[Donzo]

I was out riding with some friends today. There were 8 of us and we would pull up 2 side by side in formation. I notice the 2 guys infront of me always put their bikes in neutral evena t lights that were a couple minutes wait. I just held the clutch. When we stopped for lunch I asked them why always neutral? They both said they were saving their clutch pads and oil by going to neutral. I always pictured pulling the clutch and the thro bearing disengaging the clutch from friction...thereby not wearing the clutch or oil. Who is right? Thanks in advance, Donzo

 

[Trekwolf164]

Depends upon the situation If I'm going to be stopped for a long period I find Neutral. If its just a Stop sign I clutch.
A fully depressed Clutch lever = no wear but if you vary the pressure your riding the clutch which will wear it over time

 

[delawnman]

I find that if i put it in neutral I can stretch my arms and shoulders at stop lights. I dont know about which one creates more clutch wear, only that i get tired of holding my arms up in front of me when i ride a lot.

 

[Donzo]

Thanks for the reply. These guys were convinced that a fully pulled clutch still wears the pads and will dirty up the oil. We all just clutch at stop signs...but how about 4 way stop LIGHTS where the wait may be 3 minutes? I still just hold the clutch fully in. It seems like the solid loud CLUNK of putting it in first after all stop lights would be more damaging than holding the clutch.....?

 

[alanATW]

Thanks for the reply. These guys were convinced that a fully pulled clutch still wears the pads and will dirty up the oil. We all just clutch at stop signs...but how about 4 way stop LIGHTS where the wait may be 3 minutes? I still just hold the clutch fully in. It seems like the solid loud CLUNK of putting it in first after all stop lights would be more damaging than holding the clutch.....?

Neither are damaging.

 

[weegy]

I always stop at a light with the clutch pulled in and in first gear. Never worried about clutch wear. I worry about an idiot cager rear ending me. I keep my eyes in my mirrors so if I need to pull ahead or spit a lane I am ready. Probable a good habit to get into.

 

[ByteN2it]

I've never worried about savin' my clutch-I keep it in gear and make sure I have an escape route in case a vehicle comes in hot from behind-I'd rather save my ass

 

[nakota7]

"I've never worried about savin' my clutch-I keep it in gear and make sure I have an escape route in case a vehicle comes in hot from behind-I'd rather save my a$$"
+1

 

[kychevyguy]

I always stop at a light with the clutch pulled in and in first gear. Never worried about clutch wear. I worry about an idiot cager rear ending me. I keep my eyes in my mirrors so if I need to pull ahead or spit a lane I am ready. Probable a good habit to get into.

Same here

 

[Aquaskier]

I've never worried about savin' my clutch-I keep it in gear and make sure I have an escape route in case a vehicle comes in hot from behind-I'd rather save my a$$

+1

 

[dtmmil]

i am a clutch puller, but somedays after work my hands hurt so i will pop into neutral at lights, but watch my mirrors closely!

 

[randysfishing]

70% clutch pulled in. The other 30% its nutreal if I feel the conditions are safe.

 

[Donzo]

Great point about having the clutch pulled in first for a quick get away. Knowing what is going on around you 360 can be a life saver.

 

[SkooterRob]

Alwats with the clutch pulled and in first gear as taught in safety course.

 

[tluna10]

Clutch puller all the way for the same reason mentioned before. Always looking behind me in case some idiot is texting or tweeting. I can afford to replace it when it wears out. I would rather that than the alternative. Ride safe and watch out for idiots.

 

[forbegos]

Safety demands you stop and keep 1st gear engaged with the clutch pulled and ready to go in case someone decides to forget to use their breaks and rearend you. You always need to have a fast start and an escape route when riding.

 

[delawnman]

i guess worries about clutch wear become kind of irrelevant when put in perspective with the mentioned safety concerns, eh?

 

[BBob]

Depends where I'm at; city, suburbs, or country. In the city I'll hold the clutch until a car comes up behind me and stops. Then it becomes my protection from being backended.
Neutral at lights any other time.

 

[SofaKingBlue]

When stopped, I pull the clutch in and keep one eye in the mirror looking out for cars. If a line of cars have stopped behind be, I'll go to neutral.

 

[bikendad]

Leave it pulled in for quick getaway most of the time, slip it into neutral when I'm hemmed in at a long light.