The start on the Santa Pod track is mesmerizing. Imagine yourself in front of a traffic light in anticipation of the sweet moment of total superiority over cars - atavistic products of evolution that hesitated somewhere along the path of development and did not switch from four wheels to two. A monstrously powerful but submissive motorcycle vibrates gently between your legs. He is ready, obeying the movement of his right hand, to explode in thermonuclear acceleration and turn the world around him into a blurry photograph. But suddenly another “pepper” on a motorcycle “materializes” next to you. His bike is just as powerful, and his hand with his middle finger outstretched leaves no doubt: there will be no love. How to punish an arrogant insolent person and show who the DADDY is?
In drag racing, the pendulum is lengthened to improve acceleration efficiency at the start.
The technique of starting with a clutch slip (clutch-start in English) will be useful to everyone: a racer who wants to be the first to leave the starting line, a drag master ready to shoot 400 meters, and just a hero of the night streets. So, let's begin.
HM Plant Honda pilot practicing launch at Mallory Park
Engage first gear and roll the motorcycle to the starting line. Spin the engine to the speed corresponding to the maximum torque (for modern “liters” approximately 8-9 thousand rpm). In this case, the clutch should not be fully depressed, but at the grip point, i.e. where it is just beginning to “catch”. Lean forward strongly, placing your left foot on the footrest so you are ready to change gears.
400m Santa Pod – the kingdom of speed
Keep the motorcycle strictly vertical. Look straight ahead, watch the traffic lights with your peripheral vision. The motorcycle roars, the last seconds drag on like an eternity... Red, yellow, BAANZAAAY!!!
The trick of the technique is to use the clutch to maintain maximum acceleration and at the same time use the throttle to maintain the speed in the zone of maximum torque. Ideally, the acceleration should be such that the front wheel hangs in the air at a height of 10-15 centimeters. This may not work out right away, so you will have to spend time training. As the speed increases, smoothly release the clutch.
An overdose at the start is dangerous due to loss of time
By the time the clutch is fully released, you should be ready to shift into second. So don't relax - you have no more than three seconds to prepare. 500-1000 rpm before the tachometer needle hits the limiter, press the gear shift pedal from below and release the gas for a split second (no need to use the clutch). If the gearbox is in order, second gear should replace first gear harmoniously. And again “unscrew” until the “hole”! Don't forget about aerodynamics - press tightly to the tank.
In MotoGP, electronics help an efficient start. It is especially unpleasant to stall at the start.
By practicing the techniques described above, you will ensure the most efficient start available to road motorcycle owners today. To finally enjoy the taste of victory, all you have to do is generously treat your opponent, freshly trampled into the aromatic products of defecation, with beer. You are a MAN!
Anton Barsukov, photo by the author. Great Britain, 2004
The tension before the start is enormous. In BSB, electronic launch control systems are prohibited. In drag racing, mastery of the starting technique is especially important. The first meter of the racing distance has been completed.
Basics
To learn how to ride a motorcycle, you first need to learn this “tool.” In the case of a device that is designed for right-hand traffic, you should stand on the left and examine all the details. After studying all the organs of transport, you need to learn how to remove it and put it on a special delivery. To do this, again you need to stand on the left side of the motorcycle. Use your left hand to grasp the steering wheel, while your right hand is placed on the handle mounted on the saddle. After this, the motorcycle must be pushed forward so that it descends from this stand and stands on its wheels.
This process requires special attention and caution. After all, as soon as the motorcycle is on its wheels, it will tilt to one side. Therefore, after pushing it off this protective part, it is recommended to tilt it slightly in your direction. This will make it easier to hold the transport. If he starts to lean to the right, it will no longer be possible to hold him. Now you need to learn how to lift it onto the same stand. It is rarely possible to do this at once, so you will have to do several such manipulations.
Unity with nature
Is it possible to drive on summer tires in winter?
Yes, no one argues that you can travel freely by car. No one is stopping you from getting behind the wheel and hitting the road. But still, a car is a closed thing, you won’t feel all the charm of the surrounding nature in it, you won’t “feel” the wind with your hands and you won’t plunge your face into the oncoming “current”. Still, swimming in the river is better than looking at the picture of this river. And driving in a car will not give you the lively sensations that you can get by driving around on two wheels.
