Starting on Steep Hills, how do you do it?

V8Thrasher · 08-08-2011, 06:00 PM

So Im pretty much still a novice, And I have trouble starting on steep hills. Ive been told you use your rear brake, but I find myself revving too much and starting a little fast.

So I was doing some experimenting on empty streets, and I find it much easier to roll back an inch or two, like driving stick in a car. Im much more comfortable with that. How do you guys start on steep hills? And what do you guys think about rolling back 1-2inches as in a car?

DevRev · 08-08-2011, 06:21 PM

All about that clutch friction zone. In my car I don't roll back, and I don't either on my bike.

What I usually do if stopped on a hill is left foot down, right foot rear brake, release the brake just as I start to engage the clutch and give it gas.

stantony1 · 08-08-2011, 06:26 PM

Don't roll back. It's not necessary.

There are a lot of ways to do it, learn them all.

And here is my favorite:

Right foot on rear brake. Left foot on ground. Increase throttle to 2X idle. Let the clutch out real slow and when you feel the the bike pull against the brake, ease out the clutch slowly/let go the brake/and go.

The reason why I put throttle up there is because as the clutch goes out further, the rpms will drop. If you keep the throttle up, you have less risk of stalling. Once you get into the friction zone, the bike pretty much does not roll back.

Take your time.
Right foot on rear brake.
Add throttle.
Friction Zone.
Let go brake.
And go.

And don't worry about cars behind you. Take your time. Don't rush or you might stall out.

Practice it in a inclined parking lot so you don't have to worry about traffic.

GL.

Dodsfall · 08-08-2011, 06:28 PM

I hold the front brake with two fingers and start to roll the throttle with my thumb while the brake and clutch are released. I use the rear brake at times the same way depending on the situation, but personally like to use the front.

With practice, you can do this all quickly and smoothly without rolling back, revving high, or stalling. Just keep practicing.

stantony1 · 08-08-2011, 06:29 PM

When I mean lots of ways, there are lots of variations/combinations of which foot/ which brake but it all comes down to friction zone.

And learning them all gives you more techniques to use in every kind of situation for the safest ride.

CaptCrashIdaho · 08-08-2011, 07:15 PM

It simply can't be done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5X1FjCxMvc

belay that...I meant Easy Peasy!

iamjustifyd · 08-08-2011, 07:27 PM

Is there anything about riding you don't have a video for Crash?

V8Thrasher · 08-08-2011, 07:33 PM

Hey guys thanks for all the great responses! Alright...ill have to practice mastering the rear brake/friction zone on those steep hills. Crash...Thanks for the video man, ive read lots of good things about them, just never watched til now lol. You make it look so easy x_x Thanks again everyone!

markk53 · 08-08-2011, 07:44 PM

I use two fingers on the front brake 99% of the time. The only time I don't is when the slant is steep enough or the surface loose enough that the front brake won't hold the bike back. That's pretty much what I did off road too.

Of course off road always offered the option of just cranking it stinking wide open, dump the clutch, and dig a trench up the hill... or flip over.

CaptCrashIdaho · 08-08-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamjustifyd

Is there anything about riding you don't have a video for Crash?

Yes. But if I told you it would damage my reputation.

marcn · 08-08-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptCrashIdaho

Yes. But if I told you it would damage my reputation.

Those come in a plain brown wrapper

robow · 08-08-2011, 08:35 PM

My bike has enough torque that i don't need to worry about the throttle. I hold the front brake ease out the clutch, when the engine starts to bog down a bit I let off the brake and away I go.

Eye_m_no_angel · 08-09-2011, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamjustifyd

Is there anything about riding you don't have a video for Crash?

Performance mods for 50cc scooters?

CaptCrashIdaho · 08-09-2011, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eye_m_no_angel

Performance mods for 50cc scooters?

http://www.50stunt.com They'll take care of you!

(I may not but I can probably point you in the right direction...)

jin · 08-09-2011, 10:42 AM

I prefer the rear brake method myself although I don't really think there's a wrong way to do it.

If you live in a house, there's a great way to practice. Simply open up your garage door to have more margin for error and practice getting your bike from the inclined driveway into your garage. Just make sure to remove any potentially sharp or dangerous objects and tools out of the way first!

hogcowboy · 08-09-2011, 12:00 PM

I rarely even use the rear brake so I'm a front brake person. Two fingers, and a little throttle, then easy out on clutch. And I'm on my way. If it's really really steep, I'll use the rear brake but basically the same throttle clutch technique. You should be able to start on an incline as easy as you start on flat ground though. And that comes with practice and many many miles.

Pseudo-Fed · 08-09-2011, 12:25 PM

A whole lotta clutch and throttle. Feather it out....

