Standing on the pegs

[Rupert Jordan]

I've booked the BMW off road skills level 1 course for the 11th & 12th of October and I thought I'd try and get used to standing on the pegs. For those who have done it, do you use the clutch while you're standing? Seems like it would be an awkward angle - although I'm just trying on my KTM 990 SMR as I won't have my GS until next weekend.

 

[Giles]

Yes.

For those who are serious about their off roading, they will set up their bars / levers for use whilst stood up. So that may well include bar raisers and dropping the angle of the levers so that they are easier to use ...

Or of course, you set up bars and levers for a compromise between sat and stood ...

 

[tuftywhite]

I think you are supposed to use the clutch standing up however, if I need to change gear I have a cheeky sit down.

I have to point out that I'm crap off road and am really inexperienced.

After reading reports about the course, you'll be really confident by the end of it.

Have a great time.

 

[Giles]

I think you are supposed to use the clutch standing up however, if I need to change gear I have a cheeky sit down..

Oh dear ......

 

[johnnyboy]

I would check how tight your lever clamps are on the bars, if they won't rotate on the bars when you give them a downwards or upwards "bang" they are too tight. For trail riding it's best to not have them too tight on the bars in case you have an off; the levers will rotate if they hit the deck and will help stop them snapping off. The other positive aspect of doing this is you can "bang" them into a comfortable position for standing or sitting as and when required.

 

[IJGser]

You need a clutch to change gear? I really need to learn some riding skills

 

[david a hall]

You need a clutch to change gear? I really need to learn some riding skills

On the new LC it feels the same clutch or not.

 

[johnnyboy]

You need a clutch to change gear? I really need to learn some riding skills

That's ok when your bumbling along, not so good in the slow knarly sections when you need the clutch to control the bike.

 

[Duchess]

Yes !

Dont forget the fingertip control, (I'm not being rude here!) they'll teach you that on the day

Have fun, I know you will. It'll be tiring, drink plenty of water to keep the levels of concentration going on day 1.

 

[Duchess]

You need a clutch to change gear? I really need to learn some riding skills

** whoosh ** .... straight over the heads!

 

[johnnyboy]

** whoosh ** .... straight over the heads!

Sarcasm doesn't travel well does it?

 

[PDiddy]

You need a clutch to change gear? I really need to learn some riding skills

That depends entirely on what the trail conditions are, although I normally clutch when changing down on the narly stuff -

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Sometimes....................you don't have enough time to use the clutch

 

[IJGser]

As a general rule I only use the clutch for 1st and 2nd on or off road. Obliviously it's needed for technical stuff oh and pulling away

 

[Rupert Jordan]

I did think about angling the levers down after I posted *facepalm* but loosening them slightly is a top pro-tip. Ta.

 

[Schtum]

As a general rule I only use the clutch for 1st and 2nd on or off road. Obliviously it's needed for technical stuff oh and pulling away

Really - you change down without the clutch.....?

 

[IJGser]

Really - you change down without the clutch.....?

Yes unless a sudden down change is needed. Why don't you think that should be done? You do need timing, road planing and dare I say skill......

Mind you it's not a GS its a thumper with a good gear box.

Are you going to tell me I'm damaging something? Would love your input if you know better.

Thanks Ian

 

[widget]

Yes.

For those who are serious about their off roading, .

I practise in Tesco's. It impresses the shoppers.

 

[Mav]

Why wouldn't you use the clutch for every gear change?

1 or 2 fingers should be on the lever all the time, so no time isn't an excuse... And I always assumed that it has to be better on the engine/gearbox, right?

 

[Malvern_Beemer]

Just back from doing level 2 at the ORS last weekend having done level 1 back in April. Don't worry too much about practicing stuff before you go. You will spend the whole of the first morning being taken through the basics in great detail and by the end of the first day standing on the pegs (and changing gears up and down using the clutch while doing so) will seem perfectly natural. In fact by the end of the weekend you will feel like standing up on your way home on the road . The bikes at the ORS have been set up for standing on the peg control.
Best to turn up with no pre-conceptions and just absorb what the brilliant instructors at the ORS impart to you.