Will using the friction zone of your bike burn out the clutch?

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I've taken some classes and practiced a lot over the past few years. I felt like I had a whole lot of time in the friction zone. I often ride in remote areas, so as a preventative step, I replaced my clutch and found that even after all that friction zone time, my clutch showed hardly any wear. Since I had already oil soaked my new clutch, I went ahead and changed it, but it was absolutely unnecessary.

[@stanroberts4820]

My 52 Panhead chopper has a dry clutch and I never worry about wearing it out. Friction zone is your friend. I may add a front brake some day. I only miss it when I'm stopped at a light going up hill ;))

[@andrewphillips4897]

In New South Wales, Australia every new motorcyclist must complete a professional Motorcycle Training course. As I obtained my license in 1959, I Had to learn on the road before I could take the motorcycle rider proficiency test. I stopped riding in 1985 (I think) and I did not ride again until 2017. I did not realise how much that I had forgotten - especially the friction zone - because I had never stopped riding bicycles competitively. There is no clutch on a bicycle. I was the motor and therefore I controlled the power. If you have not ridden a motorcycle for over twenty years you must do a course. Jerry, I have been watching all your U-Tube posts for about three and a half years. You are very helpful no matter the experience. God bless you in a great way.

[@Lookatthebottom]

Thanks for the tips, I'm still new and I'm sure I've been revving in the friction zone.

[@michaelshannon7302]

Just ordered the ride like a pro 1, thank you motor Man for everything you do and stay safe.

[@motorman857]

You're welcome.

[@richardbaldes2843]

Jerry all I have to say is fantastic. Your videos are chuck full of useful information. Thank very much. I hope your Bride is back in the saddle soon.

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Motorman. I'll bet the half helmet with the pony tail looks great on you!

[@skinnybigstuff1040]

I've been on two wheels since I could walk I thought I couldn't learn any more but yeah I've learned so much from watching your videos

[@motorman857]

Happy to help!

[@beauxdutaman7450]

i watch all of your videos as the come out. i been using the 3 techniques and i practice every week depending on the weather. was out today, trying the low speed maneuvers, i find to use your term, doing a double take, and i almost dropped the bike but was able to correct myself.

[@Evirthewarrior]

A curved license plate frame would look really nice on that motorcycle and finish off the back. I got the Harley brake light one, but any are nice looking.

[@JoseRodriguez-zg8ls]

I bought all of Motorman’s DVD’s. Definitely worth it and has made me a better rider! Thank You Jerry

[@motorman857]

You're welcome.

[@thomasheer825]

Use the Friction zone of my clutch all the time and never had any troubles with the clutch. Have a old BMW R80/7 with a heavy clutch disk spring and the friction zone is rather narrow, but still there. That bike the biggest issue is that it takes out the throw out bearing about every 50k miles. On a Harley I wouldn't have a guess if the clutch will go out or not. My old Goldwing has interconnected brakes but it isn't rally a issue or I have never noticed. Was a MSF instructor for about 20 years.

[@93jmac14]

“I just asked you about this topic too on your last video. Thank you for double clarifying that Jerry. Strangely enough, riding in the friction zone is a technique I slowly naturally developed when I started riding my first big bike (2018 Suzuki Boulevard C90 1462cc), especially on the curves of the 138 here in Southern California. I never really had to really use the friction zone as much on my smaller bikes though, like my Shadow Aero or my little Honda Rebel. Those I could always full on release the clutch shifting up (Except from 1st to 2nd).”

[@dankarp8567]

If you want to understand the friction zone, buy yourself a 2 stroke dirt bike and learn how to ride it using the clutch to keep up the rpm.

[@maldenfoster]

Best way to progress your skills as a rider

[@jukkaheroja1297]

Hi! I live in northern Europe, Finland and I love your videos. Specially the winter time is good to learn some more. My ride is 2019 Electra glide standard so your dashboard is so familiar. . I love your teaching and explaining everything. Thank you!

[@billmoran3812]

Ha ha! I never realized your wife’s helmet had the ponytail attached! Really cool.

