MUST HAVE Clutch Control Drills Required for Every Rider!! Enduro Progression Series EP.2

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

We hope everyone is following along and feeling the Progression! 8 more episodes to go! Help us out by commenting and most importantly SHARING with your friends! A thank you to everyone for the support!

[@TimPaddy]

I bet a lot of people underestimate the value you're providing with this series... For FREE!

[@cmuz0013]

Fantastic tutorials...I'll be watching every one and practicing and practicing and practicing your drills.

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

This series is epic! Just like when people say "slow is fast". Slow skills make talented riders. 💪😃👍

[@MP-wc2wh]

Well unfortunately in winter/ snow, in the midwest but I cannot wait until spring to practice these lessons. Excellent training; great methods for the average rider. Fantastic channel… thank you.

[@crunchtools]

Long time mountain biker here. I just got a 2018 KTM 690 Enduro R and I'm practicing all of these drills. I can ride slolums very slowly. I just static balanced today for 4 minutes. But this drill is the absolute best, hardest, and scariest. I can already tell, it's going to take weeks of practice to truly get smooth. I've only practiced it twice so far for 3 sets of 5 (sorry, my weight training background 😅) but it's helped immensely. Thank you so much for these drills! When I perfect them all, I'm going to be looking for lessons from you!!!

[@sixdays_26]

"Learn How To Ride Slow If You Want To Ride Fast" - Graham Jarvis quote

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

🙌🙌

[@Papparratzi]

I’m an OG, 50 years of bad habits. I’m determined to break em. I’ll admit, I’ve been afraid to use the clutch like this because of the fear of wearing it out. Since you sold me on todays more durable clutch’s, I’ll use this lesson to the fullest. Thanks for another good lesson. Also thanks too Mark for being a good Guinea pig.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Right on man! I love hearing that! We hope progression finds you!!

[@Jrod_FPV]

@papparratzi I know exactly how you feel. I was the same way until this year when I found the more I slip the clutch the more control I have of the bike and the more traction I have on steep climbs. If I have to spend $200 on a new clutch, I'll happily do that if it means I continue progressing at the newly accelerated rate. Right or wrong it's partially a goal of mine to wear out a clutch in the pursuit of mastery.

[@korabeats_]

I'll be using this this weekend on flat ground to teach my wife how to ride. Just bought her her first dirt bike last weekend, and cannot wait to teach her with these methods! Going to be so fun! Appreciate these videos so much!

[@kaelharwood4804]

Hopefully she finds it just as fun as you hope it will be haha!

[@frallinger]

I'm invested! Watched the first episode and now I know what to do with another couple of hours. Fun fact - in order to get your MC license in the EU, one of the milestones in the license test is getting/riding away from an uphill dead stop. That's one of the fails that fails you. Honestly - clutch control was *the #1 issue* my teachers POUNDED in. "Not good enough at counter steering? Slow speed circuit" "Not looking far enough ahead? Slow speed circuit!" "Can't handle exit stops from 70kph - SLOW SPEED CIRCUIT!!"

[@stevenllewellyn8906]

Good job to your boss for putting himself out there for these videos. Not easy to do, especially with the amount of traction these videos get. No pun intended.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

😂 I hope we keep getting the traction needed! Thanks for watching! Marc is the man!

[@craiglimon6964]

One common problem for me as a short rider is if can’t touch the ground, I panicked and pull the front brake. Another excellent lesson, I enjoy the video but more so seeing Mark makes all the mistake. 😂

[@beadking8258]

Hey man .. just bought a '16 Beta 350rr after 20+ years without riding ANYTHING and these videos have been a "godsend" my friend. Looking forward to more !!

[@crfadv]

Nice series! Very doable exercises for lower skilled riders like I am. I like the format of these videos. Not too many things shown at once. Keep up the good work!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Appreciate it! 8 more episodes to go!!

