Thank you. This has been my argument for three fingers since I started training for my first competition. I am always told by Motor Officer Instructors that 4 fingers is safer to prevent chopping your pinky finger off in a hard drop to the left, but 3 fingers was always easier for me to control the clutch with and I’ve always used it. Mine is hydraulic, so it grabs way out. That’s another thing I had to find my own ‘best practice’ for, but it works for me, on my bike. I think we all will have our own techniques that work for our specific bikes. Thanks again.
100% agree. 3 finger is ideal. Works great for offroad on rough surfaces where the front end is kicking around. I was never able to master 2 finger clutch, but 3 finger clutch has been my standard riding grip since I started (42 years ago, eek!)
Thanks, Quinn. Always excellent information! I don't ride competitions, and I don't typically go from lock-to-lock, but this DOES make me consider gripping techniques for regular riding. I typically have two fingers on the front brake, but I have yet to toy with using two or three on the clutch. My clutch is a bit too stiff for two fingers, but three is do-able. I just need to see if it will work for me in real-world street riding. Ride safe, sir!
I have always been a 4 fingers guy and got a chance to play around with this today. What a difference! Way more control & comfort on my left turns and transitions than I expected being able to brace with the pinky finger. Fantastic tip. Many Thanks for all the info.
Interestingly, when learning motorcycle and parking exercises initially, I used two fingers on the clutch/two fingers on the bar naturally for some period of time. Later I was asked by some instructor why and I could only answer for symmetry with my right hand ) He told about more power with four. Also it was uncomfortable with two fingers on the clutch bar to control turning signals when waiting to start with the clutch fully pushed on the road. So I eventually switched to the traditional four fingers and have been using it. Now I see there was a reason) And three on the lever / one on the bar approach sounds like optimal for slow-speed/parking riding. Thanks, good detailed explanation (!)
Old dirt biker here. I've used this technique for many years. Hanging on to dirt bike handlebars for dear life requires one to use only two fingers on the clutch and brake levers.
Hah, that's exactly what I do. I started doing it about 6 months out of motor school. I noticed I had a lot more control of the friction zone. I never liked the four-finger technique. It also has helped me with fatigue in my clutch hand.
yes i agree. it helps with fatigue because it avoids the squeeze all the way in. i suffer from chronic golfer elbow and the technic help reduce the engagement of the tiny muscle and tendons in the elbow area.
i good advice. i have been doing it (3 fingers). I tried 2 in the past and did not like it much . holding the bar with thumb and pinkie is enough for me
How about removing some metal from the clutch lever at the point where the adjustment screw touches the clutch cable 'clamp'(sorry, I'm Belgian). This will allow the set screw to be screwed out further and allow the handle to get closer to the steering bar, whilst bringing the friction zone closer to the bar as well....
If you are heading to a motor academy, you need to follow whatever protocol the school follows, otherwise you will struggle or worse. Once you complete the program, you can explore new/different ideas. Good luck!
