Mastering the FRICTION ZONE - Slow speed motorcycle clutch control

Clutch control is a key to slow speed motorcycle riding. To really master clutch control you have to understand Friction Zone. Here is quick explanation of friction zone with 3 exercises, which'll boost your slow speed riding skills.
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On Moto Control channel you will find videos about motorcycles, motorcycle riding techniques, tips & tricks and online motorcycle training for beginner and advanced riders!
A little info about me. My name is Andrei Bodrov, originally I'm from Moscow, Russia, and now I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Back in Moscow I was a motorcycle instructor and creator of Moto Control Beginner & Advanced motorcycle rider courses, which quickly became the most popular courses in Moscow (well, at least the advanced one😁). My advanced training course makes emphasis on slow speed riding techniques at first (such as good clutch and throttle control, proper riding posture, proper use of vision, etc.), then proceeds to more advanced techniques (such as aggressive braking, trail braking, maximal lean angle). The course incorporates a lot of exercises from DOSAF slow speed riding (similar to police rodeo like motorcycle training in USA), braking and cornering exercises and motogymkhana style riding. And now, since I actively learn English - I decided to post some useful videos for both your and mine practice!😉
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Since everyone writes this, it's necessary, I suppose 🤷, so here we go. Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk, you are responsible for your own safety. Me, Andrey Bodrov and my channel, Moto Control disclaim any liability incurred in connection with the use of riding techniques from this channel. Use common sense, wear full protective gear and ride in a safe and predictable manner!

[@gihnraishin4019]

Man ! This is such an under-rated channel ! Thank you sooo much for your efforts with these videos. The way you instruct gives me so much confidence and puts everything in logic ! Thank you once again !

[@MotoControlEn]

Thanks! I try to use logic from time to time!)

[@abdotaher17]

I agree 🎉

[@mymatemartin]

Andrey, seriously man, your lessons are excellent. You waste no time. Every word is purposeful and your instructions are precise. I'm a professional trainer / instructor in IT and I really appreciate your method and teaching technique. Like so many others, I am a new rider and these exercises and attitudes are really beneficial. Thank you.

[@henrybennett2390]

U explain things in such a way that I’m never lost

[@theodavies8754]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills. Every day is a school day.

[@richiegreen]

Really great simple exercises! Thanks from US!

[@CatalinZMOLE]

Just learning for my driving license and this channel has so many helpful tips! Thank you! 🙏

[@alant779]

Thanks! I didn't realize how bad my poor clutchwork was holding me back

[@user-wl6qc7gn5k]

Best channel on the internet to learn basic and advanced motorcycle skills. Keep up the good work!

[@Busywave]

Glad to find your channel. I just purchased a new bike so I’ve been doing a lot of parking lot drills. Getting more confidence but I still hesitate in real traffic making a right turn from a stop. Going in longer stretches of road is easier. Thanks for all your videos!

[@fallinginthed33p]

Thanks for this. Good clutch control is important when lane filtering, wherever that's allowed.

[@kavishah3290]

.. very clear 👍👍 simply the best riding techniques, easy to understand and apply. Thanks man 😎

[@sarahlafferty2418]

Thanks for the vids! I am a new rider. I stumbled upon these vids and realized I knew nothing; which is a good thing. Now I know what to practice. I appreciate the exactness and how quickly he gets to the point.

[@nitramd9856]

Very clear and concise can't wait to practice these moves and your english is very good btw. No problem understanding you at all! Thanks from NZ.

[@billmeloche4918]

Really like your Technique's...Good Articulation!

[@arvindane]

Thank you so much Sir! I am really learning from your channel. Ride safe always Sir!

[@patrickmaurice842]

Really Great content. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@mreya23]

Amazing! Great video and I will do all the exercises

[@meladezzat]

Really great simple explanation and exercises. Good job Sir. 👍👍👍

[@danielcraig9642]

Hy Sir, I'm 52 years old, and I' m looking to ride again, after many years of stop . I discovered your channel very soon, and .... Your advice are Awesone ! it's exactly what I need to be confident in riding ! And your way of teaching is very pleasant Congrats !! I'm very keen on your vid, and my only regret ?! : That you 're located in Argentina, and not in France ;-))

[@fangrider007]

Dude your videos are really helpful... I'm much Confident rider after following your channel...