[@crfadv]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto Also cool that you are doing it on not so perfect weather. inspiring for us on northern part of the globe right now since winter is coming :)

[@BG-gr7fh]

Outstanding series, great to watch Mark progress. Followed your advise, the 690 needed a big hole to start the balance drill and now l find l'm practicing at all stop lights as well as off road. Lots of fun too. Went out riding yesterday and found myself searching out a 5 mile difficult riverbed section that l previously have avoided, lots of hardrock steps. Ran that section 3 times practicing, applying content from just the first two vids of the series. I can't tell you how much more fun riding is now, the hardest part is overcoming old ingrained habits (Old dog/New tricks) These techniques also have made riding the heavier taller 690 a completely new game that l am having blast playing. Thanks so F'n much !

[@supertrooperandstreetking]

In the Sportbike world, I always stressed to riders that speed is nothing without being able to control it. The focus of the conversation was about braking versus clutch control. When transitioning to enduro dirt bike riding last year, it was clear that clutch control was a large part of it. I really like how you referred to it as a dimmer switch. The most difficult thing I have with using the dimmer switch is knowing what brightness I need it to be (friction zone) and how quickly can I get it there without raising the front or exceeding available traction. Steadily improving. Great video! Thank you 🤝

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Stocked you're enjoying the videos! I hope they help! 8 episodes to go!

[@kneadedmassage9751]

One again, this series is excellent and inspiring. I don't have a moto at the moment, and was concerned that it works be pointless without basic skills. Your videos give me a place to start! Thank you!

[@scottjohnson9032]

Really appreciate this lesson. Riding motorcycles for about 40yrs. Just bought my first Enduro. I don’t have the necessary skill set. These kind of lessons will save me some pain at 60yrs old….lol….I hope

[@SwormCycles]

Perfect timing on the "Technical Difficulty" flash on the screen! Cracked me right up bro!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

🤣🤣

[@herdbrian6662]

Like brakes the clutch is a consumable. Plates and springs here in Canada are between $60/150 depending on your bike. Riding better is priceless.

[@SnowBikeNation]

Such a good drill, everyone should practice this more and more. Helps so much once you get out there riding. Thanks for doing these Rich! Clutching makes you better!

[@MichaelPotterAztecAutomotive]

Thank you. You are a very good instructor. I have learned more listening to you and watching Mark and I haven't even got out on my bike yet. Can't wait to try these drills.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That’s awesome man! Love to help! Good luck!!

[@mackenzieclancy959]

i roll back and forth a couple of feet with my street bike because im board waiting for the green light. didnt know i was building skill this whole time. i actually do this with cars too

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

I’m brand new and excited to learn this sport the right way from the beginning. It’s weird trying to get used to feathering the clutch when I’ve been taught all my life not to burn it out in a car

[@jamesbisset9891]

The difference is the clutch on a motorbike has lots of plates instead of just one and its submerged in oil so it's quite difficult to get it hot enough to burn it up.

[@AndrewBarry65]

sliding back down with the front brake locked happened a few times to me on tarmac in the Italian mountain roads where there is a junction to give way to traffic. The fork dive on a Ducati Multistrada is quite significant when rebounding from a hard stop, enough to lift the front tyre on the rebound stroke. I was trying to always stop with the rear brake but I'm going to try this with slipping the clutch. It'll require a bit of practise with 1200cc.

[@johnsnyder3204]

Thanks Rich, and Mark, and IRC, for these excellent helpful videos.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

We appreciate the support!! Glad you’re enjoying them!

[@Poongobbler4130]

If only KZbin and your videos were around n the late 90’s and 00’s, luckily after all the years off I have these to watch to help me get better as I re-enter riding dirt bikes again. Please keep them all coming and keeping them so simple to understand. They do help. Can u maybe do a video sometime explaining any differences between motox techniques and enduro techniques like which r the same and which r different and why? That could be useful info for any of us that get tips from both sides. Just a thought and no one has done that yet. Thanks.

