Clutch Control 101: Stop Stalling, Start Riding

Nothing kills confidence faster than stalling your bike in front of a group. Whether you're at a stop sign or halfway up a hill, that sudden silence is a feeling every rider knows.

But here is the secret: Stalling isn't usually a mechanical problem. It's a coordination problem.

To ride smoothly, you need to master the friction zone. We call this technique "Thrutching."

Phase 1: Finding Your "Bite Point"

Before you can master throttle control, you need to know exactly where your clutch engages. We call this the "Bite Point."

Phase 2: The "Thrutching" Technique

"Thrutching" is the seamless coordination of Throttle + Clutch. Many new riders treat these as separate steps, which causes lurching.

Think of it as a see-saw: as one hand releases (clutch), the other hand twists (throttle). They work together as one unit.

The Practice Drill

1. Find a flat, open space with about 30 feet of runway.
2. Start in 1st gear.
3. As you release the clutch toward the bite point, add a gentle, steady twist of the throttle.
4. Ride for 30 feet, then come to a controlled stop using the clutch and both brakes.

Why This Matters

This isn't just for parking lots. This skill is your lifeline on the trail. When you eventually tackle your first trail ride, you will use this technique for:

• Hill Starts: Preventing rollback on steep inclines.
• Technical Terrain: Moving slowly over rocks without stalling.
• Corner Exits: Smooth power delivery out of turns.

For a deeper dive into the Thrutching technique with step-by-step drills, check out our complete Thrutching guide.