But all this is lyrics; in reality, the situation is a little more severe. To enjoy all of these benefits, you first need to learn how to “stay in the saddle.” The main problem for novice motorcyclists is choosing a driving school and a personal instructor. The majority of instructors are trying to make more money from unsuspecting beginners, teaching them only the basics in order to successfully pass the traffic police exam. Passed - well done! The rest is not the instructor's concern. To avoid such troubles, it makes sense to look for professional motorcycle schools, and we are ready to recommend one to you.
The MsM motorcycle school has been engaged in motorcycle education and additional preparation of novice drivers for intensive urban conditions for more than 7 years. The school was founded by a professional methodologist and simply a good driver, Alexander Lepchikov. He also developed the teaching methodology and the operating principles of the school and its instructors.
We would like to note the truly impressive fleet of MsM vehicles. Practical classes are held both on light motorcycles such as Yamaha YBR 125, Suzuki GasTracker 250, Yamaha TW200, KTM Duke 200, and on heavy ones such as Honda CB400, Yamaha DragStar 650, Yamaha XT660, Irbis TTR 250, Suzuki Bandit 400. There are also models from Kawasaki and BMW are all completely new and undergo regular inspection. Classes are taught by real masters of their craft with extensive experience and experience as instructors.
But even during training, you should not forget about safety. The MsM motorcycle school provides a complete set of protective equipment absolutely free of charge for the entire period of training: helmet, turtle/motorcycle jacket, knee pads, gloves, balaclava (in other schools they are usually limited to one helmet). And for complete isolation and convenience of students, all classes are held in “warm” areas with year-round rental. Everything is honest and official. The school also practices motorcycle tourism for beginners. Experienced instructors gather groups and travel around cities as tourists. Even motorcycles are rented out for this purpose.
If you want, you can go to a trial full lesson. It lasts for 2 hours and costs only 1000 rubles. If you bring a friend with you, the school pays the same 1000 rubles in cash. So don't sit still - dare!
Rules for driving a motorcycle
So, next you should learn to drive a vehicle, not to ride it, but to drive it, that is, learn to control its steering wheel. Once the motorcycle is removed from its stand, you need to make sure that the transmission is in neutral. Then you need to tilt it towards you, push it forward and, holding the steering wheel with both hands, begin to drive it along the area chosen for such training.
In this case, you should first learn how to make circular movements in such a way that the motorcycle remains on the outside of the figurative circle. This exercise is easier, since the bike is tilted towards the student. After this, you need to learn the same movements, only clockwise, that is, the “tool” remains inside the circle.
Also, in this case, you need to immediately learn to brake at any specific object using the handle of the brake system. It is recommended to carry out such actions until the transport is completely controlled.
The next step is to roll down on a slight slope. Such exercises must be carried out on an area where there is a slope. Now you can sit on a chair and, using your legs, push off the ground, begin to move down this slope. If the motorcycle begins to lean, it will need to be leveled using the handlebars, that is, it will need to be turned into the desired position.
When rolling down, use the handbrake. This is done to prevent the vehicle from speeding up. This exercise must be repeated until you can confidently maintain your balance.
Another important learning point will be the process of jumping on the motorcycle while it is already moving. This will help if the battery suddenly runs out or some kind of breakdown occurs.
After studying all these exercises, you can safely start the engine.
Before doing this, again, you need to make sure that the gearbox is in neutral. Next, smoothly press the so-called kickstarter pedal several times. After this, the key is inserted into the lock and turned in the required direction - “On”. The light should turn on, then turn the knob that controls the “gas” and sharply press the same pedal. After starting the engine, you need to wait until it warms up to 60 degrees.
How to ride a bike?
Now you can learn to start and stop as needed. To start, the clutch and 1st gear must be disengaged. This will become noticeable when the vehicle jerks forward a little. After this, you should slowly release the clutch and listen to the engine.