[@TheDylantaylor08]

It’s not just clutch wear I have to worry about! I take every hill climb and turn really slow so I don’t wear out my tires. And those piston rings wear out too so I better not run my motor. Oh ya and my grips wear out from grabbing them and my seat from sitting on it. I think I’ll just carry my bike everywhere so it doesn’t wear out, sounds like a great idea!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

😂😂🙌

[@sleeprr]

These drills are fantastic Rich. Thanks to you and Marc for putting them together. Can't wait for the snow and deep freeze to end in my neck of the woods to start doing them.

[@frogylocz]

This guy is one of the best teachers i have watched when it comes to this stuff, he explains him self so well at a pace that is super easy to follow along with, good stuff man i subbed!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Radical! Welcome aboard! I hope you enjoy the series!

[@vhayne91777]

I agree. An instructor who is actually amazing at his job.

[@hayatiakbas]

this is the best series about subject matter

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Rich, we’re going training with you tomorrow! Got a small group of guys, going to our forest, whipping out the phones to review the instruction, and getting after it. 😀🇺🇸👍

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That’s so rad! 🙌 thanks for the support

[@billroberts9182]

I love your teaching style!

[@andreasfriedrich3629]

Im looking forward for every episode to come, 1 & 2 are great exercises, Thank you from Germany !!!

[@shalandubois1145]

YEAH, back again with ur magic @rich larsen. LOVE to see the series go inggg 😁🔥🤟

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks so much for watching!! Pumped you are following along!

[@gearhigher2027]

Rich EXCELLENT VIDs...I did private lessons with Steve Hatch Racing on the East Coast similar drills; for me, the ASV levers made it significantly easier to modulate the clutch vs. the OEM Factory Beta lever.

[@chadrides914]

Cool. What is it about the ASV lever that made modulation easier?

[@martymorse2]

Great use of the whole, part, whole method of teaching. What you are using is basic Kinesiology methods for teaching simple motor skills. The cool part is the complexities of teaching someone to use their sensory system to the max. The tiny sensors under our skin in the hands to the fine hairs of the ears all come into play with what you are teaching. You are refining the somatic system of the peripheral nerve signals being sent to and from the hands to the brain. Thanks for the helpful hints on teaching basic clutch control. Great job!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Right on! Thanks for watching!!

[@DeanBateman]

I feel I am happy with my clutch control, but the last exercise looks great, definitely going to practice swapping brake and clutch. Always learning!! Thanks

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Love it! Hope it helps!

[@NeilDormady]

Great videos! So much information broke down for newbies like us. Just found these and my son and i will be working on this stuff this next summer.

[@Ivankonermann]

Fantastic videos! You’ve broken these skills down into small, easy to understand components that the average viewer can easily practice at home. Thanks so much guys!

[@mafugu3694]

Thank you very much for your video, I learn a lot thanks to your explanations, congratulations on your channel.

[@mrcla55yguy20]

“That’s how we set the mood”😂 dances both* 😂

[@1BrianFantana1]

This series is amazing! With great easy to try exercises at home. Love it and subscribed

[@D.M.Designs]

Great vid, I think growing up riding BMX and Freestyle goes a long way in learning bike technique. I see a lot of younger riders switch to ATVs because they failed to understand bike control and got frustrated on harder terrain. Vids like this go a long way in keeping young riders in sport. None of this was available when I was a kid other than short articles in the dirt-bike mags.

[@leracer]

A point about clutch wear; take into account how much power you disperse thru the clutch doing this compared to MX situation where ones slip the clutch under power coming out of turns and jumping. It's idle speed or just above vs full throttle, maximum hp and torque thru the plates. The only thing you will notice is that when the clutch get hot enough (actually much easier to notice on a cable-actuated unit, and yes BTW, my 500hrs plus YZ450F used for enduro is still on the original clutch) it won't be as easy to modulate. Time then to take a break and let it cool a bit. So; little power/energy = little wear on the clutch. Go out and practice my friends!

[@chestonscout95]

I practice this drill the most. It really has helped on the trail. Keep ‘em coming Rich!