[@januaryman169]

Thanks for posting the riding tips. I am nearly 52 (January). I have been riding various motorcycles since about my early to mid-'20s. If you count minibikes and mopeds, early teens. In my early years of riding, I would practice coming to a complete stop without putting my feet on the ground. It's like second nature to me now. I try to find an empty parking lot or a cul de sac to practice riding in the friction zone. My biggest problem is head and eyes, not that it is a problem. It seems to me that I could be quicker on turning my head and eyes. I am a delivery driver by trade. I have been thru the Smith System. The training received in the Smith System as found it's way from my truck to my car and now onto my bike. Thanks again for the cool videos and Happy Belated Thanksgiving. Hope you Aunt and family get released soon. :)) Brian

[@davypig571]

The Motorman has helped countless people with his training, courses, videos, etc. but I would argue he has helped more people not get their panties all bunched up with his humor ahead warnings 😏 We may not deserve you sir, but we appreciate you!

[@zachlamanske5363]

I’ve learned a lot from you so thanks!!!

[@smokeGR14]

Never surrender..we had a lovely Thanksgiving family dinner...Happy Thanksgiving to you

[@t.s.racing]

You will NOT burn out your " healthy " and correctly adjusted clutch, using the friction zone. I'm both a Engineer and Master Tech from 3 different Motorcycle brands. SARGE.

[@motorman857]

Exactly! The fact is the people who claim using the friction zone will burn out your clutch, are actually people who have never mastered the clutch/throttle, tend to duck walk their bikes, and use the Burn the clutch excuse for their lack of skills. These are the same people who claim, ''I had to lay er down'' rather than admit they have no clue how to stop quickly.

[@ClintsCrypt]

I have 33k miles on my Haoda Valkyrie, which I bought new in 1998. Every time I go out riding, I practice using the friction zone and rear brake. Almost every time I come to a stop at a traffic light or stop sign, I stop short and then creep forward balancing the bike, using rear brake and friction zone. I also practice u-turn figure eights on the street in front of our house at the beginning and end of every ride. After 33k and 22 years, I still have the original clutch and brakes. I have the bike serviced every 3-5k and they still pass inspection. So I guess you are right, minimal clutch wear from practicing. 😀

[@rolandfrerichs5625]

What do you mean with 'original brakes'? The pads, disks, calipers? I hope you're not still on your original pads after 22 years!

[@ClintsCrypt]

Yep, all original, including pads. The only thing I have had to do is brake fluid flush. I am sure I will have to replace the pads soon. I can't imagine they will pass inspection much longer. 😀

[@rolandfrerichs5625]

@@ClintsCrypt My pads wear out in like 10-15k miles, but I may have a different bike type / riding style.

[@iananderson6750]

Another great explanation. I teach in the UK and use the friction zone ( called biting point in UK ) with new riders. Never an issue. Provides great control. What are your thoughts on foot position on bikes like sport tourers etc as lots of Advanced riding advice tells new riders to be on the balls of the feet. . I advise my students to watch your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@jonnycando]

I wear boots with a definite heel and if I have pegs ( as opposed to boards) I hook my heels on them....and of course my pedals are adjusted to allow this to work, just swing your foot out as needed and roll your foot up to the pedal....if you’re busy doing shifting and braking you will position accordingly but even then I feel more secure if hook my heels...on the balls of my feet is good way for my feet to just come right off....but then I’ve got a size 13(uk 12)

[@rolandfrerichs5625]

I've done 20 miles of involuntary off road riding with a heavily luggaged street bike (the road simply stopped), slipping the clutch to keep things under control. Never burned out.

[@Robnoxious77]

So what if it does? Just replace the clutch when it wears out! Personally prefer the rear brake method and my front brakes still run out quicker than my rears. And when they wear out, i’ll replace them too. It’s just a bike, not a space ship.

[@mob3144]

Great delivery. Very professional approach to teaching.

[@dustytrailsraceway]

I have a Electroglide Classic thanks to your video's im a better rider thank you

[@richardbaldes2843]

I need to adjust my clutch cable to increase the distance from the grip to the zone. I like to keep two fingers on the grip and two on the clutch.

[@karenshoucairmcgray4902]

Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! Enjoyed the ride and talk!

[@maciejasz78]

Regarding RPMs in the friction zone: Sure, when you have a Harley with a 1000 + cc engine, you can just set RPMs at 1500 with a phisical throttle lock and operate your clutch and the engine doesn't seem to even react to the load. Try that on a 125 cc bike :). Below 3000 RPMs you'll just stall it.

[@motorman857]

I wouldn't stall it. A dofus would though.

[@maciejasz78]

@@motorman857 Who is not a dofus when learning? And please read again my scenario. A 125cc bike with throttle locked in a position, which gives you below 3000 rpm in neutral. Sure you can get it rolling slowly from a stop without stalling, but for manoeuvres when you need some prompt power to keep it up in a curve that locked throttle is not enough. At least not until you stop being a dofus, but that takes time.

[@christophergreen2411]

I ride the '03 VTX 1800.... Has linked brakes...not a problem using rear brake pedal lightly while friction zoning

[@MrEye4get]

That is one monster of a motorcycle! They cost more than an average house here in Thailand!

[@don7406]

So what if it increases a little wear of the clutch fibers or brake pads. They are expendable items. When they wear out, change them. Just like tires and batteries.

[@DivineLightPaladin]

Good point, makes me less worried about learning and messing up my new bike

[@ronj2110]

Hi from Boca Raton Florida I really enjoy your videos thank you so much for your help

[@farrieterrisky]

Haha loving the humor ahead section in this one! Happy Thanksgiving from Canada. Making me jealous getting to ride, mine has been away for over a month now... snow bound in the North!

[@gabbyhayes1568]

Sir, everyone should be required to take your class before getting licensed on a motorcycle. 👍

[@markbright7845]

Wow! Superb control.

[@curious1curious]

Excellent video, Jerry. Thank you. And thanks for your service!! Buona Fortuna, pasquale!

[@motorman857]

Thank you kindly

[@Hero_of_Legend]

"When you apply the front brake while the handlebars are turned, you're going down" I felt that in my soul. And my knee, once. Whoops.... Luckily nobody was around to see it. And even more luckily, someone was around a minute or so later, to help me pick my bike back up...

[@markbrown2885]

Really, really good video...@ridelikeapro I think I'm guilty as charged for riding the clutch a bit too much - but I think there might be some valid reasons where it makes sense, 1. like when I split lanes on PCH is a traffic jam the only way to move autos from the middle is to 'braap-braap' to clear enough space to slip through and 2. when rev matching, you need to pull in the clutch and hit the throttle to make a clean downshift...make sense?

[@alandadban007]

Hi Jerry, Thanks for all your videos, they are very informative, I have ordered a couple of your USBs to Australia, and they are great, I recommend to all the riders to learn from your experience, I was wondering if you had a chance to try New BMW 1250 RT yet, I was hoping to see your thoughts on it. keep up the good work mate.

[@motorman857]

I've ridded the RT before. Great bike. I just don't like the position of the foot pegs. They are mounted too far up and back for my comfort.

[@ianmills669]

Hey Jerry, hello from South Australia. I am laid up due to a work accident which broke my wrist and tore a heap of tendons in my upper arm, so I have plenty of time to watch you tube videos. Thankyou for the vidoes you post, I am learning a lot, just have to be patient for a few months before I can put any of it into practice on two wheels! I have two Guzzis, a 1988 Le Mans 1000 and a 2001 California Stone. Guzzis (along with BMW boxers) have dry clutches like a car, so I'm wary of slipping the clutch too much, however, as you point out, clutches are consumable items, and I guess if you only raise the revs enough to prevent stalling, it shouldn't affect the life too adversely. The Le Mans has linked brakes but, unlike your HD, it applies equal pressure to the rear disk and one front disk, the brake lever on the handlebar activates the other front disk. I'm not sure about doing manoeuvres with the brake pedal down as it will be working on the front wheel too. I think I'll just practice that with the Cali which doesn't have linked brakes. It's much easier to manage in that sort of situation anyway, sitting much more upright, down a bit lower and nice wide bars, very different to the Le Mans with its narrow dropped bars and lean forward seating position. Really loving your videos, I think you are providing a great service to motorcycling! Thanks, Ian

[@michiganborn8303]

I have a King Advanblack tour pack on my Road King i got this last summer. It's okay, I wish it didn't rattle so much.

[@gaknskk]

Hell the king harley tp I put on my 2016 sgs rattles also

[@motorman857]

I have 2 advanblack tour packs and they don't rattle at all. Find out where the rattle is coming from then contact advanblack and explain the problem to them.

[@michiganborn8303]

@@motorman857 The rattling is coming from the swing hinge on the left side. When my wife sits in the 2-up position there's no rattle at all. I can physically move the top and bottom halfs of the clam shell to artificially recreate the rattle. It's almost like in the assembly process they didn't drill the holes for the hinges low enough.

[@motorman857]

@@michiganborn8303 Get in touch with them and advise them of the situation.

[@michiganborn8303]

@@motorman857 Thanks, just did. Advanblack representative Anthony is on the case and I'm still under warranty. As so as I get home tonight, I will take video of the problem and send it to him for approval on the warranty.

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

LOL. I like the humor.

[@ericsuperhawk]

Big shout out from Ohio. It's 32 degrees and your video still makes me wanna get my Indian out. Belated Happy Thanksgiving to you.

[@motorman857]

It's 80 degrees here with the wind chill factor. In your sig pic you look like Negan on the Walking Dead TV show kzbin.info/www/bejne/boqrh4Kbfa6eY6M

[@ericsuperhawk]

@@motorman857 ha ha ha he wishes. I saw an episode of riding with Norman Reedus where Jeffrey Dean Morgan was riding with him. They were on these tiny little bikes but they looked like they were having so much fun. More important than any of that minutiae though enjoy that lovely Florida weather. I will have to vicariously live through you for four more years until I retire.

[@ekrem06]

Greetings from İstanbul ✌🏽

[@motorman857]

Greetings. Here's what I know about Istanbul kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH-4pIKXd5qJaMU

[@user-jn9fb5rn2c]

@@motorman857 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😭

[@rogerburns8478]

On the linked brakes it only uses the left front rotor with applications of rear brake.

[@JoseLorenzoDeOro]

I have a ´71 FLH shovelhead with a dry clutch, and I use the friction zone anyways... there is NO WAY to ride a bike without it.

[@marcocycles411]

Turkey task force 🤣🤣

[@200hit]

The Razor Pak can hold 2 half helmet

[@koningbolo4700]

1:30 Ahhh there is Donna's pony tail helmet feature...

[@thevoiceinmyhelmet3827]

Thanks again!

[@travisjohnson1277]

Should the bike go by simply useing the clutch release with out giving it any gas?

[@bernwilliamson4142]

Love the pony tail lol

[@nokoolaid]

Depends on the bike. Friction zone will be harder on on dry clutch bikes. BMWs that have dry clutches, the clutches last usually 100k miles. Police BMWs with dry clutches last 40-60k. About half. It's an expensive repair as the bike has to be split in half. The newer BMW boxers have a wet clutch and it's easier to replace. A lot easier. BMWs use partially linked brakes. Front lever actuates both front and rear, rear pedal is just rear brake.

[@richp5321]

Thanks Ive been wanting to ask you that.

[@suleimanshaik]

Thanks Sir

[@chevyjerry2507]

Either way rather use the friction point then drop it. More money to fix

[@tracybowling4765]

Don't leak while sitting around but I have no idea what harm I'm taken a chance or I can tow with my train be it ain't be moved so experience is what I need

[@motorman857]

If you're worried about it, tow it. Many H.D. dealers offer free pick up and delivery as well.

