Do You Hold the Clutch When Starting a Motorcycle?

Indeed the motorbike clutch plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the motorbike and there’s confusion among beginners about pressing the motorbike clutch. And that’s why the question arises, do you hold the clutch when starting a motorcycle? 

Interestingly, you don’t have to press the motorbike clutch when starting the motorbike as long as your motorbike is on neutral. Now, most motorbikes come with intelligent technology, which doesn’t let you begin the motorbike unless it is on neutral.

Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about pressing the motorbike clutch when starting the motorbike. 

Do You Hold the Clutch When Starting a Motorcycle?

The motorbike clutch is probably the only part that engages both when your motorbike is ON and OFF. Now, the question rises, do you hold the clutch in when starting a motorcycle? 

Many people fear that their motorbike will shift the gear automatically, and thus they need to press the motorcycle clutch. In reality, you don’t have to press the motorbike clutch when starting the motorbike as long as your motorbike is on neutral. 

In simpler words, you don’t need to be extra careful when your motorbike is on neutral. 

Why Not Holding the Clutch When Starting a Motorcycle? 

Indeed you don’t need to press the motorbike clutch when starting the motorbike if your motorbike is on neutral. Now the question arises, why you don’t have to hold the clutch in when starting a motorcycle? 

You don’t have to hold the motorbike clutch when starting it because nowadays motorbike comes with intelligent technology, which doesn’t allow you to ignite the engine unless it is on neutral. 

With this simple and smart technology, your motorbike won’t shift the gear automatically when starting the motorbike. 

Why Experts Recommend Holding the Clutch?

So far, you understand why you shouldn’t press the motorbike clutch while starting the motorbike; now the question arises, why do experts recommend holding the clutch while starting a motorcycle? 

Experts recommend holding the clutch while starting the motorbike because old model motorbikes still don’t come with smart technology, which restricts motorbikes from shifting gear while starting the motorbike. 

Also, suppose there’s any intelligent technology system fault. In that case, your motorbike might shift to the gear at the moment when you start the motorbike. And to be on the extra safe side, experts recommend holding the motorbike clutch while igniting the motorcycle engine.   

Do You’ve to Hold the Clutch When Kick-starting the Motorcycle? 

Indeed to be on the extra safe side, you can press the clutch while starting the motorbike. Now, the question arises, do you’ve to hold the clutch when kick-starting the motorbike? 

There’re two types of motorbike kick start mechanism, one which requires you to press the motorbike clutch and the other in which you don’t require such. If your motorbike moves forward as you kick start, then you need to set the motorbike on neutral or press the clutch. 

And if your motorbike doesn’t move an inch while kick-starting, then you don’t need to hold the clutch when kick-starting the motorbike.  

What if You Don’t Press Motorbike Clutch While Starting the Motorcycle? 

So far, you understand that you don’t have to press the motorbike clutch when kick-starting the motorbike. Now the question arises, does a motorbike malfunction if you don’t press the clutch?

Suppose you don’t press the motorbike clutch when kick-starting the motorbike. In that case, there won’t be any faultiness because when your motorbike is on neutral, there won’t be any direct connection between the motorbike clutch and motorbike kick. 

So if you are confused about whether starting the motorbike is suitable for the clutch, then it’s good news. 

Can You Start a Motorbike Without Clutch?

Indeed there won’t be any fault if you start the motorbike without pressing the clutch; now the question arises, can you ignite a motorbike without a clutch? 

Suppose your motorbike comes with intelligent technology which doesn’t let the motorbike gear engage while starting the motorbike. In that case, you can ignite your motorbike without the clutch. However, you can’t engage or shift to first gear without the motorbike clutch. 

Without the motorbike clutch, you can only ignite the engine, but you need a motorbike clutch or its alternative for shifting to the next gear but with some tricks and tips you can change the motorbike gear without clutch.

When Should You Depress the Motorbike Clutch? 

So far, you understand that you don’t have to press the motorbike clutch when kick-starting the engine; now the question arises, when should you depress the motorbike clutch? 

You should depress the motorbike clutch once your motorbike starts to move and your feet are up in a stable position and you have the complete control of the motorbike by the throttle. 

When disengaging the motorbike clutch, you need to remember to depress the motorbike clutch with the synchronization of increasing the throttle. Suppose you disengage the motorbike clutch too early without engaging the motorbike throttle then your motorbike will likely stall or stop suddenly. 

Can You Change the Motorcycle Gear Without the Clutch?

So far, you understand what a motorcycle clutch is and what it mainly does on your motorbike. Now the question arises, can you change the motorcycle gear without the clutch? 

You can change the motorbike gear without the clutch, but it should be your backup or second option because doing this will hamper your motorbike gear teeth. 

The motorbike clutch temporarily disengages the motorbike power to the rear wheel so that you can change the motorbike gear without hurting the motorbike gear teeth during this period. And that’s why experts always recommend avoiding changing the gear without pressing the clutch. 

Can You Find the Clutch in Every Motorbike? 

So far, you understand that you shouldn’t have to press the motorbike clutch while changing the motorbike gear. Now the question arises, can you find the clutch in every motorbike?

You can find the motorcycle clutch in every motorbike with gear. Except for the electric motorbike, all remaining motorbikes come with a clutch so you can change the motorbike gears. 

Since the electric motorbike is based on a simple electric motor principle that runs when you accelerate, there’s no involvement of the motorbike gears and this clutch. 

However, many manufacturers plan to announce electric motorbikes with transmissions and gears so you can find the electric motorbike clutch on those motorbikes soon. 

Where Can You Find the Clutch in the Motorbike? 

So far, you understand that you can find the motorbike clutch in every motorbike, which comes with gear and transmission. Now the question arises, where can you find the clutch in the motorbike? 

You can find the motorbike clutch on the left handle side of every motorbike. The clutch looks the same as the front tire break, and you need to press it when you want to disengage the motorbike engine to the rear wheel.

Also, read my previous post where I discussed what is an automatic motorcycle and how it’s different from ordinary motorbikes, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

Do You Hold the Clutch When Starting a Motorcycle? Interestingly, you don’t have to press the motorbike clutch when starting the motorbike as long as your motorbike is on neutral. Now, most motorbikes come with intelligent technology, which doesn’t allow you to begin the motorbike unless it is on neutral.

To ensure the intelligent system doesn’t let the motorbike engage automatically, experts recommend holding the motorbike clutch when starting the motorbike.