[@aldwinalmario2109]

Very informative. Very useful tips and tricks. Willing to wiat for the next episodes.

[@gophop]

Here's another way to think of clutch wear. It wears from use as much as your tires and piston wear from riding the bike. Do you avoid going over 3k RPM to save the piston? Do you never spin or skid to save the tires? Clutch is a wear-and-tear item. You either use it and ride the bike properly or baby it and ride like a noob.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

A prefect comparison! Agreed completely!

[@marrajo26]

Good lesson to practice too… Always learning with you. Thank you for sharing It

[@allroadacademy645]

I teach these methods for some years now, I am so glad you do To!! Gives me confirmation that what I say is correct! Thank you so mutch for sharing your knowledge!! You rock!!

[@alvarogo7631]

Woowww what a good videos!!! Thanks a lot IRCTireGuy, you help us so much to improve our skills!! Great!!

[@redball4093]

Great topic, great lesson. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@paulbugden7708]

Great Stuff! Mark's subtle input is awesome 👍

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Marc’s the King of subtle 😂 thanks for watching!

[@toddkroll321]

Thanks for this excellent series. I'm presently buying a 300rr for progression in my skils. Then riding. Sounds backwards to most. But I want to get better. I'm a senior rider that believes skil is more important than how fast I can go. I don't race, I want single track, all the time. Again, great series. Keep them coming.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoy them!

[@DobryBart]

This is pure gold!!! Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@simmonds825]

Never would have though to practice that last drill, cant wait to give it a try this weekend :)

[@whileistillcan9338]

That's a brilliant training session. Thank you. 😊

[@Rideflylaugh]

This is awesome!! Thank you for the great info!!!

[@DSLRvideonow]

Mark, you are the man! Thanks!

[@bikenavbm1229]

loving this shame I am an over the hill and the next one too old wobbler would love to have had this available 35 years ago, will still have a go at your exercises. You have a great teaching style thanks very much will be watching for more, sharing and good luck with your channel.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Keep at it!! thanks for the support!

[@louisdoucet1498]

Awesome looking forward to the next, thanks.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for following along!!

[@steveh100]

I agree with all the spot on comments here and really appreciate the time you put into teaching us these methods - also do I see rain there?

[@Junmarvi]

Thank you...currently I'm not able to practice physically on my Bike since I'm working away from home, but Mentally I am practicing.:-).

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I like it!!

[@Deathlobster137]

Dude, the guy on the Yamaha with the blacked out goggles never saying shit and just staring at the camera every video cracks me up

[@jp690adv]

Thanks for the episodes they are super helpful and practical. As a beginner I was struggling in some technical rocky uphills and saw one of your previous videos on clutch control and until then wasn't aware of how important it is. That one learnt skill totally transformed my riding. Can't wait for future episodes they are much appreciated. Do you have a patreon.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks so much for the support! Glad to help! I don’t have a Patreon yet. But maybe one day!

[@gnt3c]

this is just awesome stuff! the best of internet!

[@titaniumjoeszigeti]

Would love to see you demonstrate the clutch drill with the Epure race !

[@SnowBikeNation]

Repping the X2D goggles! Nice bro.

[@vhayne91777]

Man what a great video! I'm not sure if it was a misconception, but when my dad taught me how to drive a manual car 30 years ago, he said never to ride the clutch as it would cause excessive wear and burn it up. But it sounds like that is totally fine on a motorcycle? That's essentially what this video is all about...riding (slipping) the clutch.

[@jamesbisset9891]

The difference is the clutch on a motorbike has lots of plates instead of just one and its submerged in oil so it's quite difficult to get it hot enough to burn it up

[@hernilsoriano4873]

That’s nice if you have a hydraulic clutch system..but on a hard cable vein,hand ,finger popping clutch..good luck…nice video thanks happy holidays

[@jeanlavallee2887]

Rich is awesome. Adding a more average rider (no offense!!) to the video help me a lot.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That’s awesome to hear! I’m glad it’s helping!!

[@kawasakichopshop2759]

Great vid....love my clutch and MME!

[@FatalError501]

Excellent tutorial thank you.

[@michaelcooper2514]

This is great! Thank you.

[@davidleasterlingjr2038]

This is the very first thing any rider should study and implement to become more than a throttle chopper rider. I felt like I was going slower in the beginning but realized that I was faster and more efficient from traction control. I hear too many people sweating the idea of tearing up the clutch from clutch modulation. Its actually the opposite. This is what a clutch is for mostly and more importantly to temper the delivery like was stated.. Clutch is your map switch A bike will ride and perform completely different and feel much better because of this.. less throttle and more clutch play makes a better day. Don't matter how much power u have if it can't be delivered without smoking the traction.

[@davidleasterlingjr2038]

Traction control from clutch I meant

[@davidleasterlingjr2038]

I hardly ever touch the back brake and just a little front when nedded

[@arnokonrad6063]

Worldclass Coaching!!!!!!

[@curtiswilkinson9379]

Rich your a machine. Also appear to be an unreal teacher. 🤙

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks you man!

[@pzchannel6444]

Awesome !!! Thank you

[@chrisvozza6530]

Badass he picked it up fast. Iv gotta try this one next time I hit the hills

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Love it! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisvozza6530]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto always watching and thank you

[@charlesswiger2260]

Awesome thank you for all the tips to make all of us a better version of our selves as dirt bike riders!!!!!! I'm a 4 stroke guy that hasn't ridden a 2 stroke in 28 years with that said how do you recommend I warm up my new 2023 husqvarna tx 300 tbi bike ?

[@jasp51]

Hello Thanks for making this..

[@juliomaciel4766]

Made a long term review about the old beta, pros and cons. Please

[@TimMoffett]

VERY GOOD MAN!

[@Lost1Byte]

Can't wait to practice this one.

[@54zk]

I think if Marc could touch the floor better on this drill it would really help, Im 5' 4" with a 27 inseam, I would need to do this in a rut

[@thailandmopedadventures611]

Thanks Rich for sharing this Drill again. I learned today to give a bit more throttle, since I stalled the bike in the past. Can’t wait to practice it tomorrow again and with the rear break as the second module❤ One Question: is there a difference to a 4stroke bike ( I have a KLX 140)?

[@miro_s]

Thank you for this, it is very good. Middle finger is my clutch finger too, most people use the index, or two fingers, I don’t have much control/dexterity at all if I do. Do you think this may end up being a limitation? The other day I’ve been doing hours of very technical stuff and at some point the clutch had become so stiff I couldn’t operate it anymore. At the time suspected that a fault with the bike, but in retrospect it probably was “finger fatigue”. So, try to strengthen the middle finger or retrain from zero to use the index? Cheers.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Just have to get stronger. Middle finger is technically stronger than your pointer. Pointer has more dexterity. At least that’s what I’ve read. Jaime Bustoo uses his middle, he’s one of the best in the world in trials. Jeffery Herlings uses his middle in Moto, he’s one of the best to ever do it. Plenty of examples of success either way. Keep working. That’s what makes the difference.

[@alexaeb5908]

Awesome!

[@SCakey]

Dude your training videos are so damn good, I click these like, "20mins on clutch control pfft I aint watching that whole thing!" *20mins later* "Hmm good video, I want to try some of those drills...."

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

That’s awesome man! Love hearing that! I hope it helps!!

[@JuanPabloGallego1969]

will using my brake lever wear down my brakes? great video series!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Haha! Thanks for watching!

[@puagh]

Thanks a lot Rich

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thank you for watching!!

[@Biake22]

if possible, i think the mics could be louder. the commercials are much louder than the voice. love the videos though!

[@LawJik]

Thanks guys!

[@garywilliamscornwall]

That front brake pull is a terrible habit I have. This should come in handy

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Stoked!!

