THREE Clutch Control Drills EVERY Rider Should Have Mastered!!

Today the IRC Tire Guy breaks down the first three clutch control drills in a new progression series!

[@Jager5509]

“You need to be able to start your bike on an incline with an engaged rear brake.” *nervously looks at kick start* 😳

[@kloppskalli]

lock bike in first gear instead 😜🤣

[@chrisoffersen]

You can do it! 😄

[@brandonminear9400]

WITHOUT stalling the engine!

[@ktmboy1989]

Recluse rear brake has entered the chat.

[@rya3190]

Well, that's what the left leg is for, lol.

[@blammela]

Thanks for the clutch cam dude! Always such great material ❤️

[@1heimo]

Amazing videos! I’m two in and have so much homework I can feel my GPA slipping harder than that double blip!

[@FlorianWerner]

Wow! Seriously the best how-to beginner enduro video I've seen re: drills. Thanks so much for all the thinking that went into your videos on how to best teach enduro skills. Beyond your great riding skills I admire how well you can communicate what we need to focus on to improve our enduro riding. Cheers Rich!

[@dsm02c]

The line of “if you can’t do this, do it more till you don’t make a mistake” is a super useful benchmark. Great to provide a measurable goals.

[@TalieWhispersASMR]

Man this was the best lesson on clutch control and front wheel lift I have ever seen. I am going to watch this over and over again.

[@finrampe]

I like to work on these during spring when we still have piles of snow left from winter but thinner layers already melted. Going up and reversing in snow if you give just a hint too much of anything knobby tire will immediately spin and it's a fail. Thanks for awesome content. Lookin forward to those advanced drills.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@Av-tz1vk]

best teacher out here!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I appreciate the support!

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Exactly what I was going to say. I agree 100%. I enjoyed how clear he made the drills with the leg kicks. 💪😃 Gotta give my videos that much expression.

[@RogerBadgerDSFlyer]

+1 So grateful for guys like Rich who share their top level expertise and help us mere mortals get half an idea, no matter where in the world we live.

[@rockymtnpursuit]

100%

[@davidb9323]

Because of the POV

[@garretthorner]

I do these every day I ride. Great video, Rich🤙

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Right on! That's what I like to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@garretthorner]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto I’ve been playing with the idea of trying to ride 100 hours in 30 days. How hard do you think that would be for an average rider?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I guess it depends on what you are riding. But I'd say really really hard.

[@SalSpaceKhan]

Clutch cam is just an amazing addition to your already great videos man!

[@hugobaert7737]

Switching to 2 stroke from 4 stroke, never had a 2 stroke. Seems like I have to re-learn this 🤪.. thanks man! Gonna get to it! Came from sherco sef r300 and switching to Exc Tpi 250

[@jamestrenholm6470]

This video is awesome very informative more so than anything before it in my opinion. Thank you.

[@BrokenBiker450R]

My guys teacher voice and presentation is on point

[@Mike.Mendes]

You rock! Thank you, just bought a Dirtbike and I'm a noob 😅 Will be practicing

[@atrenthillman]

Thanks man.

[@livingfreelyinspired7400]

Great video thanks!!

[@mafugu3694]

Muchas gracias por tus lecciones, bravo👏👏👏

[@davekelly7184]

Fantastic tutorial! 11/10. But could you cut the commentary so as to allow me hear the throttle control (engine note) and the clutch cam visual please?

[@koenwilliams2597]

Are these drills burning your clutch, or is it meant for this type of riding?

[@chillozz1]

one question that i have... By using youre clutch so much... you wear out your clutch very quickly right? how often / quickly do you replace your clutch plates, for example

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

All depends on the bike. But I usually put 200+ hours on modern bikes

[@jonnyhumphreys9133]

Is there an advantage to using your middle finger for the clutch over the index finger I see some others use? I LOVE these drills, but my hands get so sore.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

No advantage I just learned it that way. 👍

[@shorew3]

@Rich… so I understand the importance of this clutch skillset but I always feel really bad when I do this bc im on a 125. I have to really slip my clutch and always fear holding it back like that. Would you still recommend this skills at the expense of burning clutches out fast on a smaller sized bike? I have tried and its very difficult lol

[@shorew3]

I basically built a 01 cr125 as a training tool but starting to think that the low end displacement disadvantage is making it near impossible for practising enduro and clutch control since to just ride it normally is all clutch control lol

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I would recommend it still. One main goal of these drills is to find the least amount of throttle possible to move back and forth or hold the bike in one position. With the focus on low throttle comes the ability to put less strain on your clutch plates. The better you get at these drills in the long run the less plates you'll need to buy. It is hard on the clutch but no harder than hard enduro.

