clutch fingers

[JamesLaugesen]

If you can reach the lever propperly the outside fingers will always be stronger, unless you've got differently developed hands from sports or unjury or whatever. It's more natural to use the inside fingers because the outside ones are left to grip the bar, coz that's what the outside fingers are for.

Totally not trying to contradict you though Glen, you're the profesional; any new riders please listen to Glen.

But personally I use the outside two and get easily stand it up without hurting my hand.
I use the inside two mountain biking so I can hold on to the bars, but on the moto I find it nicer using the outside. Maybe I've gotten used to using them for 'force' holding on to the pushy?

I love being technical though, and technicaly, outside fingers have a firmer grip though it's hard to tell. Do the "crush your friends arm" test if you don't beleive me, haha.

providing some drag thus keeping the back in line when your braking hard in a straight line or pulling it in when your cornering.

None of my riding instructors ever told me that, unless I missed it. Just after getting my L's a mid-30's guy on a GSXR told me to never use both brakes together, he said it's a death wish... use all front or all rear, and avoid using the front at all costs. Didn't sound right to me so I ignored it. But that's a worry ay.
Is stuff like that set in a syllabus or are instructors allowed to chuck a few of their own points in?

[Glen]

None of my riding instructors ever told me that, unless I missed it. Just after getting my L's a mid-30's guy on a GSXR told me to never use both brakes together, he said it's a death wish... use all front or all rear, and avoid using the front at all costs. Didn't sound right to me so I ignored it. But that's a worry ay.
Is stuff like that set in a syllabus or are instructors allowed to chuck a few of their own points in?

Its in the braking video that you see in your level 1 course and the instructor should talk about what happens with front brakes v rear brakes in the braking lecture.

Your right in ignoring the mid 30's bloke. He's probably dead now. Your rear brake provides less braking the harder you brake as weight transfers to the front. In a full emergency stop pretty well all of the power comes from the front. The rear provides some minor braking force early in the piece but loses effectiveness the harder you stop. What it does is helps keep the back in line.

Human Physiology has got me stuffed but I would've thought you had more strength in your first two fingers ie your index and middle finger then the others. I'll defer to your knowledge on that one because I don't know. Personally I reckon I do better with the index and middle and I would've thought this is why the majority of racers do likewise, except for our mate Nakkers. I think the major point is whatever you do, practise it like buggery.

The syllabus is set and you teach what's in it, albeit that it's based on a fair bit of research. When you go to instructor school (which I would recommend for anyone by the way) you go over the syllabus and the reasons behind the theory and what you are going to teach.You're allowed to add your personal experiences etc but you stick to it.

I still have my license but I don't teach any more because the pay is shit considering the level of risk and responsibility you take and in NSW the RTA are doing their best to stuff the system. The emphasis now is really on putting people through rather than teaching unfortunately (Oops getting off the topic)

[MickLC]

I must admit I'm a bit dubious about the outside fingers having a stronger overall grip, however they are further out on the lever and so would have more leverage on the brakes and clutch than the fingers closer in.

[MixMasterMandy]

three fingers is all i need....baby.

actually i brake with three fingers too. the middle, ring and little fingers. huh.

cant u get the whole hand in

wouldn't you like to know....err...don't answer that. geesh.

i took more notice today - i start with three fingers and then the pointer finger joins on. when i brake - i don't use my pinky.

[samhasa636]

I must admit I'm a bit dubious about the outside fingers having a stronger overall grip, however they are further out on the lever and so would have more leverage on the brakes and clutch than the fingers closer in.

I also am very dubious. Only because I think about which finger I would use to open a can, or a similar action. It is always going to be my index finger. Then, given it is inline with the thumb, you would assume it is able to exert the most force.

Here is an experiment for everyone. take your right hand and using your thumb and one finger at a time, squeeze your left wrist as hard as you can. For me, easily the most force comes from my thumb and index finger. The force decreases very quickly with each finger further from my thumb.

[HemiDuty]

It must be the newbie in me, but I use all four nearly all the time. The 7's brakes have been fading ever since I bought it, so it could have something to do with that at the track, but actually I find it easier to give the throttle a blip on the down-changes when using 4 fingers instead of 2. If I use 2 at the track, when I do blip the throttle it tends to vary the front brake pressure, have locked the front a few times trying it . On the street, I use just the middle or the index and middle every now and then when I do not have to pull up hard, but try not to coz if I have to brake harder I have to get off the brake for a sec to get all fingers on the lever. I guess I just feel more confident using all 4. That may change with time and brake repairs, though I do not see myself changing the way I brake.

I do not even know if the rear brake on the 7 works . Maybe I would be quicker if I tried to start using it? Also I do not use the clutch on upshifts, I have converted it to race shift so I just preload the box and flick the throttle off and back on to get it to go up a gear.

Tyres seem to make a difference too. When I had street tyres on it, the rear would slide around a lot changing down gears, but as soon as I put the slicks on it stoppped wagging its tail so much I don't really even blip the throttle going down now when hard on the brakes, only really when knocking down one in a diminishing (tightening) or double apex corner.

[JamesLaugesen]

Thanks for the reply Glen, interesting

Yes the outside fingers definitely have more force. You can't test it 1 finger at a time though because they're all running off same muscle cluster. With Sam's test you'll probably notice more force from the thumb and index finger because they're the most dextrous and move independantly of the other fingers easier.

You'll use the outside fingers most rock-climbing, esspecially if you're anchoring for a rest. Also because it provides a better line through the rest of your body.
The reason I'm so sure is from kung fu, if I'm in a fight and someone grabs me (arm, shirt, neck, whatever) with the inside of their hand (most people even relax their pinky) then I know they can't fight. If they grab with the outside of their hand and don't stick their elbow out, then I'll turn on the charm so I can still ride a bike afterwards.
Next time you're a Bruce Lee flick try to notice.

[Glen]

James

Thanks for the tip. Next time a bouncer grabs me I take it that if I notice he's gripping with his outside fingers then it's reasonable to assume I'm about to get smashed around a bit.

Alternatively I assume I could try and engage him in some conversation like "Mmmm excuse me but before you beat the bejeesus out of me I notice your gripping me with your outer two fingers. Do you do Kung Fu?

Cheers

[mrmina]

three fingers is all i need....baby.

actually i brake with three fingers too. the middle, ring and little fingers. huh.

cant u get the whole hand in

wouldn't you like to know....err...don't answer that. geesh.

i took more notice today - i start with three fingers and then the pointer finger joins on. when i brake - i don't use my pinky.

[JamesLaugesen]

James

Thanks for the tip. Next time a bouncer grabs me I take it that if I notice he's gripping with his outside fingers then it's reasonable to assume I'm about to get smashed around a bit.

Alternatively I assume I could try and engage him in some conversation like "Mmmm excuse me but before you beat the bejeesus out of me I notice your gripping me with your outer two fingers. Do you do Kung Fu?

Cheers

Hahaha, or just run either way. The best defence is a good powerful stride, followed by thousands of faster strides and some sympothy from a good looking girl... or guy if you picnic on that side of the park.
Some people say it's good to get hit a few times so you get the sympothy, but nar, turn up totally unmarked but sweating and say you won and someone gave you a lift home