL & Ride safe. Wooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[IP1NKYI]

LOL. I have yet another question...

What do you think of the DRZ 400? Im thinking of getting one when I pass my test. Are they easy to maintain, cheap to use, and whats the power and ride comfort like?

Thanks

[CaptCrashIdaho]

I like the power but wanted a little more so I did the 3x3, jet and exhaust. After about 25 miles in a straight line it's gonna punish you--it's got a hard, narrow seat.

[IP1NKYI]

I know what you mean. My current 125cc Supermoto starts to get very uncomfortable after about 20 miles. But i love how they look, sound and the upright riding position. I also like how they are single cylinders as it makes it much easier to look after than a 4 cylinder super sport.

[IP1NKYI]

Do you know what the stock power output is for the DRZ 400 SM? Ive heard people say 33BHP up to 42BHP.

[CaptCrashIdaho]

Depends on the state of tune. Stock is probably closer to 33, hopped up? I've heard of 45. (Piston, carb, $1000).

I if mines making 40 I'd be happy as heck.

[IP1NKYI]

I went and asked my local garage and they siad it was about 40BHP standard. Could the newer models have more BHP?

What year is yours?

[CaptCrashIdaho]

06. Frankly, until you hit a dyno you won't know. I don't think they've done any major engine upgrades. People have always been a little disappointed with the power on the DRZ's but I'm happy with mine.

[IP1NKYI]

@CaptCrashIdaho

Well I wont need loads of power, cause ill be mainly uses it for city riding and some days out. And to be honest the supermoto riding position is best for city riding.

"People have always been disappointed with DRZs power", yet the DRZ seems to be a very popular choice when it comes to supermotos.

[CaptCrashIdaho]

Darn thing is bulletproof! Plus if you pipe, jet and cut the airbox--no worries! I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a reliable, easy to use, easy to upgrade.

[IP1NKYI]

When you did that U-Turn at the end were you on the trottle at all or just rolling? (clutch held in, no power)

[CaptCrashIdaho]

Check the HowzitDone U-Turn video.

[IP1NKYI]

I used to do hill starts like this but it always chewed up my clutch (jumped forward slightly and screeched). Instead I let the clutch out slightly until its in the friction zone then give it some throttle whilst releasing the rear brake. Works every time. =)

[tdayxyz]

your U turn at the end of the ramp is sweet!

[jam39178]

It's really good to use~

[alloutmotocross]

what about the front brakes

[CaptCrashIdaho]

First, some bikes will sag back onto the rear and DRAG the front backwards.

Second, using the rear lets you concentrate on operating the throttle and not trying to operate the throttle AND brake.

HOWEVER, do what works for you!

[Picapacapopo]

What do you mean use the clutch? If you let out the clutch you will be moving forward.

[CaptCrashIdaho]

The Clutch isn't an on/off switch; you can sit on an incline and hold the bike in place with the friction zone. It's not my fav but it works in a bind.

[Picapacapopo]

Wow, thanks for the fast reply! When you say friction zone, do you mean where it just starts to grab? If so, isn't that very bad for the clutch, and wouldn't it be easy to kill the engine like that?

[CaptCrashIdaho]

The Clutch is designed to slip. Sitting in the friction zone for a long, long time can warp a clutch--one of the reasons I prefer to use the brake to hold a bike--BUT getting going on a hill (or holding postion on one) can require prolonged periods of "slipping" the clutch. See the "Howzit Done: Clutching and Shifting" Video.

[Picapacapopo]

I see. Thanks. Keep making videos! They are funny and helpful!!!

[LIGHTD1993]

nice vids

[brassloope]

5 stars on the Kickstand thing alone!

[nnamssorxela]

oops, just read a couple comments down about it being a wet clutch. Makes more sense now. thanks.

[CaptCrashIdaho]

Yeah, it's not my fav but it works--holding it on the rear brake is actually easier if you ask me. BUT in a bind....

[nnamssorxela]

When are you going to do a 60 second lesson on that kick stand trick?

Looking good as usual crash, just one question though; isn't riding the clutch and using it to go against gravity and hold you there bad? I know it's bad for cars, but I don't know much about motorcycle clutches.

Thanks

[CaptCrashIdaho]

A majority of motorcycles use an "oil bath" clutch, meaning the clutch plates actually have oil cooling them. A dry clutch (Ducati/BMW) will heat up faster BUT remember, FrictionZone is a designed use of the clutch. I wouldn't make a habit of holding a bike on hill with the clutch (I like the rear brake for that) BUT it will work in a tight spot.

(I wouldn't ride to Sturgis in the FrictionZone but it is designed to be slipped!)

[TheReapersSon]

Is leaving the friction zone in like that bad for the clutch? I know that motorcycle clutches are different than car clutches, but they always say "don't ride the clutch!". I've always wondered this about motorcycles...

[TheReapersSon]

What gloves are those? They look comfortable

[CaptCrashIdaho]

Joe Rocket Phoenix.  Don't know if they make them anymore though...

[spadastunter]

nice one crash

[dapras]

your u-turn abilities are amazing

[DeaconBlues0217]

Hey Crash! Where's that vid on U-turns? :)

[SqueekyD]

Another great video, Crash.

[billmaa]

Nobody does it better than you Crash..

[IdidURmom2]

nice bike

[Sbafokkio]

Are those The Recon pants?

[CaptCrashIdaho]

Absolutely Correct! LOVE them.

[hgjisnfdlishdjthlre]

I gave it 5 stars :)

[theSMYRNAcowboy]

Great as always buddy.

[misterwipedown]

Crash is one of the best instructors arouond. If you can train folks you could be the Keith Code of common sense motorcycling!

[boysinblack]

What kind of boots do you have?

[CaptCrashIdaho]

AXO Slammers. Love 'em. GREAT boot.

[deduck25]

do you think they're flexible enough for the street? I've a SV, and riding position is a little upright like your DRZ (if position matters any). Thanks!

[CaptCrashIdaho]

Maybe--you might look at something like a SIDI Doha as well...The Slammers (what I wear) might not be flexible enough for a rearset peg.

[Iroquois14]

another great video

[Blasphemy4kidz]

Nice video, crash!