Slow-speed riding
At low speed, steady throttle, the clutch's friction zone, rear brake, steering, and where you look all work together.
What works together
- the clutch's friction zone
- a small, steady throttle opening
- light rear-brake pressure
- steering inputs
Vision
Look toward the exit of the maneuver. If you keep looking directly below the front wheel, maintaining the line and balance becomes harder.
Rear brake
A light application of the rear brake helps you maintain a steadier low speed without rolling the throttle off and on every half meter. In a tight, low-speed turn, it can also slightly reduce the radius and help you hold the line more precisely.
Keeping the drivetrain loaded
At low speed, hold a small, steady throttle, meter power through the friction zone, and regulate speed with the rear brake. This keeps power delivery even and the motorcycle more stable.
The friction zone
The partial-engagement range between a fully pulled-in and fully released clutch lever is called the friction zone. In this range, the clutch slips, and a small lever movement lets you precisely change the drive delivered to the rear wheel.
Small lever movements
At very low speed, work the lever with small movements in the friction zone. Fully pulling it in after each speed change interrupts power delivery and makes the movement less smooth.
Steady throttle plus clutch
A small, constant throttle makes power delivery predictable, while the clutch lets you fine-tune it without constant jerks of the throttle.
Transition to normal riding
When traffic speeds up and the motorcycle can travel smoothly with the clutch fully engaged, release the lever fully and smoothly. At the next slowdown, return to the friction zone if needed for smooth travel.
Figure eight
Practice both sides equally, keeping a steady throttle and metering the clutch precisely.
Tight U-turn
Turn your head toward the exit early, while the motorcycle is still entering the U-turn. In a tight U-turn, the handlebar has to turn through a large angle.
Very slow in a straight line
Practice very slow straight-line travel, stopping, and restarting separately. This immediately shows how smoothly you meter the clutch and rear brake and how many unnecessary steering inputs you make.
Where this helps
- U-turns in confined spaces
- slow-moving traffic
- starting off and short movements
- maneuvers with a passenger
Do not use the clutch like an on/off switch
If you fully release and pull in the clutch instead of metering it, the motorcycle starts jerking.
Jerky throttle
If power delivery is uneven, do not try to fix it with repeated surges in engine speed. First meter the clutch more precisely.
Looking down
Look where you are directing the motorcycle. If you hold your gaze on your hand, the levers, the instruments, a cone, or the pavement directly ahead of the wheel, you notice the exit of the maneuver later and correct the line more often.
Do not burn up the clutch
The clutch slips in the friction zone. The higher the engine speed and the longer you hold the clutch in the friction zone, the more it heats up. A small, steady throttle is usually enough for slow riding.
A tight grip on the handlebar
At low speed, small handlebar movements are a normal part of control. If you stiffen your arms and try to hold the handlebar still, the motorcycle is harder to direct and keep balanced.