The reason I chose a spyder

[Convic80]

I have a question for all men. Am I less than a man because I have trouble learning how to use a clutch? I am currently going through the motorcycle safety course required by the military. I cannot for the life of me learn how to work the clutch on a motorcycle. I understand how the clutch works and how it removes the power from the rear wheel and how the shift lever works and the friction zone and everything but... trying to learn all of that while riding just is not working out for me. This is the whole reason why I got a spyder. I don't have to worry about no damn friction zone or remembering to downshift and holding the clutch. That's too much crap going on at one time for me. Call me lazy but I just like to keep things simple. I ain't got time for all that.:cus:

 

[cuznjohn]

the clutch is easy and it becomes second nature nature. it just takes some time. just give it a little more gas at first and ease out the clutch, and in time you will learn to do both together as one

 

[loisk]

Reminds me a bit of the old debate between automatic and manual (stick shift) cars. I recall some heated debates back in the day - now it's no contest.

Enjoy.

After decades of two wheels, I love my semi auto - I still change up and down to suit myself but without the ergonomic issues, for me, of clutch and gear levers.

oops was your post addressed only to men ? :roflblack:

 

[Saluda]

My clutch days are over. Owned a ton of manuals, both cars, trucks and bikes. Now it's semi auto and no looking back.
Did enjoy them (manuals) in my younger years.

 

[Pat Clark]

Just a matter of choice

I had a 13RTL SE5. Put a ton of miles on it before trading for the 16 F3T SM6. Honestly would have preferred the SE6 but got such a good deal on the manual I couldn't pass on it. After 2000 miles it's second nature with the manual. Almost always downshifted with the SE5 so using the clutch is no big deal. I learned to drive on a "3 on a tree" Drove a tractor trailer for 21 years after retiring from the Navy. I've always subscribed to everyone should learn to drive a manual shift. My Silverado is an auto.

Just my 2 cents,

Pat

 

[rudym]

could be a brain issue

I have a question for all men. Am I less than a man because I have trouble learning how to use a clutch? I am currently going through the motorcycle safety course required by the military. I cannot for the life of me learn how to work the clutch on a motorcycle. I understand how the clutch works and how it removes the power from the rear wheel and how the shift lever works and the friction zone and everything but... trying to learn all of that while riding just is not working out for me. This is the whole reason why I got a spyder. I don't have to worry about no damn friction zone or remembering to downshift and holding the clutch. That's too much crap going on at one time for me. Call me lazy but I just like to keep things simple. I ain't got time for all that.:cus:

sometimes difficulty in learning new skills points to brain issues. see a neurologist.

 

[Centurion]

Nice Spyder! Congrats on your choice of the Spyder! Don't worry about learning a clutch if you already have a bike that brings you riding enjoyment. Both of our Spyders are SEs as well.

 

[PistonBlown]

Used to borrow a mates old Bedford truck occasionally where you had to double-declutch to change gears i.e:

• Clutch down
• Change out of gear in to neutral
• Clutch up
• Get the rev's right
• Clutch down
• Change from neutral into next gear
• Clutch up

It also didn't have power steering. Now that was 'fun' to drive.

My old Datsun ute (pickup) often needs a similar process to go into reverse as it doesn't have synchromesh on the reverse gear. So you have to go from neutral to 1st, let the gear bind slightly, then push the clutch down again and go back to neutral and then reverse.

 

[Grandpot]

Everyone is born with certain abilities. Clutching may not be yours, but I'm sure you excel at something else. As for the clutch, forget about it, you have the situation resolved.

 

[Bob Denman]

nojoke Who gives a flying crap in Hell about what anyone else thinks about you and your riding abilities? nojoke

Just ride the thing (Which is REALLY sharp! :clap, and snicker at the folks who aren't out on their bikes... :2thumbs:

 

[4 MARIE]

​YES

 

[wyliec]

Your question is a little disturbing, if you are really questioning your manhood.

 

[SPYD1]

Thanks. I found this whole thread hilarious. The responses that is. I was having a bad day at work and you saved me...:yes:

 

[JayBros]

You are taking a required motorcycle safety course to EARN the PRIVILEGE ​of riding your Spyder on a military installation. Suck it up and practice the clutching until you get it or park the Spyder outside the installation and walk.

 

[Chupaca]

Here's the thing....

It is not only the clutch but the fact that you have to use all your extemeties to operate and manual vehicle. There is also the balance on two wheels. It does take time to manage this and it is easier for some than others. I love manual and all my vehicle are manual but it is a choice. You could go out of state or find a dmv that will test you on your spyder and avoid having to learn the whole two wheeler issue.
While visiting in Israel I found that they actually have different licenses for manual and Automatic. If you have a manual license you can operate both but if you get an automatic license you can only drive automatic...:yikes: smart

 

[UtahPete]

It's not a gender issue!

I have a question for all men. Am I less than a man because I have trouble learning how to use a clutch? I am currently going through the motorcycle safety course required by the military. I cannot for the life of me learn how to work the clutch on a motorcycle. I understand how the clutch works and how it removes the power from the rear wheel and how the shift lever works and the friction zone and everything but... trying to learn all of that while riding just is not working out for me. This is the whole reason why I got a spyder. I don't have to worry about no damn friction zone or remembering to downshift and holding the clutch. That's too much crap going on at one time for me. Call me lazy but I just like to keep things simple. I ain't got time for all that.:cus:

Not sure why you would think it's a gender issue. Except, now I think about it, you're in the military and probably get a lot of crap from your misogynistic mates. Ignore them - they're just being dicks. I know women who handle a clutch like a pro and men that are useless on a bike of any kind. Enjoy that beautiful ride of yours.

 

[Vader]

Hmmmm...

Less than a man? Nope. Your brain is just wired differently.

 

[Slowpoke387]

What a WUSS








Kidding, ride what you ride. Have fun. Stop worrying about other people. Do you ride for them or for your enjoyment...exactly, so have fun and forget those thoughts.

 

[crna59]

There are several 2-wheelers that don't have a clutch.... Honda NC700x, Honda CTX700, Africa Twin, Yamaha FJR.... and all the Maxi-scooters. Especially like the BMW 650.

That being said... I have a Spyder, a Maxi-scooter and a BMW GS....I'm a MSF/H-D Riding Instructor and could give a Rat's Ass what other people think... !! Ride the damn thing......

 

[Bob Denman]

.I'm a MSF/H-D Riding Instructor and could give a Rat's Ass what other people think... !! Ride the damn thing......

:agree: When you're looking at yourself in the mirror :shocked:: you're the only one who needs to be satisfied with what you see! :2thumbs: