So I am not a novice rider. Had my first bike for close to 10 years.

The clutch was kinda hard to pull, so i would full fist that clutch. I now have an XSR and I am starting to try out two fingering it. Tho during one ride I feel like i would pull the clutch with my two fingers, but kicking the shifter was kind of hard or something, but then I moved back to full hand and it was smooth again. I do feel i was pulling it entirely out.

How should I improve my technique?

My current bike is an XSR 900 if it matters or anyone is curious.

  • Cypher@lemmy.worldM
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    5 hours ago

    Don’t break your fingers when braking.

    But seriously two fingers on the brakes is good in many circumstances as it reduces reaction time and depending on your bike, setup and your ability you may be able to maximise braking with just two fingers.

    Shorty levers can help.

    • InternetCitizen2@lemmy.worldOP
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      4 hours ago

      Engrish be hard, but i is working on is gooder :)

      I am trying it out with two fingers now. Even when I full handed my bike didn’t have ABS.

    • Cypher@lemmy.worldM
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      5 hours ago

      Covering the brake with two fingers can reduce reaction time which is useful especially in traffic.

      On the track it is easier to use two fingers to trail brake and maintain throttle control and you will notice many of the best riders using two finger braking.

    • InternetCitizen2@lemmy.worldOP
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      8 hours ago

      A lot of pro-riders seem to use two finger stuff. Some arguments for it is grip and better control (as the friction zone is not that big and mostly toward the closed position of the clutch)

      Similar for two finger break so that you dont grab hard and lock the break.

  • dual_sport_dork 🐧🗡️@lemmy.world
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    12 hours ago

    Brake.

    Also, it’s easy: The reason your bike is hard to shift is because you haven’t fully pulled in the clutch and the engine is still trying to turn the gearbox while you’re shifting. That’s because when not using all four fingers on the clutch lever the remaining ones have to go somewhere, and that is inevitably trapped in between the clutch lever and the grip. Which naturally prevents you from pulling the lever all the way.

    So don’t do that.

    You can use fewer fingers on the brake lever if you prefer and I usually do – this despite what the MSF screeches at everyone. When braking you may need to maintain some throttle control. I rarely use all four fingers on the brake lever.

    • InternetCitizen2@lemmy.worldOP
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      7 hours ago

      The reason your bike is hard to shift is because you haven’t fully pulled in the clutch and the engine is still trying to turn the gearbox while you’re shifting.

      I figured, but I had not made that mistake in a long time I was not sure anymore.

      Thanks for letting me bounce the idea :)