Scooter/Motorcycle Transition

[Long distance rider]

After 400,000 miles and over 50 years on motorcycles, I’ve decided to slow down a bit but continue to ride. My problem is overcoming the automatic “grab the clutch” response when stopping. Hopefully it will fade in time, but it’s a real problem in trying to transition to my 650GT. Any other long time riders out there that have figured out how to ignore 50 years of “clutch”

Long distance rider
Kingman, AZ

[Bornfree]

Time ... time on the bike re-teaches what you need to learn

[bicyclenut]

I went the other way, from a C650GT to a R1200RT. After a couple hundred miles I adapted to the clutch on the left.

Previously I had done lots of bicycle racing/riding so I was used to the idea of front/rear brakes on the handlebars.

I think after some time you will be fine. There are differences in how you use the brakes and throttle on a CVT vs manual bike. Feathering the throttle and using the rear brake on the CVT are more like the friction zone on a bike with a clutch.


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[Chiro]

I went the other way, from a C650GT to a R1200RT. After a couple hundred miles I adapted to the clutch on the left.

Previously I had done lots of bicycle racing/riding so I was used to the idea of front/rear brakes on the handlebars.

I think after some time you will be fine. There are differences in how you use the brakes and throttle on a CVT vs manual bike. Feathering the throttle and using the rear brake on the CVT are more like the friction zone on a bike with a clutch.


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Interesting explanation. I will be upgrading soon to the new GSA 1250 or the RT1250.

[cpallenjr]

It's all about muscle memory. Shifting was not a problem - it was when rolling up to a stop. After you have grabbed the "clutch" a couple of times at a stop light/sign, it helps to burn it into your brain that things have changed. Now I have no issues even switching back and forth between scooter and motorcycle.

[Thom Davis]

For me, clutch, gear shifting, foot brake and not reving the engine with clutch pulled were an issue, but only for a short period (couple months). I do miss "riding the clutch" to control slow speeds in first to still be an issue since the CVT is more difficult to engage "just a little". I found the scoot's higher center of gravity to be more of an issue still...sometimes I miss my Harley.

[Skutorr]

..sometimes I miss my Harley.

[toomuchvinyl]

For me, clutch, gear shifting, foot brake and not reving the engine with clutch pulled were an issue, but only for a short period (couple months). I do miss "riding the clutch" to control slow speeds in first to still be an issue since the CVT is more difficult to engage "just a little". I found the scoot's higher center of gravity to be more of an issue still...sometimes I miss my Harley.

Try applying the rear brake lightly with a little throttle. I find that works to help with the on/off behavior of the CVT at low speeds.

[Thom Davis]

Thanks, I'll give it a try