YamahaFan · 08-09-2011, 12:28 PM

rear brake, front brake, throttle control, I use them all, just whatever I feel like. So yeah, practice is what you need.

Keep in mind that the 2 finger thing is for advanced rider. A novice should have the front brake lever adjusted so him/her can use all 4 fingers (would you prefer braking then crash by yourself or try 2 fingers, which you're not used to, then crash into a car?), until he/she can get a feel of the control of the bike then 2 finger would be better

Hawkeye · 08-09-2011, 01:36 PM

I like to roll back until my tire/bumper is resting against the vehicle behind me. Then I do not need to worry as it is similar to starting on even ground

CaptCrashIdaho · 08-09-2011, 05:03 PM

It's important to remember to remember what Inspector Callahan said:

"A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." (Woman as well)

If it works? Use it.

Dodsfall · 08-09-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

I like to roll back until my tire/bumper is resting against the vehicle behind me. Then I do not need to worry as it is similar to starting on even ground

As a bonus, people always smile and wave when you do that.

Nine Mile Skid · 08-09-2011, 05:51 PM

I always just gun the throttle and pop the clutch while screaming "Hoo Haa!"

Are you saying there's another way?

mellowmarshall · 08-09-2011, 05:52 PM

Rev higher, ease clutch. I used the rear brake until I sat on a hill once and practiced just getting on the throttle and easing the clutch out enough to keep from rolling. Also, if I'm at a stop light and bored I'll practice letting clutch out to "catch" the bike while releasing the front brake and keep the bike stationary.

Eye_m_no_angel · 08-10-2011, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptCrashIdaho

http://www.50stunt.com They'll take care of you!

(I may not but I can probably point you in the right direction...)

So wow, people really DO take them scooters seriously! Looking at that site makes me think that I just might have to snarf one up, just for fun.

I'm thinking....snorting down the beach....burn-outs against the boardwalk...

Serious babe-magnet, to be sure.

<chuckle>

CaptCrashIdaho · 08-10-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eye_m_no_angel

So wow, people really DO take them scooters seriously! Looking at that site makes me think that I just might have to snarf one up, just for fun.

I'm thinking....snorting down the beach....burn-outs against the boardwalk...

Serious babe-magnet, to be sure.

<chuckle>

They are giggle factories--look up "Pit Bikes" on Ebay and you'll probably get a load of hits...OH and if you wheelie down main and it is a chick magnet and you hit one? Only the bike gets hurt...

AvsGixxer750 · 08-22-2011, 06:51 PM

i jus had the hill problem for the first time tada, wasnt the bad bt i do roll back

Shadehawk · 08-23-2011, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevRev

All about that clutch friction zone. In my car I don't roll back, and I don't either on my bike.

What I usually do if stopped on a hill is left foot down, right foot rear brake, release the brake just as I start to engage the clutch and give it gas.

This is what I do at any stop anyway. Thanks for letting me know i'm doing something right!

08-08-2011, 06:00 PM	#1
V8Thrasher Shattering The Skies Above Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: City of Angels Posts: 663	Starting on Steep Hills, how do you do it? So Im pretty much still a novice, And I have trouble starting on steep hills. Ive been told you use your rear brake, but I find myself revving too much and starting a little fast. So I was doing some experimenting on empty streets, and I find it much easier to roll back an inch or two, like driving stick in a car. Im much more comfortable with that. How do you guys start on steep hills? And what do you guys think about rolling back 1-2inches as in a car? __________________ Go Heavy, High Reps Don't Impress

08-08-2011, 06:21 PM	#2
DevRev 1999 CBR 600 F4 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 357	All about that clutch friction zone. In my car I don't roll back, and I don't either on my bike. What I usually do if stopped on a hill is left foot down, right foot rear brake, release the brake just as I start to engage the clutch and give it gas. __________________ Note to self Ninja 500 are parallel twins

08-08-2011, 06:28 PM	#4
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,880	I hold the front brake with two fingers and start to roll the throttle with my thumb while the brake and clutch are released. I use the rear brake at times the same way depending on the situation, but personally like to use the front. With practice, you can do this all quickly and smoothly without rolling back, revving high, or stalling. Just keep practicing. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-08-2011, 07:27 PM	#7
iamjustifyd Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Orleans Posts: 4,352	Is there anything about riding you don't have a video for Crash? __________________ Sherry 2005 Honda Spirit 750 DC To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-08-2011, 07:33 PM	#8
V8Thrasher Shattering The Skies Above Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: City of Angels Posts: 663	Hey guys thanks for all the great responses! Alright...ill have to practice mastering the rear brake/friction zone on those steep hills. Crash...Thanks for the video man, ive read lots of good things about them, just never watched til now lol. You make it look so easy x_x Thanks again everyone! __________________ Go Heavy, High Reps Don't Impress