[@ja_tomaszwu]

First 😄

[@ShadowsFirst]

Cheater

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@neildxb]

Clutch cam is a great touch, especially to show the quick clutch movement on the front wheel lift.

[@notashoobie1]

i am 60 yo and have ridden dirt bikes off and on most of my life {INCORRECTLY} i really want to get started with learning controlled clutch and throttle skills to get to a successful double blip i understand the theory, weight transfer, storing momentum in the flywheel popping the clutch while killing the throttle then quickly getting back to the clutch engagement point. my hands just cant seem to do it. i watch videos get it sorted in my brain and my body and hands just laugh at my brain. i cant even do a single blip over a stick

[@alberto-cg7ox]

Hello, someone could explain please when give gas in the last drill ( 8:23 ) ? I can wheelie without problem with small gas and clutch but don't sound like this..

[@drdonfunke]

Could you please do a video on changing a 10 clutch master cylinder to a 9 master cylinder. I'm 60 yo and a heavy clutch is a real detriment to my riding. I've used a MME clutch lever and it helps, but more improvements can be had. Thanks.

[@johnflowers2473]

Love the split screen that shows the clutch work and corresponding bike reaction. Thank you I’ve been riding with third grade mechanics for 30 years

[@chestonbeck9569]

Love it Rich! Wonder how many years til I can consider these 3 drills “mastered”. 🤣

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Haha!! You aren't far off! I've seen it! I bet you hammer hard for a day or two you'll be dialed!! Thanks for the support man!

[@jimbrown9885]

these progressions are phenomenal. i'm doing the 30min/day static balance challenge now!

[@law_merica]

We gonna need a throttle cam too. 😂

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Haha.. I’ll be covered with cameras by the end of it.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I'm sure your tires are high quality, but by golly, I want to buy them just to show my support for how much you give back. I'll be choosing an IRC next! Thank you for all these great videos.

[@RogerBadgerDSFlyer]

Thanks for yet another great lesson. The front wheel lift explanation at the end really opened my eyes. I wish I saw this first! It’s now time to learn the correct way and unlearn previous bad technique - old dog, new tricks, uh oh. That’s not easy! I saw a video about how to learn to pop the front up but it was using roll-on throttle. That’s how I started. I managed to get reasonably good at it. But I since discovered it’s no good for tight spaces or very slow launches. At least a lot of other stuff was useful, like evenly compressing the suspension for grip and lift, but I soon realised, probably via you, that clutch is the proper way to do it. It took me a lot of brain strain, discipline and effort to learn to pop up the front using clutch after that, but then…. Thanks to this video, I realised another flaw - After my newly developed skill of clutch launch, I quickly transition to my previous comfort zone, a “throttle wheelie”. My next drill session will be all about those clutch and pull drills you did, popping and dropping the front as many times as you can in a short distance. It’s not going to be easy, dammit! But thank you. Best quote for me, “If you master this you are half way to a double-blip.” Now that’s inspiration and a goal.

[@mattkiser3997]

The best instructional videos out there by far. Thanks Rich!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@aw9680]

How many clutch packs were burned making this video?

[@mattmor3622]

Thanks for the garage drills and these. I really appreciate the clutch camera!

[@livelongrideonover70]

Perfect timing for me. I have had the bad habit of grabbing that front brake and was wanting to know what to do. Great video. I realise now just how much work and repetition is needed to get these drills right. Thanks very much.

[@XJonAye]

I want to practice this so badly, but it's hunting season, and I only have a little bike. I'm in the middle of repairing my CR 250, so I'll get my chance soon enough.

[@Wooskii1]

Well, I have to admit that I didn't know you use your middle finger to modulate the clutch. I've been trying to use my pointer.