[@KasmuelMcOure]

Thank you so much for this!

[@swarupdeysarkar4753]

Waiting to see more excellent stuffs from you...Good Job Sir...

[@samuelchen3922]

So helpful! Infinite thanks to you, Sir!

[@ChristianxDucatis]

Thanks for all the great info!

[@jStanf0rd]

Thankyou very much sir! Instant subbed!

[@westcoastliving8570]

Thanks for the great video, very well done and good explanations as well. cheers from Canada

[@bektasdogru8606]

It is great you are teaching us important things with so many tips

[@simonsanchez9608]

I just subscribed. I hope all your info sticks. It sounds like you know what you're saying. I look forward to watching your other videos. Thank you for your hard work.

[@yanickbelzile]

Love your videos. Thanks from USA

[@chonkyb3134]

Thanks for the training!

[@spamkapak9101]

You are the best instructor

[@cduartebr]

I´m currently getting my motorcycle license, going well so far but one of the things I struggle a bit is the clutch + throttle control while maneuvering. Great timing in finding these instructions now, I´ll give it a go in the next classes. Thank you very much, Andrey!

[@evahathaway4608]

Look for MCRider here on KZbin. Kevin has great instruction for new riders. Enjoy the journey! new rider series: kzbin.info/aero/PLSB2io8al_2TqTFsGjhmkIgpgfZuOPkFD

[@charaneshs310]

Awesome explanation. You gained a subscriber today.

[@SAN-Adv]

Coincidence brought me to your wonderful channel, thank you and continue to include very useful clips for motorcyclists 👍🥇🏍

[@zhili9366]

Thanks mate this is really helpful!

[@Reaper-lo1xv]

It's a goddamn shame I found this amazing channel so late. Great video with such precise instruction! I love it! Thank you so much!!!

[@arnab6408]

Love the demonstrations.

[@Me4ok]

Благодаря ;) ... Thank you a lot ... It helps a lot to be explained in so "ordered" manner with gradually increasing the density and complexity ...

[@CoolnSerious]

Great lesson thank you so much!

[@josegautama]

Thank you very much for your lessons and nice jokes! I thought I knew how to ride a bike but I'v learnt a lot from you, rising my skills to the next level. I've seen many other videos, many other channels on bike lessons, but you are above the top! I live in Fortaleza, Brazil. If someday you show up around here (I know you like to travel abroad, seen some videos in Argentina, so don't miss Ceará State beaches!) it would be a pleasure to shake hands. Thanks a lot!

[@umangvarma1165]

Awesome videos, please keep them coming :)

[@louvega8414]

God advice well explained. Thanks, man!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Andrey. Thought I might find something useful, see Andrey, even more so. Hi from Australia.

[@navidkh1883]

Awesome video 🙌. Thanks indeed

[@michelq29]

So much interesting 😃 thanks!

[@JHJHJHJHJH]

Excellent, thank you.

[@adamsimmons59]

Thank you.

[@DarrenGameplays]

Thanks for this! 🔥👌

[@deanbush]

THANK YOU, Sir! This is an excellent exercise that I really need to practice more. I still find it extremely difficult to make 90 degree turns from a stop.

[@exilednomad1444]

The John Danaher of motorcycling.

[@user-zd9st9wj2y]

대단히 감사합니다.ㅎ 나이 50이 넘어 처음 바이크를 탄다는 것이 두렵기도 하지만, 막상 한달 동안 6시간 정도 타고 나니, 두려움보다는 흥미와 재미가 듭니다. 그리고 첫 바이크로 (1000cc naked)를 타고보니, 안전주행을 위한 충분한 전자장비 덕분에 편안하게 타게 되더군요. 물론 타는 방법에 대한 충분한 이론 공부가 바탕이 되었습니다. 그리고 계속적으로 공부하고 있습니다.ㅎ

[@ciaronm.7694]

Excellent!

