Buzz
Melodious Gear Symphony
Executing the clutch compression motion will separate the friction and steel plates in the clutch assembly. At this point, with no frictional force, the steel plate slides over the friction plate, rendering the clutch assembly temporarily disengaged. If the clutch is fully disengaged, it has no impact on the clutch assembly, unless due to unforeseen circumstances the clutch does not disengage completely, causing sliding friction and leading to faster wear and tear compared to normal operation.
Coasting Clutch, when stuck in traffic or needing to decelerate, enthusiasts often keep the engine running and delicately rest their hands on the clutch lever, applying slight pressure instead of fully engaging it as in clutch compression. Coasting the clutch is considered somewhat detrimental to the clutch system, as it accelerates wear and tear, sometimes resulting in what enthusiasts commonly refer to as 'burning the clutches.'Pros and Cons of Clutching Techniques
Advantages
For those riding manual motorcycles, reaching the 4th gear and lightly tapping the gear shifter forward will reveal the sensation of clutching. Most riders likely learned this trick either through guidance or discovered it through experience. Engaging the clutch is a simple maneuver; just pull the clutch lever, and the bike glides forward effortlessly until the throttle is released. The sound of the engine becomes less imposing, replaced by the hum of the chain and the bike smoothly gliding forward, making clutching an enticing habit.
Many riders claim that engine braking helps save fuel, but I believe the impact is not significant. As for coasting the clutch, this is an inevitable practice, especially in urban areas facing daily traffic jams. Shifting gears and releasing the clutch immediately without adding throttle can result in a jerky ride, lacking smoothness, and discomfort for the pillion rider, like my Duke 390, which tends to stutter in lower gears.Disadvantages
Engaging the clutch itself doesn't harm the bike, but developing a habit of constant engine braking may pose a threat in certain situations. Two scenarios where engine braking should never be neglected are navigating bends and descending steep slopes. Coasting over a bridge, releasing the clutch to let the bike glide forward, might be acceptable, but the story changes drastically on a mountain pass. The steeper terrain increases inertia, and without an engine brake, the forward pull is stronger. When the speed surpasses control, it becomes extremely hazardous.
Another scenario is when maneuvering bends. If there's a habit of steering and engine braking while navigating urban corners, it becomes a conditioned response. When taking a turn, the fear of the engine stalling and engaging the clutch hinders control, making it challenging to handle, prone to skidding, and... If engine braking or coasting the clutch is a regular practice, riders tend to keep their hands on the clutch lever, and in urgent situations, the reflex is to simultaneously squeeze both brakes and the clutch. This, I believe, increases the workload on the brakes, requiring more braking distance to bring the bike to a halt.Controversies Surrounding This Issue
What About My Own Approach?
In my perspective, I believe in balancing the elements rather than simply fixing a broken vehicle. However, the crucial aspect here is the safety narrative. Based on my experience, engaging the clutch or even downshifting while stuck in urban traffic is inevitable, so I'll still do it if necessary, of course, minimizing it as much as possible.On the other hand, when venturing onto highways, long roads, or places where I can exceed the 30-40 km/h threshold, I default to not keeping my hand on the clutch lever to ensure I don't accidentally squeeze both the brake and the clutch lever in sudden situations. In obstacle scenarios, I initially apply the front brake and then the rear brake, followed by disengaging the clutch to halt the bike, all while keeping the brakes until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before disengaging the clutch to avoid stalling. That's the approach I usually take. How about you guys? What's your method of safely braking on a motorcycle?
