Hill Starts

Hill Starts

I've passed my test and got a bike but I still get in a right tiz over hill starts and avoid them where possible. Anyone got any advice on the procedure, please?

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Hill Starts

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May 31, 2011

Hills
by: Marion

I also had problems with the hills. I would always kill the bike and boy was I super embarrassed as people behind me would be honking their horns. My husband told me just like the rest of the comments to use the throttle method. When I see that the light is getting ready to turn green, I will start to let the clutch out, this alone keeps the bike from rolling back. When the light turns green just give it gas and release the clutch(not fast). As far as the legs behind the pegs, I have never heard that one before. I will have to try that. This does take alot of practice, but when you get it, you will be smacking yourself. LOL I know I did. Good Luck Happy riding and be safe.

Nov 09, 2010

Hill Starts
by: Anonymous

The peg trick might work for some bikes, but with forward pegs, I wouldn't want to try it.

The friction zone usage is what I do. It's not hard to do at all. In fact, the use of the friction zone was one of the first things taught in the Rider's Edge course that I took.

Nov 02, 2010

Hill Starts
by: Anonymous

That clutch friction thing takes a LOT of practice.

My husband, who has been riding 40+ years gave me a little piece of advice when I first started riding, just to help me a little bit.

Just before you get ready to start, place both of your legs BEHIND your pegs and let the bike rest against them for just a moment, until you can release the clutch and throttle.

After 3+ years of riding I have a real good feel for the throttle-clutch now,,,,but ever once in awhile on a steep incline I still use this little trick.

Good luck!

Nov 02, 2010

Foot brake good advice...
by: Sandra

now you have to just practice, practice, practice! Much like learning to handle a manual shift car, your nervousness will cause more problems for you than anything, so find a small incline to practice on that has no traffic and just keep at it. Once you have the confidence that you CAN master the task, if you happen to flub up, your recovery time will be better and you won't freeze up when it really counts...like at a traffic light at a busy intersection with a left turn light on an incline!! :)

Nov 01, 2010

Use Back Brake
by: Jane

I stop in first gear, left foot on the ground, and prevent the bike from rolling back with my right foot on the back brake. When ready to start moving again, I add some throttle and easy out the clutch until the bike wants to move forward. Then I release the back brake and add more throttle.

Here's a quote from James Davis, a motorcycle safety expert:

You ease the clutch lever out until the bike is obviously trying to move against the brake(s) as you increase throttle and ease your brake off to start on an incline. Virtually everyone will use their rear brake to hold the bike while stopped.

Hope this helps.

Nov 01, 2010

Friction Zone
by: Anonymous

Use the friction zone of your clutch. I just let the clutch out a little to hold the bike on the hill. When it's time to go, roll on the throttle and release the clutch slowly. It's the same as in a car.

Nov 01, 2010

Hill Starts
by: Anonymous

I recently read "Motorcycling For Dummies", and it had a great section on just such a problem. I highly recommend picking up a copy for that particular section and other cool tips. Good luck!

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