[@MK-ub1gi]

Awesome sir

[@mannyentretinga6171]

Good teacher!!

[@bobbymalta73]

Thank You.

[@davemartin8997]

Great thanks UK..

[@regiltube7932]

In starting a clutched bike, you need to pull the clutch as you turn to 1st gear, accelerate slowly and release the clutch slowly and you will feel that your starting to accelerate, and when you did realise the clutch easy, when changing gears pull the clutch and release slowly to avoid jerk motion. Starting the bike in neutral is hard but the rest is easy.

[@michaeldog3459]

Excellent 👍

[@50shadesofcerakote]

Hope this dude is ok with everything going on out that way.

[@neehalprajapati7753]

Thanks love ❤ from India

[@ricardoistudla8641]

Great video friend!!

[@aliboenky]

totally cool yes . i just bought a bmx fg 800 gs and i have to lezarj from the beginning; bb

[@kaykav]

A+ Good Video...

[@maritestaylor8458]

Awesome 😎😎😎😎😎😎 9

[@user-vt6td9hp3g]

Can you please make a video on adjusting the clutch to be able to do this? My bike doesn't really move forward until clutch is almost all the way released?

[@foraride4369]

Hello Andrey. I really liked your videos and started practicing these tips. One of the biggest challenge for me is to turn ing right side and always fearful of falling and put my feet down.

[@MotoControlEn]

Hi! That's pretty common fears, so don't worry about it much) Just take it slow (literally - practice "slow race" exercise a lot - it'll free you from putting your foot down and really will develop your clutch control) and practice a lot and you will be fine!)

[@foraride4369]

@@MotoControlEn Thanks Andrey with your advice started doing slow speed practice. I have started feeling the difference but need to continue this as my hands still becomes tight to grip the handle and I keep myself reminding to loose on the hard grips 😀

[@ivannasasira2563]

This is me right now, I find it so hard to turn on my right. I am so scared.

[@alexanderantonov8525]

Молоток что не гонишься только за русской публикой. Да и контент отменный 👍

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Magic. 1:47 those buildings in the background are gorgeous, what are they?

[@sidrolf]

Do you have any tips for very short riders? 5'3-5'4?

[@keithahlstrom176]

Subbed, ding-donged, and I hope you get many, many subscribers.

[@MotoControlEn]

Thank you! 😊

[@raulio81]

01:00 it's like moving car from first gear. I guess bike drivers could learn to drive manual cars easier than other people.

[@pedrodelgadillo5332]

Hello Andrey very nice to be a subscriber of your channel, when are you coming to Canada (Vancouver ) regards Amigo, Pd. Are you in Argentina right now ?

[@MotoControlEn]

Sí, estoy en Argentina!😁 I'll try to get to Canada someday!

[@mohammadrezakarimkhani3655]

wow

[@Ddhallo]

Great video! How many fingers you use to pull the clutch?

[@MotoControlEn]

It's different on different bikes. For different people it's also different) In general (like VERY in general:)) you may want to use 3-4 fingers on pavement and 1-2 fingers off-road. Try to find what fits you best!

[@94D33M]

1:23 Two times the idle revs....what does 'idle rev' mean? 3:42 In this time do we keep throttle released?

[@henkhenk4357]

Hello, I am heaving a lot of trouble to keep a steady throttle around 1800 rpm to work in the friction zone. My wrist position is correct on the throttle. When clutch engages rpm drops some but when I disengage the clutch rpm stays down. Any tips on this ? Perhaps I am not relaxed enough with my arms. Thx !

[@vallenlen4301]

How about offod and slow speed?

[@SliderVP2]

Привет. У тебя отличные лекции, подписан на оба канала. Возник вопрос: педагоги в мотошколе учат меня вместо непрерывной подачи газа (как ты показываешь), давать его порционно, но постоянно. Честно говоря это меня очень отвлекает от самого маневрирования и мне кажется, что в связи с этим не хватает внимания контролировать и сцепление и задний тормоз. Я правильно понимаю, что это просто разновидности одного и того же приема? Я так понял, что они мотивируют свой метод работы с газом тем, что при постоянных оборотах сгорит, видимо, сцепление. Можно попросить тебя разъяснить данные тезисы.

