How do you start on a hill?

[Rocky529]

I'm a complete noob to motorcycles. I literally rode a motorcycle for my first time a couple of weeks ago and it was on my brand new 2008 FZ6. I talked a lot to my friends and watched a lot of videos before doing and I now have 200 miles on the bike between city roads and about 30 highway miles. I am gradually feeling more comfortable on the bike.

Anyway, I still have trouble on hills sometimes. I have been trying the technique of covering the rear brake with my right foot, letting the clutch out and giving it a little throttle until the engine catches, then lift my foot off the brake and once i get going bring my left leg up on the peg. Is this the technique I should be trying to perfect? I'm taking the MSF course next weekend so they will most likely teach me there.. I'm just interested now though.

[sideshow_downs]

I use the same method but i usually have a finger on the front brake but whatever works best for you is the right way.

[chuckfz6ryder]

Rocky,
Sounds like you've figured it out. I haven't taken the MSF course, but I don't think they'll have a better way to start on a hill. I't would be much more difficult to cover the front brake while increasing the throttle, and I don't think the Fred Flinstone foot thing will get you going up the hill either.

[Nelly]

Originally Posted by chuckfz6ryder

Rocky,
Sounds like you've figured it out. I haven't taken the MSF course, but I don't think they'll have a better way to start on a hill. I't would be much more difficult to cover the front brake while increasing the throttle, and I don't think the Fred Flinstone foot thing will get you going up the hill either.

How about turning the bike around and going down hill? Seriously you sound like you have cracked it. Just make sure that your idle speed is set to the right rpm 1250RPM. It makes starting off so much easier. Good luck on the MSF.

Nelly

[Northern]

When I was in my bike school, instructor advise me to learn to use the throttle and the front break at the same time. If you get this, it will be much easier to start.

[penguinbiker8]

i do what you do except a little differently. i cover the back brake but at the same time let out the clutch to where it pulls then give it gas. but also at the same time you have to let off the brake or it will stall

[Nelly]

Originally Posted by penguinbiker8

i do what you do except a little differently. i cover the back brake but at the same time let out the clutch to where it pulls then give it gas. but also at the same time you have to let off the brake or it will stall

That is good advise mate, and also what I do.

[dankatz]

Yep, same here. I usually keep my foot on the rear brake and let the clutch go until it engages and then give some gas while letting off the rear brake.
Dani

[Serraph]

Originally Posted by Northern

When I was in my bike school, instructor advise me to learn to use the throttle and the front break at the same time. If you get this, it will be much easier to start.

That's what I do too. I start out with both feet on the ground, right hand covering the front brake, and then I apply throttle while simultaneously releasing the front brake to get moving. I don't feel comfortable having only one foot on the ground on a sloping hill.

[craig007]

I do what Serraph does. After embarssing my self a few times, I went to a hill with little traffic and did the hill start again and again. I think it is good to learn how to operate the front brake and throttle at the same time, because you will use it from time to time