Should You Pull the Clutch When Riding a Motorcycle Downhill?
2 Answers
You should not pull the clutch when going downhill. Here are three reasons why you should avoid pulling the clutch: 1. It causes the bike to coast: When riding a motorcycle downhill, you should use the appropriate gear and speed based on the slope's steepness and length. Make full use of engine braking and control the speed with the foot brake instead of pulling the clutch, as this will cause the bike to coast freely, making it dangerous to rely solely on the brakes. 2. Pulling the clutch can lead to loss of control: If you pull the clutch, you lose the engine's "drag effect," causing the speed to increase. For inexperienced riders, this can even result in a loss of control.
Riding a motorcycle downhill while pulling the clutch is a bad idea. I tried it once and nearly had an accident—the bike suddenly accelerated too quickly, making it impossible to control. Engine braking is a crucial helper, naturally slowing you down. Pulling the clutch lever cuts off this connection, letting gravity take over, and the brakes might not react in time. This is especially dangerous on steep slopes or wet, slippery roads, where losing control or flipping is more likely. My advice: never do this. Maintain throttle position to keep the engine engaged, and use both rear and front brakes to slow down gradually—it’s safer and protects the bike. Make it a habit in normal riding; engine assistance is even more critical in corners or emergencies. Also, different types of motorcycles may vary slightly, but the principle remains the same.
