How Do You Use the Clutch and Change Gears on a Dirt Bike?
The clutch is the thing that stops most beginners from enjoying their first ride. It is easier than it seems, once you understand what each control does.
The controls
- Clutch lever: left side, on the handlebar
- Gear lever: left foot
- Throttle: right grip
- Front brake: right lever
- Rear brake: right foot
The gears
A typical dirt bike has a 1-down, 5-up pattern, with neutral between first and second. Press the lever down for first, and then lift up for neutral and each higher gear.
The friction zone
When you squeeze the clutch lever in, the engine is disconnected from the rear wheel. When you let it out slowly, the clutch begins to bite. This is the friction zone, and the key to pulling away smoothly.
Pulling away
- Start the bike and pull the clutch in
- Select first gear
- Give a little throttle, to about a fast idle
- Ease the clutch out slowly until you feel it bite
- Keep releasing it as the bike moves, and add a bit more throttle
If the bike stalls, you let the clutch out too quickly. If the engine revs and nothing happens, the clutch is still in or slipping.
Changing up
When the engine is working hard, roll off the throttle, pull the clutch in, click up a gear, and let the clutch out smoothly while rolling the throttle back on. With practice you can do it quickly. Many riders also learn to shift without the clutch, but beginners should use it.
Changing down
Roll off, pull the clutch in, click down and ease out, matching the engine to the speed. Do it before the corner, not in it.
Common mistakes
- Dumping the clutch
- Looking at your feet instead of where you are going
- Riding in too high a gear at low speed
- Holding the clutch in while coasting
Practise somewhere safe
Use a flat, open paddock and keep it simple, starting and stopping in first. See first-time rider tips and the best beginner bikes, including bikes with automatic clutches for the very young.
Practise drills
Set out a few markers in a paddock and practise pulling away smoothly, stopping at a line, then moving off again. Try a gentle figure of eight in first gear. Then practise up and down shifts in a straight line. Short, regular sessions beat one long day, and good habits stick. Pair it with the right protective gear, such as the helmets and boots at GearShed.
Wear your gear, see the minimum gear to start, and browse dirt bikes in stock.
ShowShed is a Hamilton dirt bike and quad dealer, back to the home page or browse every bike in stock. Gear for the ride is at our sister store GearShed.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dirt bike keep stalling?
You are probably releasing the clutch too fast or without enough throttle. Ease it out and add a little revs.
Do I need to use the clutch every time I change gear?
Beginners should. Experienced riders sometimes shift without it, but it is harder on the gearbox if done badly.
Where is neutral?
Between first and second gear. Use a half click, or find it with the bike stopped.