[@chadwalter46]

what are you using for your clutch - not sure I can one finger mine and if I can get a lighter pull it would be great; this goes for some of the younger riders out there as well. I think your clutch pull technique is fabulous as it appears to give the most bike grip at all times.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Hey, I love riding dirt bikes, but at min 1:33? Screw that kind of riding.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

My clutch control is perfect,-----------------------------when I am riding well. :)

[@martinzorro640]

Muy buen video Rich Gracias Espero el próximo de advanced 👍🏻 Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Gracias por ver Hermano!

[@BUZZB8Z]

Awesome! Exactly the lesson I needed (and asked for), many thanks! Super cool of you to do these!

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@Tony-kf8qy]

Sorry newbie question but at 4:54 isn't this bad for the clutch?

[@neslonsamuel]

Williams Elizabeth Gonzalez Michelle Hall Donna

[@dylanmcquaid690]

Isn't that riding the clutch? Do you not have to worry about burning your clutch up?

[@stevegarbauski8124]

How about electric dirt bikes and bicycle, don’t have a clutch, need to learn to wheelie it

[@JustMe-dv5ix]

Are there people out there that do not understand how to use a clutch that you got to make a long video on the subject, Come on Man

[@rdgsupafli]

It’s to bad my feet don’t touch the ground that well being 5.4 lol

[@tkurbandesign]

Hey Rich! I’ve made a notebook list covering about a dozen of your need to know basics and drills. It’s been a Great way to improve when I don’t have a riding buddy or enough time to hit a trail, and the notebook helps to streamline my practice when I’m in the mountains without 4G service to watch KZbin:) What level/type/make/model of upper and lower body armor do you recommend to your beginner students who are practicing this stuff? (In addition to helmet, Boots & jersey.etc) Thanks!

[@ivaicio]

The throttle is at the same position all the way when making the second blip?

[@steve00alt70]

I can hear the comments now about "aw you'll burn the clutch" 😂

[@Bowiehair]

Can a four stroke do this w no flywheel weight? Please do at least one w a four stroke.

[@usbsol]

Which you can watch right here. Points to empty space 🤗

[@railduke68]

One of the best instructional videos I’ve seen.👍👍

[@mrcla55yguy20]

Single track trail rider here🙋🏻‍♂️

[@dhtmbowen]

Just started to watch your videos and am working on lesson 1. Thank you - these are truly excellent.

[@lmhjgseuk8213]

What gear should you be in?

[@labasrytas2876]

how many clutches you burned over one season??? :) :) :) clutch is for shifting gears, not for raping bike with it

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Zero clutches in a season. It’s not 1985. It’s what they are made for now a days.

[@maximusdascoulias8136]

Are these not hard on the clutch at all?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

No

[@maximusdascoulias8136]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto awesome

[@mr200zr5]

Why do you use your 2nd finger on the clutch

[@shelbychristiansen2213]

Great videos thank you for taking the time to teach us.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks for the support!!

[@RodNeufeld]

Wow another phenomenal and detailed instructional video that I am going to have to use in my riding, with these kind of videos and some practice I might move up a level as a gumby rider!🤣

[@lukefish7562]

Watch out Billy Bolt! 💪🏽

[@RodNeufeld]

@@lukefish7562 yeah that's right me and my 690 are gonna take the title from Billy Bolt ⚡ 🤣

[@lukefish7562]

@@RodNeufeld that’s the spirit Rod! It’ll be even more impressive! ⚡️BB 57⚡️ your days are numbered! 🤣

[@T30-z5w]

This clutch drill clearly shows how important it is for the rider to be able to flat foot on an enduro bike. It’s called “control”.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

There’s an awesome video dropping TODAY where I teach a 5’5” guy how to do these techniques. Hope you watch it.

[@Tlisotta2010]

Great content as always!! Q - loading suspension and tapping back brake does same thing vs front brake - correct? That is how I have been practicing getting front wheel up. Is there an advantage/disadvantage?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Great to learn it both ways! In slick situations both brakes work best.

[@lowriderST24]

Are you using the throttle too?

[@shenoy8212]

I need this type of practice

[@OldManEnduro]

So, can we just call you Sensei Rich from here on out?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Lol! I'll take it!

[@briancrumpacker]

One of my riding buddies was making fun of me for practicing this drill getting ready to hit the trails. No more than five minutes later, he slid backwards and hit the deck without this basic skill. Don't listen to ignorant people. Practice.

[@JerumLarsen-dc2mi]

yo we got the same last name

[@RandyHuey-ru2vp]

Love your video

[@jonathanstoddard7712]

You’re the best Rich.

[@axelgallrein7058]

I really appreciate your vids, they are clear, repetitive but concise, with progression. And that goat climbing is just amazing...

[@helenh2422]

Hi there! Brand new dirt bike rider here! Is the one finger clutch position standard? When I did my motorcycle training years ago they told us to have all fingers on the clutch… but I’m realizing it’s a lot of different skills for dirt biking. (Also, any tips or encouragent for a slim female rider? I wanna keep up but wanna know my boundaries too.) Thanks for your videos! ❤️

[@dalatminskadventure]

amazing channel

[@grantlandis7438]

How often do clutch plates need to be changed while doing these drills? (2022 TM300EN)

[@denafrydman4662]

Love Clutch Cam

[@alfinsuppo6682]

Hi! Nice video! In the first drill- rolling back and forth, which gear should be used? The 3rd?

[@Zhaganashi]

You make THE BEST videos out there. Been improving my skills faster than ever before 🎉

[@drmechristopher]

I'm just getting back to dirt bike riding after only riding the street for years. I recognize some of the skills you demonstrate and explain so well. Others are new to me. Either way, your instruction will help me get my skills back and keep improving.

[@caraholland944]

I’m also a middle finger bandit… trying to convert this back to pointer finger though, as definitely seems more responsive. Thanks for the tips, I’m taking these out for practice this week!

[@gpaull2]

No clutch…one more reason I’m not jumping on the Stark Varg hype bandwagon.

[@Benzfrd1]

Just so you know. I took part in the TLR 2022 my first hard enduro. I'm a C rider but your tips in this video saved my butt. Using the clutch as a rear brake when I couldnt use the pedal.... I am now a subscriber and am grateful I didn't fall down that hill by using your teachings.

[@jdavishornet]

I would like for you to recommend a set of irc tires for my crf450l for trail riding. I like a fat tire in the front. With all the help you are giving us with these lessons I feel like buying tires from you is the best way to show gratitude. Thanks.

[@Rossi46Moore]

RIP clutch haha

[@Espenrip]

Thank you for the excellent lessons, and providing clutch camera HELPS SO MUCH in understanding the whole mechanics of the teachings. Great videos!

[@dalepurdon8948]

Awesome vid Rick. Clutch cam, do you always use your middle finger for clutch?

[@phillippearce9680]

👍

[@danverso]

Would it be possible to demonstrate this technique with a 4t motorcycle? I think the revs will have to be higher especially with injection bikes😉

[@shameelali2549]

1:29 WTF

[@ashishjain5965]

Beautiful explanations. I can imagine the technique just by your words

[@mikesteele1789]

Are you that tall? Or suspension lowered?..does your engine over heat with all that slippage?.how often do you go through clutchs?

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

6’1”. No. No. Every 200 hours

[@mikesteele1789]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto thanks man

[@mikesteele1789]

Thank you.do you do clinics in n idaho?

[@neildxb]

Clutch cam is a great touch, especially to show the quick clutch movement on the front wheel lift.

[@francisguerrero3240]

No pushbutton, good luck. Love the drills

[@MrRplo]

Excellent. Subscribed.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Thanks!!

[@renato771ktm]

Cómo siempre excelente trabajo. Siempre aprendiendo gracias amigo.

[@otpipe]

Wow just two videos into this and I've got more techniques to practice than I can do in a month. I'm gonna have to carve out more bike time. Great videos keep'em coming.

[@deoncockrell4327]

It's RPM! Not RPMs Revolutions per minute, jeesh.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

I bet you’re just lovely to be around

[@deoncockrell4327]

@@IRCTireUSAMoto Bet we'd get along just swimmingly but I'd still correct you just as you'd do the same for anyone else ✌

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

😂

[@cristianbosio973]

Excelente explicación, verdaderamente con estos vídeos te consagras como maestro, gracias!