Holding the clutch

[eashleighv9]

I am not sure if it is ok to hold the clutch instead of going to neutral, while waiting for the traffic lights or something like that. Driving a manual car, the clutch is used to a minimum, I wonder if it is the same for the FZ6R or any other bike?. Could the clutch be damaged if holding it for too long?.
Cheers :don'tknow:

 

[MichaelInVenice]

I am not sure if it is ok to hold the clutch instead of going to neutral, while waiting for the traffic lights or something like that. Driving a manual car, the clutch is used to a minimum, I wonder if it is the same for the FZ6R or any other bike?. Could the clutch be damaged if holding it for too long?.
Cheers :don'tknow:

I'm usually holding the clutch, in first, watching my mirrors. If anything is coming at me from behind, I'm ready to go. Only go to neutral if I expect to be sitting for a while or I need my left hand for something. While a multi-plate clutch like ours will always be experiencing some limited amount of friction, I think you'll tire out your hand and probably run out of gas long before you cause any meaningful wear.

 

[Reaver]

I am not sure if it is ok to hold the clutch instead of going to neutral, while waiting for the traffic lights or something like that. Driving a manual car, the clutch is used to a minimum, I wonder if it is the same for the FZ6R or any other bike?. Could the clutch be damaged if holding it for too long?.
Cheers :don'tknow:

As I'm new to riding I was wondering the same thing. :zombie:

 

[nismos14]

You should be holding the clutch at a stop so you are ready to go in the event of an emergency.

At a stop - in 1st, and holding the clutch.

 

[dnielson45]

Just finished my MSF course, so I'm gonna be that guy... According to MSF, you should never be in neutral at a stop light. You should always be in 1st gear when you come to a stop and cover the clutch while watching your mirrors for possible idiots behind you. Most bikes have a clutch that is being constantly being bathed in oil, so there is no real need to worry about "riding" the clutch. In fact, it's a great way to get through slow speed maneuvers smoothly.

 

[WeatherB]

I'm in 1st, holding the clutch in at red lights until I see a few cars stopped behind me then I'll shift to neutral if the light hasn't changed by that time...

Bikes have "wet" clutches that are lubricated by the engine oil, different from a car's "dry" clutch. Read that bike clutches are more durable because of this.

 

[MNGreg]

As others have said, Always in 1st holding the clutch while watching the mirrors. Only time I might shift out of 1st and into N is once a car has come to a complete stop behind me. And that is only for fast issues, then I will pop back down into 1st..

 

[JT]

everyone already said it but my only comment is why not do the same in the car??

 

[applejax]

I'm in 1st, holding the clutch in at red lights until I see a few cars stopped behind me then I'll shift to neutral if the light hasn't changed by that time...

Bikes have "wet" clutches that are lubricated by the engine oil, different from a car's "dry" clutch. Read that bike clutches are more durable because of this.

Not all bikes have "wet" clutches.

 

[WeatherB]

Not all bikes have "wet" clutches.

Oh ya? Good to know.

 

[nismos14]

Most Ducati's don't. I think even some 600's here and there don't have it.


JT, in the car you can do it too, but you really don't necessarily have the need to get out of a crazy situation as much as a bike does since the chances of serious injury are a bit less.