1) What's the deal with riding the clutch in a motorcycle? Why is this 'ok', and doesn't damage the bike as riding the clutch would in a car?

2) Is a full faced helmet with a visor the only way to go?

3) For boots, is there something out there that is designed half for motorcycle and half for regular walking around use? I'd like a pair of boots I can put in and walk through the mall in, and also be safe while riding around on the bike. I'm not going to race the bike, just cruise around town, so I don't need anything super serious.

Thanks.

 

1. I've never heard of this...squeeze the clutch when you need it, otherwise either let go or rest a finger on the lever (which btw is not the same as resting your foot on a car's clutch pedal)

2. Yes, if you value your face.

3. Alpinestars GPS boots are quite comfortable for walking around in. I currently have Alpinestars SMX boots which are also not bad, but squeak pretty noticeably.

 

1) This guy said that sometimes you have to ride the clutch when you're going slow, turning into parking spaces or a garage... but he said it's fine to ride with the clutch half in/half out, if you wanted to. I won't practice it.. but he said it doesn't damage the bike.

2) Ok

3) Anybody else?

 

Most MC have wet clutches and constant mesh xmissions. You should not "ride" the clutch any more than a car in the same situations IMO.

 

1- If the idle rpm is a bit too high you can play with the clutch in low-speed maneuvers. Besides that, you are not supposed to ride the clutch anymore than with a car.

2- Go to a mirror and try to value the bottom half of your face. If you value it over 100$, get a full face helmet.

3- I use Joe rocket:
http://www.joerocket.com/revolution_boots.htm
and they'll do fine for walking and riding.

 

Sizes 7-12.. I wear a size 13 tennis shoe, so the boot /might/ fit but I don't know..

 

if you are in the right gear, you shouldn't have to ride the clutch, on my friends gsxr i didnt give any gas to start off because it takes off pretty quick on its own, only in certain instances you will have to take off a little faster so you would give it a little gas to get you going but other than that you should not have to ride the clutch and it should be done as if you were driving a car

 

"Sizes 7-12.. I wear a size 13 tennis shoe, so the boot /might/ fit but I don't know.."

I doubt it will fit. Sorry.

 

Question #4) If I had a full faced helmet with a visor, is it normal to wear sunglasses too? Or is it better to have a tinted visor?

And is it ok if they're just regular sunglasses, and not formed around your face like some sporty glasses? They aren't used for protection, just to block the sun.

I figure it's ok to have regular glasses as long as they're under the visor. Is this accurate?

Thanks for helping a N00b.

 

I use a tinted visor, as sunglasses under a helmet dig into my temples. As far as what kind to get, just make sure they fit and are comfortable when worn inside the helmet...the rest is up to your personal preference. Carrying a spare visor can be a pain too, but I've usually got a tank bag on the bike, so it goes in there.

 

People have reported being seriously injured by sunglasses in a crash. If you do use them, make sure they are safety glasses. I use the cheapies you can get at home depot made out of nylon with plastic lenses...