Getting Moving in First Gear Smoothly

Getting Moving in First Gear Smoothly

by Debra
(Ventura, CA)

So I took the MSF class 4 years ago never having been on a bike before. I did fine on the first day. Smoothly taking off in first gear and not bucking or sputtering....no throttle control problems to speak of. Now, haven't been on a bike for 4 years, just bought a Yamaha V star 250.
Have been out several times and still having trouble in first and second gear. Found the sweet spot where the clutch engages. Give throttle while gradually letting out clutch rest of the way. Get moving and then when trying to give more throttle, she sputters and bucks and then stalls. It's so frustrating! Can a new bike be that sensitive and an older beat up class bike be so forgiving to a rider whose never been on a bike a day in her life?

Comments for
Getting Moving in First Gear Smoothly

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 07, 2010

A different tack...
by: Sandra

It's not just a matter of allowing the bike to properly warm up, is it? Starting the bike and letting it idle was new to me; get in the car, start it and throw it in reverse - what's the problem?

I put my helmet on after starting, just to eat up some time while the bike warms up. Just a thought!

Jul 05, 2010

It's Normal
by: 1BMWCHC

I didn't ride for a year and half after the class, never rode before it, now I have a 09 BMW F800st. I rode around my neighborhood till I stalled less and less. It's just a matter of finding your friction zone. Each bike is different, but if you've ever driven a stick shift car, it's the same concept. Let the clutch out slow, give it gas until you start moving, but still let the clutch the rest of the way out slowly and you won't stall. I still do once in a while, but it happens. Just go over it methodically in your head before the light changes and you'll get the hang of it.

Jun 29, 2010

A Problem from Time to Time
by: Sassy2731

I have been riding for awhile and even I still have a problem from time to time of letting my clutch out a bit too fast and my bike will stall on me. I suggest just going to an empty parking lot and just practice, practice, practice like you did in your class and just dog walk the bike for several hours until you are so tired. It will eventually all come around and work out for you. The bikes in the classes are smaller and easier to use than a newer larger bike. I know my clutch on my Fatboy and Roadking are harder than the one on my Sportster. It just takes getting used to the different bike clutches. I have tried other peoples bike clutches and some just seem easier than others. Not sure what the difference is. Some bikes have hydraulic clutches and others are more manual (harder). I would take it in and have the clutch checked also just to make sure it doesn't have a problem.

Jun 28, 2010

I have been practicing...
by: Debra

Someone had suggested that I top off the tank with premium because it sounded as if there was moisture in the tank. So I did....it might have helped the engine run a bit smoother. But, I have been practicing stops and starts and it seems that it is way to sensitive....I have done this before and had no issues. I was just curious if it is common with new bikes?

Jun 28, 2010

Throttle Control
by: kp

Take your bike to a shop and have them check your clutch. But most likely, it's just practicing throttle control. Just practice stops and starts.

Jun 28, 2010

Clutch
by: Anonymous

Maybe you need to adjust your clutch.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask (or answer) a Question