08-08-2011, 06:26 PM	#3
stantony1 Kindergarten Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: MA Posts: 530	Don't roll back. It's not necessary. There are a lot of ways to do it, learn them all. And here is my favorite: Right foot on rear brake. Left foot on ground. Increase throttle to 2X idle. Let the clutch out real slow and when you feel the the bike pull against the brake, ease out the clutch slowly/let go the brake/and go. The reason why I put throttle up there is because as the clutch goes out further, the rpms will drop. If you keep the throttle up, you have less risk of stalling. Once you get into the friction zone, the bike pretty much does not roll back. Take your time. Right foot on rear brake. Add throttle. Friction Zone. Let go brake. And go. And don't worry about cars behind you. Take your time. Don't rush or you might stall out. Practice it in a inclined parking lot so you don't have to worry about traffic. GL.

08-08-2011, 06:29 PM	#5
stantony1 Kindergarten Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: MA Posts: 530	When I mean lots of ways, there are lots of variations/combinations of which foot/ which brake but it all comes down to friction zone. And learning them all gives you more techniques to use in every kind of situation for the safest ride.

08-08-2011, 07:44 PM	#9
markk53 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Delaware, Ohio Posts: 3,232	I use two fingers on the front brake 99% of the time. The only time I don't is when the slant is steep enough or the surface loose enough that the front brake won't hold the bike back. That's pretty much what I did off road too. Of course off road always offered the option of just cranking it stinking wide open, dump the clutch, and dig a trench up the hill... or flip over. __________________ KLX650C, Zephyr 550 SR500, Bultaco Sherpa T

08-08-2011, 08:35 PM	#12
robow Ninja Robot Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 1,825	My bike has enough torque that i don't need to worry about the throttle. I hold the front brake ease out the clutch, when the engine starts to bog down a bit I let off the brake and away I go.

08-09-2011, 10:42 AM	#15
jin Verified Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 38	I prefer the rear brake method myself although I don't really think there's a wrong way to do it. If you live in a house, there's a great way to practice. Simply open up your garage door to have more margin for error and practice getting your bike from the inclined driveway into your garage. Just make sure to remove any potentially sharp or dangerous objects and tools out of the way first!

08-09-2011, 12:00 PM	#16
hogcowboy Crash Dummy Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Posts: 897	I rarely even use the rear brake so I'm a front brake person. Two fingers, and a little throttle, then easy out on clutch. And I'm on my way. If it's really really steep, I'll use the rear brake but basically the same throttle clutch technique. You should be able to start on an incline as easy as you start on flat ground though. And that comes with practice and many many miles. __________________ 2007 Electra Glide Ultra Patriot Guard Rider

08-09-2011, 12:25 PM	#17
Pseudo-Fed Verified Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 12	A whole lotta clutch and throttle. Feather it out....

08-09-2011, 12:28 PM	#18
YamahaFan Certified Homeless Biker Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: MA, US Posts: 2,560	rear brake, front brake, throttle control, I use them all, just whatever I feel like. So yeah, practice is what you need. Keep in mind that the 2 finger thing is for advanced rider. A novice should have the front brake lever adjusted so him/her can use all 4 fingers (would you prefer braking then crash by yourself or try 2 fingers, which you're not used to, then crash into a car?), until he/she can get a feel of the control of the bike then 2 finger would be better __________________ 1996 Yamaha FZR600, first and current bike, and loving it. RIP Pat Taylor aka iamgumby I'm into women in leather. No whip please. It's not my style.

08-09-2011, 01:36 PM	#19
Hawkeye ├•┤ Pew Pew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,540	I like to roll back until my tire/bumper is resting against the vehicle behind me. Then I do not need to worry as it is similar to starting on even ground __________________ If you don't sin... Jesus died for nothing.

08-09-2011, 05:03 PM	#20
CaptCrashIdaho Safety Hooligan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SW Idaho! Posts: 1,681	It's important to remember to remember what Inspector Callahan said: "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." (Woman as well) If it works? Use it.

08-09-2011, 05:51 PM	#22
Nine Mile Skid On a Ten Mile Ride Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dark Holler, Penna. Posts: 91	I always just gun the throttle and pop the clutch while screaming "Hoo Haa!" Are you saying there's another way?

08-09-2011, 05:52 PM	#23
mellowmarshall Road Kill (Resurrected) Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Acworth, GA Posts: 135	Rev higher, ease clutch. I used the rear brake until I sat on a hill once and practiced just getting on the throttle and easing the clutch out enough to keep from rolling. Also, if I'm at a stop light and bored I'll practice letting clutch out to "catch" the bike while releasing the front brake and keep the bike stationary.

08-22-2011, 06:51 PM	#26
AvsGixxer750 Motorcyclist Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: P.G MD Posts: 11	i jus had the hill problem for the first time tada, wasnt the bad bt i do roll back

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