The speed will drop and the motorcycle will roll. At this moment, you need to disengage the clutch lever and set the gear lever to neutral. This exercise must be well worked out, so it is recommended to do it several times. Then you can proceed to the next stage.
When it is already good to “catch” the moment to disengage the clutch, you need to hold the lever in the same position and give a little gas. The motorcycle will go. Now you need to put your feet on special settings and slowly release the clutch completely.
To stop, you need to turn off this lever completely, slow down and start braking. Again, after this, it is important to remember to set the gearbox to the neutral point.
How to ride a motorcycle?
Before joining the street traffic, becoming part of it, getting used to the busy streets, it would be nice to master a motorcycle and get a feel for it. A motorcyclist must know how to behave if the wheel skids, and how hard to press the pedals. Driving skills should be developed to the point of automaticity; this will increase your safety in unforeseen situations.
An experienced driver needs a helmet, goggles and gloves, as well as strong pants and a jacket made of windproof fabric to keep warm during high-speed driving.
Reasons to learn motorcycle driving techniques
Not many modern people know how to learn to ride a motorcycle. However, they all want to master the technique of driving this vehicle for a number of reasons.
They are:
Getting a lot of pleasant impressions
Motorcycles provide an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They fill the life of every person with new emotions. This is necessary for every resident of the metropolis. Working from morning to evening in the office, there is no time for yourself. Life becomes routine. Due to the fact that motorcycle equipment is quite mobile, it can be used to ride on any city streets. Many motorcyclists try to walk their “iron horse” at least in the evening to get a charge of positive emotions.
Relieving stress
Almost every resident of a modern city is faced with stressful situations in his life that unsettle him. Motorcycles make it possible to cope with them. Many psychologists offer their patients extreme sports to combat stress. This also includes motorcycle riding.
Making new friends
Every person wants to have a large number of friends. The life of a motorcyclist involves many new acquaintances. It is inevitable that after you learn how to ride a bike, your life will be filled with new friends.
Travel
For many, the usual vacation becomes boring. Trips abroad, to the sea, no longer cause any delight. That is why you can learn to master the technique of riding a motorcycle in order to make exciting trips to different parts of our country.
Working the clutch correctly
The clutch mechanism is needed not only to change gears. Moreover, professional racers do not use a clutch to change gears at all. This node also gives you the following options:
- By squeezing the clutch, you can abruptly break the connection between the engine and the wheel in the case of, for example, an engine wedge. This will prevent you from falling;
- Depressing the clutch during emergency braking allows you to slow down as much as possible without letting the engine stall. After which you can return the traction to the wheel to perform an evasive maneuver;
- Maneuvering at low speeds is ensured by proper clutch operation.
How to operate the clutch correctly to control the bike at minimum speeds? The principle is to find the so-called “gray zone”, when the disks are not fully compressed or decompressed. They provide partial grip, but still slip.
In this case, the gas is kept at medium speed, and the speed is controlled by the clutch and rear brake. This ensures a smooth ride of the motorcycle, it does not jerk when there is a lack of traction, and does not fall over when turning. This is the easiest way to pass the training ground when passing for category A. This is how you pass the most difficult elements of gymkhana.
The clutch is your best friend and perhaps the main control element of your motorcycle. It is important to be able to work with this unit correctly, care for it and change it in a timely manner.
How to understand that the clutch has become unusable?
The power of the bike and the safety of riding it depend on the setting and condition of the clutch. Every motorcyclist can understand for himself that it’s time to change the unit:
- The clutch is slipping. This is easy to check. It is necessary to accelerate to medium speed in 3-4 gears, and then sharply unscrew the throttle. If the revolutions increase, but the speed does not increase proportionally with them, it means there are problems, the discs are slipping. Either they need to be changed, or the springs need to be adjusted, or attention to the entire basket is needed. Also often the reason lies in low-quality or already outdated oil;
- Mot is trying to drive with first gear engaged and the clutch depressed. Normally, no cravings should be felt. If you have to stop the bike with your feet, then there is a problem with the clutch. Most often this is deformation of metal discs or a breakdown in the squeeze line. Requires disassembly of the unit and careful inspection.