[@MotoControlEn]

Привет!) Да, это по сути одно и то же, но выдача газа импульсами требует, чтобы водитель заранее знал, когда ему будет нужна тяга на заднем колесе (двигатель ведь раскручивается не мгновенно, а значит газ нужно дать на мгновение раньше, чем приотпустить сцепление). Поначалу учеников это отвлекает, поэтому я и рекомендую просто держать газ все время одинаковым образом. Сгораемость сцепления зависит в основном от того, сколько при маневрировании используется тормоза. Если тормозить приходится сильно и отпускать сцепление тоже приходится сильно - диски перегреваются и со временем изнашиваются. Если тормоз используется совсем немного, когда сцепление прижато - повышенного износа не будет.

[@MotoControlEn]

Привет!) Да, это по сути одно и то же, но выдача газа импульсами требует, чтобы водитель заранее знал, когда ему будет нужна тяга на заднем колесе (двигатель ведь раскручивается не мгновенно, а значит газ нужно дать на мгновение раньше, чем приотпустить сцепление). Поначалу учеников это отвлекает, поэтому я и рекомендую просто держать газ все время одинаковым образом. Сгораемость сцепления зависит в основном от того, сколько при маневрировании используется тормоза. Если тормозить приходится сильно и отпускать сцепление тоже приходится сильно - диски перегреваются и со временем изнашиваются. Если тормоз используется совсем немного, когда сцепление прижато - повышенного износа не будет.

[@lisky4u]

I always feel like I'm going to burn out the clutch with how I ride in slow traffic. I think its because I am using it in variable positions to control my speed between 5 to 10 mph. I run into slow traffic consistently to and from work on a two lane highway. FYI, this same highway reach speeds between 65 to 95 mph. People drive extremely fast here in Pennsylvania. Am I doing anything wrong? Or any advice? Great video. I found this very helpful, informative and enjoyable to watch. Thanks.

[@MotoControlEn]

Hi! Yes, of course you are going to wear out your clutch someday, but don't expect it to happen very soon, usually it's a pretty long process. And yes, I actually have a little video about how to not burn a clutch 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJe4cmuhq5alfdU

[@markkromer1238]

So braking with clutch all the way released is bad for the clutch?

[@christianunterwelz3613]

Hello Andrey, I know many motorcycle instructors, but I particularly appreciate your videos because your explanations are easy to understand. I am disabled and can no longer shift gears with my foot, I am 60 years old and drive a 500 cubic centimeter automatic scooter which weighs 230 kilos. Due to the smaller wheels, the handling is different to that of a motorcycle, especially on bad roads. And I have no way of influencing the clutch. So my friction control is the rear brake. Can you maybe make a scooter video where you can go into the special features and also demonstrate what is possible with a scooter? Greetings from Vienna. Привет Андрей, Я знаю многих инструкторов по мотоциклам, но особенно ценю ваши видео, потому что ваши объяснения легко понять. Я инвалид и больше не могу переключать передачи ногой, мне 60 лет, я вожу автоматический скутер объемом 500 кубических сантиметров и весом 230 килограммов. Из-за меньших колес управляемость отличается от мотоцикла, особенно на плохих дорогах. И никак не могу повлиять на сцепление. Так что мой контроль трения - это задний тормоз. Может быть, вы можете снять видео о скутере, где вы сможете рассказать об особенностях, а также продемонстрировать, что возможно с самокатом? Привет из Вены.

[@gonzalopizarro7172]

Hi, Andrey. Gonzalo from Peru. This is the first time I write a comment on a KZbin video. Totally worth it. I have started today in the morning, and everything just make perfect sense. But I have noticed two things: (i) My left wrist gets exhausted and kind of achy after 30 minutes of exercise; and (ii) I'm having some troubles getting my throttle steady, because when I pull the clutch it sound super loud and I tend to release the throttle a little but then I realize the bike would stall when I release the clutch again. Any thoughts or tips on these? Thank you very much. Keep it up!

