motorcycle clutches newbie question

[kbark519]

is it hard to burn out a clutch on a motorcycle and what are some things that burn out a clutch? Im a newbie i know its a dumb question but im trying to understand what puts mechanical strain on a motorcycle so I can become a better rider.

[kman]

Everyone I have talked to says it is really hard to burn out a clutch on a bike.  You will not burn it out creeping around really slow like.  You have to try pretty hard to burn out a clutch doing wheelies, drag racing launches, and burnouts.  I have been working at this but have not been successful yet so in summary, motorcycle clutches are tough.

[kman]

The part that wears out should be the friction material on the plates.  Once they get too thin it will start to slip.  I don't know if there are other parts known for wearing on the gs500 but other problems can come from leaving pressure on the clutch when your hand should be off of it altogether like when you are cruising at a fixed speed.  If you want to be easy on the clutch, keep the rpms low and use as little throttle as you can taking off until it is fully engaged.  Also rev match on the downshifts so it is not slipping the other way so much

[djkdjk07]

I have a newbie question as well. When I start my bike it's at like 1200 rpms so it's almost stalling. I have to put down that little lever on the left handle to get the rpms up. I know this is insanely newby but is that the choke? I'm a first gen rider in my family so I've never had anyone to show me these things. What exactly is that lever doing? letting in more gas? Why should I have to do that? or is something wrong on my bike.

[Paulcet]

I have a newbie question as well. When I start my bike it's at like 1200 rpms so it's almost stalling. I have to put down that little lever on the left handle to get the rpms up. I know this is insanely newby but is that the choke?

Yep

I'm a first gen rider in my family so I've never had anyone to show me these things. What exactly is that lever doing? letting in more gas?

Yep

Why should I have to do that? or is something wrong on my bike.

You do that when you start the motor if it is cold (like under 150°F).  Nothing wrong with your bike, unless it needs choke after warming up for 5-10 minutes.  If it still needs choke, try adjusting idle speed up.

[djkdjk07]

I have a newbie question as well. When I start my bike it's at like 1200 rpms so it's almost stalling. I have to put down that little lever on the left handle to get the rpms up. I know this is insanely newby but is that the choke?

Yep

I'm a first gen rider in my family so I've never had anyone to show me these things. What exactly is that lever doing? letting in more gas?

Yep

Why should I have to do that? or is something wrong on my bike.

You do that when you start the motor if it is cold (like under 150°F).  Nothing wrong with your bike, unless it needs choke after warming up for 5-10 minutes.  If it still needs choke, try adjusting idle speed up.

Thanks man. I figured most of the stuff out about my bike from common sense but it's nice to come here and get some advice and info.

[kbark519]

i was always told you could ride the clutch on a motorcycle especially when downshifting being it takes more finesse?

[mister]

I have a newbie question as well. When I start my bike it's at like 1200 rpms so it's almost stalling. I have to put down that little lever on the left handle to get the rpms up. I know this is insanely newby but is that the choke?

Yep

I'm a first gen rider in my family so I've never had anyone to show me these things. What exactly is that lever doing? letting in more gas?

Yep

Why should I have to do that? or is something wrong on my bike.

The sliding thing on the left is the choke. When cold starting, slide it all the way to you before starting. Then start the bike.

My routine from that moment is... leave it like that for a minute or so - say while I attach my bag. Then slowly take it down to around 2k and leave it like that while I put on my jacket, helmet, gloves, etc. I then put it in gear, turn off the choke with my right hand, and ride away sedately.

Sometimes, I'll leave the choke on full for my entire routine, only taking it down for a brief moment before putting it in gear, before then turning it off all the way.

No choke needed when the engine is warm.

Michael

[kman]

It is easier to make smooth shifts if you slide the clutch more.  If you can do it smoothly with less sliding it is less wear on the friction material of your clutch.  Some sliding during shifts is not going to hurt it nearly as much as doing wheelies by feathering or anything like that.  If all of the wear comes from creeping around real slow and slipping at the shifts your clutch will last a very long time.

[CKPD]

When I first got my license last year and took the course it was drilled into us that feathering the clutch in first gear is okay and won't damage it in any way, but do not feather or ride the clutch in any gear higher then first. It will wear it out in a matter of weeks.

Im not a really experienced rider, but I hope this helps.