FYI: Discover why using fewer fingers for motorcycle controls might enhance your riding experience, or when more fingers are necessary for comfort.
Are You Using Too Many Fingers on Your Motorcycle’s Clutch and Brake?
By Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you might have been taught to use all four fingers for the clutch and brake. However, many professional riders, including MotoGP legends, use fewer fingers. Why is that? Let’s explore the reasons and situations for different finger configurations and how they affect your ride.
Why Fewer Fingers Can Be Beneficial
Top MotoGP riders typically avoid using all four fingers on the brake lever. The key reason is control. With fewer fingers on the lever, you retain a stronger grip on the handlebars, ensuring greater steering precision. Here’s why two-finger techniques are often favored:
- Enhanced Control: Using just two fingers allows for finer adjustments to braking and clutch pressure.
- Improved Steering: Maintaining full grip on the handlebars helps manage the bike’s steering, crucial during simultaneous braking and turning.
Many riders have developed personal preferences over time. For instance, after attending a Yamaha Champ School, some find they naturally drift towards using one finger for more nuanced braking, emphasizing the increased precision this can offer.
When More Fingers Make Sense
On the flip side, there are scenarios where using more fingers is advantageous, particularly in exhausting conditions:
- Long Rides: Extended journeys can result in muscle fatigue. Using more fingers distributes the strain, making it easier to pull the lever repeatedly without tiring.
- Traffic Jams: Riders facing stop-and-go traffic, like in busy cities such as Boston, often prefer four fingers to ensure comfort and reduce exhaustion over time.
Even in professional settings like police rodeos, three or four fingers are common to maintain control during rigorous practice sessions.
Conclusion
Mastering finger placement can significantly elevate your riding experience. Whether you’re zipping through a track or navigating urban landscapes, understanding when to use fewer or more fingers offers both control and comfort.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Explore the balance in your ride, and remember: adaptability to different situations is key in motorcycle mastery.