[@MotoControlEn]

Hola Gonzalo! I can't tell anything for certain, because I need to see you practicing. But I have a couple of possible ideas. About left wrist - make sure you adjusted the clutch lever in such a way that your wrist is flat and not bent. About throttle - it's normal for the engine to have a little more revs when you pull in the clutch and less revs when you release it. BUT! Make sure you don't use too much rear brake. This makes you to give a lot of throttle and release the clutch a lot at the same time. This way you'll fry the clutch quickly.

[@gonzalopizarro7172]

@@MotoControlEn Thank you! Indeed, maybe the clutch lever should be a little bit lower to avoid bending. As of now, I'm not using rear brake, just clutch and throttle as you recommended. I just have to keep practicing until I can maintain my throttle steady. ¡GRACIAS!

[@shaw99livecouk]

Was that the kremlin in the background of the car park.

[@abdurrahman24434]

Moving a bike only with clutch and with zero throttle.....this might effect clutch PLATES ryt? Correct me if I'm wrong

[@abdurrahman24434]

But, doesn't the clutch plates burn by doing this......? Please provide information

[@regiltube7932]

He look like bucky, and the bike make it even better 😂

[@StreetfighterBrah]

For beginners, a nice tip would be to use a finger or two to use the clutch or handbrake. This will make a heap of difference in riding in the city and traffic. If you use every finger except the thumb, you would lose control of your bike. I've been doing this for years now and always use my index finger or the middle and can have simultaneous controls over clutch, handling, and indicators.

[@maxb1401]

что происходит с передним колесом во время поворотов с высокой скорости?

[@MotoControlEn]

В плане зависимости от скорости? При замедлении - поворачивается сильнее в поворот, при ускорении - распрямляется. Чем выше скорость - тем сложнее это заметить, но, тем не менее, эффект присутствует)

[@danboyd6180]

Killer Channel, now say Nuclear Vessels

[@abdurrahman24434]

Iv heard a lot of people saying,you will burn your clutch plates by doing this

[@danboyd6180]

You also wear down break pads breaking. So I don’t do that either

[@jds711]

I first started learning I thought I was gonna burn through the clutch pads. but it seems that by design you're supposed to really use the friction.

[@MotoControlEn]

Yes, it's usually designed this way! I have a video about clutch burn causes, by the way: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJe4cmuhq5alfdU

[@themarmite95]

Any reason why this video is unavailable now?

[@MujoNovak]

what? I am watching it now.

[@mymatemartin]

Why does it feel like left turns are easier than right turns ?

[@MotoControlEn]

My theory is it's due to the practice. We are usually making left-hand uturns, so we are better at them (in UK, Japan or India it would be righ-turners). Or it's simply because of some brain properties, like why most people are right handed. But if you practice weaker side more they will even out eventually)

[@mymatemartin]

@@MotoControlEn Thanks Andrey. Love your channel and really appreciate your lessons and teaching style. In Australia we drive on the left side of the road, we give way to the right and we go right around roundabouts. I'm right handed too. But, you are correct. All practice is about training and retraining the brain. Thanks for your reply.

[@itz_sword3964]

Usually how long it takes to be good in clutch control.average

[@MujoNovak]

depends on how good your CPU is...

[@jamesemond7290]

Andrey excellent video! I wish my MSF Course had talked about the friction zone. They must have called it something else, but in any case, I was using the friction zone before I ever heard the term. The one thing you said I have to disagree with. “Full lock” turns are not for beginners. I won’t do them and I’ve been riding for 17 years. That’s an advanced skill, and really, when do we need a full lock turn? Motorcycle police officers need them, but new riders need to master the basic 25 ft turn, then the 20, then the 15…, before they try a full lock turn. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the great video.

[@Officialbailaz]

i love u

[@rehansiddiqui6394]

Clutch or gay

[@markkromer1238]

So braking with clutch all the way released is bad for the clutch?