Giving It the Two-Fingers

[Lauren_TK]

I've seen on this forum and others that it is better to use two fingers to operate the brake and clutch.

I've looked online to find articles on the subject, but they only describe the technique. They don't offer much, if anything, on why it is a good idea.

The only two "why to" explanations I've come across are:
1. Racers do it
2. Allows you to keep two fingers on the throttle, so you have more control.

"Racers do it" is not a very valid reason, as I'm not racing.

As for number 2, that makes sense, and I'm going to start practicing it for my right hand. However, that only references the brake lever, and not the clutch lever.

Why in the world is it better to use two fingers on the clutch?

 

[ULEWZ]

No need on the street for two fingers on the clutch, at least for me. Two fingers on the brake is a different story. That allows you to blip the throttle while downshifting and simultaneously apply the brake. Not needed on the street either, but I do it all the time.

Same as heal and toeing when driving a car.

 

[AVGeek]

Thanks to my early street riding days being primarily a commuter, I learned to cover both brake and clutch all the time. All 4 fingers of the left hand for clutch, and 2 fingers for the brake. Has saved my bacon a few times...

 

[Geezer]

No need on the street for two fingers on the clutch, at least for me. Two fingers on the brake is a different story. That allows you to blip the throttle while downshifting and simultaneously apply the brake. Not needed on the street either, but I do it all the time.

Same as heal and toeing when driving a car.

This is what I do. It can actually be more difficult than simply using all of you fingers on the brake because fingers can sometimes get in the wrong place at the wrong time when working fast, but it is fun and works well with some practice.

 

[erixun]

I use the two fingers on the brake side for the reasons stated- control of the throttle and to cover the brake- however, I was admonished by a ex-motor cop who was teaching a rider course for doing this... "You are not riding a ****'n dirt bike!!! Use all the sausages God gave you! So you have for better control/feel of the brake!!!" And so I did.... during the course, but old bad habits die hard....so I reverted back, because it just feels better to me. (Trust me, its not the only thing I do 'wrong'-because it feels better just to me, ask my wife.)

I think its rider preference.

 

[RossKean]

Four fingers on the clutch for me. Two for the brake when riding the FJR. I have had bikes with brakes that are much worse than the FJR's and on those, two fingers will not do enough for stopping in any sort of emergency. Two is enough to invoke ABS on the feej and I feel I have just as much control over braking compared to using more digits.

 

[Top_Speed1]

On the twisties; 2 on the brake. I have no preplanned thought on this, it just happens.

 

[ahchiu]

I use 2 fingers for both, I cover the front brakes with 2 all the time and if I really need I use all 4, I Feel I can get on the brakes faster having them covered with 2 fingers, I don't use clutch lever for upshifts. I have Pazzo's short levers

 

[mcatrophy]

Learned to use two on the brake after I grabbed the brake on my Bonneville. No ABS, much better brake than my muscle memory expected, said muscle memory taught during my Tiger Cub days. So, two-finger braking ensured a lighter touch.

As for clutch, I always like to be able to pull the lever right back, can't do that with fingers in the way. But that's no longer an issue with my present bike

One other reason for two fingers that no-one's mentioned is keeping at least two fingers on the heated grips at all times.

 

[Chuck35]

Get shortie levers, problem solved!

 

[UberKul]

I get all freaked out now if I try to ride with anything other than two fingers on the clutch. Keep them there to apply the instant power off as needed but still keep a couple on the bars for push/pull control. Same with the brake but only one covering. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone report that the number of digits on a lever was the cause for something bad happening or not?

 

[mcatrophy]

... I don't think I've ever heard of anyone report that the number of digits on a lever was the cause for something bad happening or not?

I need two to activate the ABS in the dry, one won't quite hack it. But I'm old and weak

 

[HotRodZilla]

I think the only real reason to do it is personal preference. I switch mine up, depending on what I'm doing. I have used 4 fingers to grab the brake, and I don't ride around with my brake and clutch covered all the time.

That's just me and what I'm comfortable with. Do what makes you happy and gives you the control you want.

 

[LKLD]

I just use what feels right for the moment (2,3,4), without thinking about it.

 

[Bugnatr]

I remember Two Fingers Tequila and 5 finger bags but that's most likely a completely different subject...

Use what works for you and practice, practice until it's second nature to your riding that keeps you smooth and safe.

 

[SoCalFJR1300]

Four fingers on the clutch for me. Two for the brake when riding the FJR. I have had bikes with brakes that are much worse than the FJR's and on those, two fingers will not do enough for stopping in any sort of emergency. Two is enough to invoke ABS on the feej and I feel I have just as much control over braking compared to using more digits.

Same here, and the FJR's good brakes make it EZ to 2 finger.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Never mind...I hate this ******* software.

 

[Chuck35]

Don't forget to keep 1 finger available for cagers on cell phones. https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/****.gif

 

[fjrwalker]

Don't forget to keep 1 finger available for cagers on cell phones. https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/****.gif

Trigger finger?