[@user-jn9fb5rn2c]

Wow. Your 3 car garage is larger than a studio apartment here in New York. I have a 2 car on Long Island and I thought I was the man. Very jealous. 👍👍👍

[@motorman857]

Actually, there's another 2 car garage on the other side of the house. So it's a 5 car garage. Killing ya ain't I.😁

[@user-jn9fb5rn2c]

Most definitely. Sooner than later I have to get a transfer. A good portion of Floridians are former Yankees anyway. Biggest bonus is 365 riding weather. 🚴 Plus a 5 car garage. 😁

[@jakesoriano1313]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and camera girl.... Are you wearing her helmet with the pony tail? One day soon I'll make it down there to take your class.

[@motorman857]

Thanks Jake, hope you had a good Thanksgiving too.

[@tombaylark799]

I like the video, but the question is answered at 5:30.

[@TigerDavidson]

Hi Jerry, where di you get the radio cover pocket door? Thank you for the videos!

[@motorman857]

www.eglidegoodies.com

[@TigerDavidson]

Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino thank you so much!!

[@motorman857]

@@TigerDavidson you're welcome.

[@0873sp]

Hey Jerry. Does That tour pack come with lights or wiring to wire up lights there like the HD factory one has? Btw, looks like you were really low on gas there, my friend.

[@motorman857]

I don't know but you can contact advanblack.com with any questions.

[@tlimsisnw1948]

Don’t know which video but you had info about clutch lever that was easier to pull back could enlighten me please. Thanks

[@equaliser2265]

Nice 👌

[@DanielDraper-ki4hr]

What bike is that? A standard? I noticed it doesn't have the infotainment center.

[@stanyog]

Nice one, motoman. 🙂

[@RafaelJimenez-hz9gu]

Jerry, Merry Christmas and Happy near year. I am bored at Christmas Eve so I watch you , LOL!! anyway can you recommend a good pair of non slip leather boots? thanks.

[@motorman857]

I like ''the original SWAT boots. from the company of the same name.

[@ikemancan]

5:30 starts to answer question in title. 6:10 actually answers question

[@motorman857]

Yes but what about the humorous anecdotes? Plus, this video is free. How do you argue with free? In fact, I have over 1250 free youtube videos. Some of them only 2 minutes long. That should count for something. 😁

[@tracybowling4765]

Remember me I'm the guy with the Heritage Softail that fell. Taking it in for full back bars safety in the rear can I drive my bike 7 miles down it dont leak. Maybe while riding. Should I trailer it

[@motorman857]

What doesn't leak? I'm not sure what you're asking.

[@sdq7806]

Great video! I have a newbie question, is using the friction zone only applicable on first gear? Or I can apply this on second gear also? Thanks!

[@motorman857]

You can use the friction zone anytime to smooth out your progress in a turn. Especially when you find first gear would be too low and 2nd gear would be too high, use 2nd gear, and a little friction zone.

[@sdq7806]

Thank you very much! This really helps cleared my doubt! By the way, I am from Singapore and wanted to order your video (digital download) but the drop down list of countries doesn’t include Singapore? Too bad as I’m sure your video will help me a lot in my riding skills!

[@jimgafford611]

Happy Thanksgiving Jerry. I’m still that idiot that has his RPMs high but at least I’m holding her up and getting through the u-turn in a few seconds, and it’s not that bad with the V&H 4.5 slip ons it sounds like I’m just trying to make her roar like a lion🤣🤣. Oh and thanks for that info on sitting up a course.

[@richp5321]

Lol! He calls us a doofus and a complete idiot in the same video!

[@philzail2532]

I try to avoid the friction zone, but I use it occasionally.

[@slaytanic921]

🤔

[@travisjohnson1277]

And did hey say dont hold the clutch in and rev the engine?

[@travisjohnson1277]

I thought that was a go to move

[@Joe124100]

Hey watch that age thing!

[@ronaldtessler5894]

👍

[@mkoehler222]

Was it a no knock warrant? 🙄

[@Jaxsondickslinger1]

I wear Harbor Freight gloves too....cheap and work great till it gets below 55 degrees.....lol

[@charger19691]

I heard that next Thanksgiving, theres going to be a weight restriction on the turkeys all Americans can buy.17 pounds Maximum. If you try to buy two or more you will be detained for “Suspicion of Feeding Large Crowds”. Lord have mercy.