[@ErikLozanov]

Awesome series Rich!, I'm so hyped about every incoming episode. I just wanted to ask what's the purpose of that thing on your right wrist? Just curious.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Hyped that you are hyped! I broke my wrist in 2016 and it never healed so I wear this Mobius brace 👍

[@kennyjohnson567]

Could you please give your opinion on recluse clutches. Do recluse help beginners?

[@wee535]

Rekluse would be a major crutch as a beginner. You might never learn how to properly use the clutch with one installed. Highly recommend it though if you have carpal tunnel or any debilitating condition that makes using the clutch a pain in the ass.

[@kennyjohnson567]

@C. thank you for your input@

[@davemartin8997]

Lovin this. Thanks.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching!!

[@matiasmaldonado510]

Another awesome video man, I think you have talked about this topic on another video, I have practice this a bit because of you but this video is a bit different because you added the stop in the middle of the hill and switch from rear brake to clutch, is Marks bike a yahama yz250fx? I have that bike, thanks again for another great video, I'll keep watching.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching! I’ve done these a few times. Marcs on a yz250fx 👍

[@drewcifer24]

That rear break clutch drill is gnarky

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

🤘

[@mwzimmer]

Rich have you ever tried Midwest Mountain Engineering two finger clutch lever? I ask cause I'm curious if it limits the clutch control slightly cause the throw changes etc? It does significantly reduce clutch pull but the newer Betas are already easy in stock on setting #2..Thanks for the videos man...your part of the reason I have the same 300RE👊

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Hey brotha. I found it to limit the clutch control too much because of the throw. I prefer stock personally

[@milanmilic9809]

bravo Mark

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

🙌🙌

[@stevenpelayo9418]

I bought a 500EXC with a Rekluse and left hand brake installed. I like it for the anti-stall and better hand modulation of rear brake. HOWEVER, do these lessons in clutch control still apply? I sometimes slip the clutch on slippery hill climbs or to pop the front wheel over an obstacle but beyond that, I don’t use the clutch as much anymore. Do I have to get rid of the Rekluse to work more on my technical enduro/woods riding?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

In my opinion if your intention is progression and to improve your riding ability, I'd get rid of the autoclutch. Basically there is a reason the best riders in the world don't run them, they cause more problems than solutions.

[@stevenllewellyn8906]

I had a rekluse on my old yz250x. It was cool about 10% of the time ( muddy or when I was super fatigued ) the other 90% I hated it. My 22’ te300i has a Manual clutch which allows for better manipulation and proper building of skills. The auto rekluse will ALWAYS have a slight delay in it and will never act like a normal clutch when trying to use it as one. Keep that bike and get another with a manual clutch! 😂

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Yep!

[@Coastal-rsidedown]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto I have had 2 bikes with the auto clutch, you can still use them like a normal clutch or not at all. As the RPM increases the wedges push out and force the clutch to engage. Not as direct as a normal clutch. That said, my current Beta 300rr does not have a Rekluse and I think I am progressing my throttle and clutch control because of it. I did add on a Clake One lighter clutch pull as I found the clutch pull on my 21 Beta was much harder than on my 17 Beta. With the Rekluse autoclutch you also loose the ability to stall the bike on uphills and have the bike hold, it will slide backwards similar to being in neutral. Another excellent practice drill, need to work on this one as well, once the snow melts.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

@@Coastal-rsidedown well said!

[@abdulrockman3992]

Mark 4 stroke is easier to stall, I wonder why he did not get a 2 stroke YZ when it is more powerful, lighter and has a lower seat height.

[@rotorhead5000]

The most important drills for fundamentals are always the ones that seem the simplest and most boring, but are essential. Also, even if you wear out your clutch plates, they are like 60-100$, and take all of twenty minutes to change, so who cares if you wear out a set.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

This!!! Agreed on all! Thanks for watching!

[@MRALEX9870]

Soo it's important when going over a hill like this one to Not let off the throttle and slip the clutch to avoid stalling out?