Help me out here... (frustrated)

[BePrepared]

So i "rode" my bike for the first time today. It's a powerful bastard. I never got over 6 MPH, so i don't know HOW powerful, but it has a lot more bottom end acceleration than i expected.

That said, is it normal for it to die if i put it in first then let off the clutch without applying any throttle?

I'm not brave enough to do any real riding, but i wanted to idle it around the parking lot and get to know my bike.

advice would be welcome

 

[Humperdinkel]

Motorcycle clutch operation 101
Rule 1. Fast in, slow out :thumbup: that is all

Its a wet clucth so you can slip it a fair bit till you get used to her

Ohh yeah & the FZ has a notoriously nasty clutch action

 

[vkray]

Yes it is normal for it to die if you let out the clutch and do not give it any throttle. You will need to give it just a little/:cheer:

 

[reiobard]

if you let the clutch out slower, it can absolutely be let out without throttle. but it is best to give a little gas AND let it out slowly

 

[vkray]

You got it on mime it will die even if I let it out slooooooooooly.

 

[reiobard]

You got it on mime it will die even if I let it out slooooooooooly.

What RPM does your bike idle at? it should be in the ballpark of 1200, if less, then it might die, If it is set properly, then you are still letting it out too fast.

 

[Erci]

You can absolutely get moving without giving it any throttle, but that will take LOTS of practice.
Here's the exercise they will teach you in MSF on 1st day of riding:

Bring the RPMs up a little.. maybe about 2.5k (less chance of stalling the bike this way). Let the clutch out VERY slowly JUST to get to the friction zone.. where it starts grabbing and moving forward ever so slightly. As soon as that happens, pull the clutch back in! Roll the bike back slowly with both feet and ease out the clutch again to get the bike moving forward just a bit.
This rocking exercise is a fantastic way to get a feel for the friction zone.

 

[Wolfman]

If it's any consolation...i had been riding for 20 years when i got my first FZ6, and it took me a couple of weeks to get used to the clutch...

Practice makes perfect.

:thumbup:

 

[keira]

If it's any consolation...i had been riding for 20 years when i got my first FZ6, and it took me a couple of weeks to get used to the clutch...

Practice makes perfect.

:thumbup:

+1 I ride rob's FZ in spurts, and still (after nearly 3 years) have a hard time with the friction zone. Granted it's way different than my bike, but the friction zone is something you have to get used to - just like a manual transmission car.

 

[VEGASRIDER]

How much riding experience do you have? Seems to me it's due to operator error. You need to ease out the clutch while you roll on the throttle when you take off from a stop.

 

[BePrepared]

experience? Roughly 300 feet of total riding distance... had you asked my yesterday, it would have been zero

 

[Jblk9695]

Just keep practicing and it will get easier:thumbup:
And yes the FZ clutch is a little tricky at first, sorta like a light switch. Seems to get a little more forgiving as you rack up more miles.
Jerry

 

[VEGASRIDER]

experience? Roughly 300 feet of total riding distance... had you asked my yesterday, it would have been zero

Have you ever thought of taking a Basic Rider Course? Would probably solve a lot of your problems, at least the class will get you on your way to learning the basic fundamentals, like cornering, braking, swerving, clutch and throttle control. The rest will come over time with experience.

Plus, this will be the easiest way to earn your M endorsement. Most states will wave the testing if you sucessfuly pass the BRC. At least we do here in Nevada.

 

[BePrepared]

i'm planning to take it as soon as it's offered near me (mid december) but until then, i'm going to just take it REALLY slow and try to learn the bike without dying.

 

[texcollect]

Take the MSF class Awesome Cycles. It's a bit of a drive from Huntsville, but trust me it's worth it. Let me know when you're taking it and I'll see if I can swing by for a visit. I am a proud graduate of Awesome Cycles (class of August 22nd/23rd 2009). Goofy, almost bald guy on the left

 

[VEGASRIDER]

i'm planning to take it as soon as it's offered near me (mid december) but until then, i'm going to just take it REALLY slow and try to learn the bike without dying.

I assume you will be taking it here?

Texas Department of Public Safety - Courtesy, Service, Protection

 

[TSi Fly]

i'm planning to take it as soon as it's offered near me (mid december) but until then, i'm going to just take it REALLY slow and try to learn the bike without dying.

Is there anyone you know near to you that owns a motorcycle? We are mostly a friendly lot and I'm sure if you asked, someone would give you an hour of showing you the basics until you can get on your course?

 

[BePrepared]

i dont' know anyone nearby but i'm looking for someone. I've posted on a few different websites asking for a hand. One guy said he'd stop by when he has time. Very nice of him.

 

[bd43]

I know you're anxious to take the bike out but remember the FZ6 is over 400lbs and when she starts to lean over, it can be hard to pull it back up from dropping. If you have to ride it, keep off the front brake on your slow turns, use the rear brake. It would be a shame to dump the bike and get some scratches on it. Better to learn and if you must drop a bike, on the MSF bike instead.

Find that friction zone on the clutch and feather the clutch around that zone to move the bike slowly in combination with the rear brake at that speed you've been moving at. If you are stalling, either the RPM is too low, or you're dumping the clutch too quickly instead of feathering around the friction zone. As long as the RPM at idle is around the 1100 RPM mark, on a flat smooth surface, you should be able to move around on the bike by feathering the clutch without having to apply additional throttle.

Cheers and ride safe! ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time) :cheer:

 

[Gcontroller]

So i "rode" my bike for the first time today. It's a powerful bastard. I never got over 6 MPH, so i don't know HOW powerful, but it has a lot more bottom end acceleration than i expected.

That said, is it normal for it to die if i put it in first then let off the clutch without applying any throttle?

I'm not brave enough to do any real riding, but i wanted to idle it around the parking lot and get to know my bike.

advice would be welcome

Really? I mean really? I mean really really???

Plenty of people to help you here with great advice.