[@vincentflask2965]

Spectrum van @ 6:47

[@motorman857]

Are you saying it's really the FBI and they're on to me?

[@daved299]

If you take a ride on the way back machine, I'd venture to guess during the time you trained to become a motor officer, the bikes used didn't have wet clutches, yet their clutches survived. What next; people being afraid to wear out the hand lever?

[@motorman857]

I went to motor school in 99 and we had wet clutches.

[@daved299]

@@motorman857 My mistake. I envisioned you training on a shovelhead. Either way, I don't recall anyone complaining about burning out the clutches in the dry clutch configuration. The only problem with those seemed to be getting the dry clutch wet, and getting clutch material mixed into the motor oil.

[@bradleywoodward7753]

I find that I ride the clutch more on start up with the ride by wire throttle. I have a 2020 FLHCS and the throttle upon start doesn't seem as responsive. Is it just me?

[@motorman857]

Yes. It's just you.

[@crumbcake11]

What about dry clutches?

[@motorman857]

You still use the friction zone when making tight low speed turns. When practicing a lot of low speed turn, leans and swerves, after a few minutes practice, cool the clutch, brake and the motor with a breeze out.

[@crumbcake11]

@@motorman857 thanks

[@30pvfd]

Super seer wouldn’t trade mine for anything

[@pmanpp357]

C'mon Jerry 🤣 so sorry to hear about your extended family 😂 Al B Sure to send you some $$$ for The Palladino Legal defense fund which of course 80%of it will go towards the Ride like a pro gadgetry expense budget and the other 20%for aaahh whatever stuff... Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 One day Late!

[@motorman857]

Unfortunately, there can be no defense. They took the 30lb turkey as evidence and video'd the 12 plates table setting. The Turkey task force got in before they could flush the turkey so it's the work camps for life for my N.Y. family.

[@douglaswhite6159]

Only 10 to eat but up to 25 for funeral. So let's have a wake for my dead pet turkey.

[@lucky31979]

How many bikes do you have ?

[@motorman857]

Ya writing a book😁?

[@deormanrobey892]

Take his word. Purposefully slipping the clutch isn't the same as riding it.

[@DivineLightPaladin]

"when your father taught you to drive with a clutch" lol my mom taught me to drive automatic, it's hard to even find manual cars these days

[@grampabadger]

Motorcycle clutches wear out sooner or later, anyway.

[@spencerb8609]

No jokes at the end?

[@thereport4896]

A home invasion by any other name is still a crime.Made possible by Gov. of New York.

[@motorman857]

That's Dear Leader Cuomo, to you mister.

[@BorisBadenov-c7q]

I bet you look really cute with your blonde ponytail helmet

[@motorman857]

Thank you.

[@psharkey09]

Not that 1/2 Helmet again Junk!))

[@reallyoldfart6540]

I've heard people say the sugar sand burned their clutch, silly. I once refused a direct order in the military to put people in a more hazardous environment than necessary; arresting people for dinner and taking them to a snot nosed punk processing facility, it's either fascist stupid or cowardly. Get them South for Christmas, and introduce them to "dressing."

[@Richfiekd]

Get some gas man...

[@westcoast3595]

I started to write a comment earlier. Had to go. As I set my phone down I mist have bumped that arrow on this itty bitty screen. Got a couple of comments. Stupid me erased it. Anyway my worries about smoking a dry clutch have been eliminated here in the comment section. I do use the friction doing u turns on our hill here getting turned around. I never use to worry when I had a wet clutch. Love the political humor. Good ole Dictator Cuomo.

[@johnslovacek5571]

Sorry about your kin folks. Can’t believe any LE would make an arrest for that. Sad

[@motorman857]

C'mon. It was a joke. The video was censored though by the powers that be, because I showed a SWAT team kicking in the door in. They cut that part out.