Pros keeping index finger on clutch?

kx100getter
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kx100getter
Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 5:19pm
Hi,

I have noticed the pros keep one index finger always on the clutch. This feels normal because I mountain bike alot and I do that with the brakes but how do these riders pull the clutch back so easily with one finger since I usually use all 4 fingers to pull it back. When I try to pull it back with one finger I can do it but it takes alot of work. Is this just index finger strength or are the cables lubed, lighter spring or something making it easier to do this.
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Wandell
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Wandell 8/31/2010 8:42pm
8/31/2010 8:42pm
I do the same thing and I'm far from a pro. In fact, most kids in the 65 beginner class could beat me!Grinning
loftyair
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loftyair 8/31/2010 8:56pm
8/31/2010 8:56pm
You need to service your clutch if you cant pull it in with 1 finger. Either that or your exceptionally weak, sorry.
Bronson905 9/1/2010 10:08am
9/1/2010 10:08am
loftyair wrote:
You need to service your clutch if you cant pull it in with 1 finger. Either that or your exceptionally weak, sorry.
x2. I use two fingers on the clutch, my middle and index. But I don't have them on the clutch the whole time I'm riding. I kind of got used to it and its sort of a habbit now. Plus with four strokes, you don't really need to use the clutch that much.
kx100getter
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kx100getter 9/1/2010 3:03pm
9/1/2010 3:03pm
Ya, I have a 2-stroke. I can pull it back with one finger it is just it gets very tiring with one finger and I have small hands so just my finger tip touches the clutch. The pros pull it back with one finger effortlessly, I am just wondering if that is because they have the cables lubed and have it modded for easier pull of the clutch or do they just have a lot of strength in their index fingers?

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SteveS
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SteveS 9/2/2010 6:23am
9/2/2010 6:23am
A lot of kids have to use two fingers, but it's also something that you can increase your strength over time by doing it. Levers are adjustable and you need to get yours in a position that works for you.
Justin314
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Justin314 9/7/2010 7:04am
9/7/2010 7:04am
Its a good habit to develop. I also keep my right index on my front brake.
ocscottie
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ocscottie 9/7/2010 8:39am
9/7/2010 8:39am
Do you have one of these?



keeping the cable clean and lubed will help, also make sure your cable has proper routing.

Grab a tennis or a raquet ball and sit and squeeze it all day long while you are just sitting around.
TerryK
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TerryK 9/7/2010 9:17am
9/7/2010 9:17am
A KX100 clutch should be smooth and easy to pull. Make sure everything is in good shape and well lubed.
motogroove
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motogroove 9/8/2010 5:46am
9/8/2010 5:46am
A couple fast guys were bench racing in the pits last Sunday. One guy noted that keeping one or two fingers on the levers helps prevent arm pump by forcing you to lighten up on the death grip.

It's also nice to have the clutch handy for those times when you grab a handful of throttle by accident.
dbarrett231
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dbarrett231 10/25/2010 9:12pm
10/25/2010 9:12pm
i used to have troubles keeping one finger on the clutch and brake , and actually i still didnt think i was until i start looking at my new pictures and i have one finger on the clutch and brake, i do it because i need them both there all the time i guess
Craig_Lambrecht 12/21/2010 11:28am
12/21/2010 11:28am Edited Date/Time 2/15/2011 5:51pm
I personally ride with middle finger on the clutch and index finger on the brake. I think it all comes down to whatever is most comfortable for you.
JJones.44 12/21/2010 4:45pm
12/21/2010 4:45pm
motogroove wrote:
A couple fast guys were bench racing in the pits last Sunday. One guy noted that keeping one or two fingers on the levers helps prevent...
A couple fast guys were bench racing in the pits last Sunday. One guy noted that keeping one or two fingers on the levers helps prevent arm pump by forcing you to lighten up on the death grip.

It's also nice to have the clutch handy for those times when you grab a handful of throttle by accident.
that makes sense, ill have to try it
Bill_Carroll
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Bill_Carroll 12/25/2010 11:02pm
12/25/2010 11:02pm
Good post! I think it's preference as well, with what you grew up riding being the bike and what you ride. A Penton clutch took a handful to pull in then you get a brand new jap bike and can pull levers back by looking at them.

Having a finger or two becomes second nature to decrease response time; you gather this reflex with speed. If you find yourself not getting faster then you need to find faster buddies

You will be amazed if you approach "A" class riders and talk a bit that they will make an attempt to school you in what works and what doesn't and inviting you to practice with them, that’s if you aren't to much of a dweab.
Mejan
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Mejan 8/1/2011 11:42pm
8/1/2011 11:42pm
Stewart doesn´t know what a finger on the clutch is, ask Chad Reed!
mxb2
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mxb2 8/2/2011 11:57am
8/2/2011 11:57am
Justin314 wrote:
Its a good habit to develop. I also keep my right index on my front brake.
x2
mxtech1
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mxtech1 8/13/2011 7:46am
8/13/2011 7:46am
Most experienced and pro riders aren't using the clutch to upshift. also keep in mind they aren't completely pulling the lever in. They usually have the lever setup so they only have to pull it a small amount to start disengaging the clutch so they can fan it through ruts, whoops, loam, etc. This is why pros are constantly using the quick adjuster during the race - to keep that lever pull amount the same as the engine and clutch get hotter. If you watch, many pros will use the two finger method on the start and then switch to just the index/middle finger during the race.

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