Ducati Sporting Club UK > DesmoDue Race Series > DesmoDue - General Questions and Chat > Getting off the line..... #72

[mat2hew]

I NEED HELP!

I need help, getting off the line (and possibly other things as well) I am the worst, rubbishest (is that a real word?) starter in the history of motorsport!

race 1, missed the lights, massive wheely lost 8 places before the first corner!

race 2, Pulled away like an O.A.P (no offence intended if your a fast o.a.p.) and lost 11 places before the first corner,

as only 3 class b riders put in a sub 2min lap and I was one of them I feel that I am let down by my inability to pull away,

how do you practice this kind of thing?

any advice greatfully received (and probably completely cocked up at Anglesey)

I promise* not to overtake you if you help


*have been known to break promises now and then, sorry


Matt #72

[skidlids]

For me its a case of feeding in the clutch and the power at the same time with the right amount of each.
I'm one of those that is constantly blipping the throttle while I wait for the lights to change, then as they go out pull back the throttle and start slipping the clutch lever and feel for the bite, as it bites its a matter of feeding in the power as you engage the clutch being careful not to bog the engine by applying to little power and to much clutch

I use to be a lot better at it when drag racing at Santa Pod and Avon park back in the early 80s but racing the 916 in SoT with its hoppy dry clutch ruined my starting technique.
There is a nice set of traffic lights just up the road that are great for practicing your starts, just be carefull Bradders isn't next to you

[domski]

Hold the revs at 8000 and let the clutch out until the bike is trying to creap forward, then anticipate the lights going out and roll on the gas and feed out the clutch smoothly.

Works for me anyway and I've led the odd race or two, waaaaaaay back

[mat2hew]

Thanks, two very different techniques there? But both sound good, I'll have to try to have a practise, but where do you test a race bike?

going to try to have a go this weekend.. matt


p.s. didn't meet many people this weekend really, come and say hello next time.

[monstermob 998]

heres Dom demonstrating -sorry couldnt resist


(that wasnt the real start just warm up) but it was well controlled!

[Lily]

don't stress about it or it will get to you.

I am gonna bet I am worse at starting (I didn't actually start 4 times last year after stalling on the grid).

More important to get away smoothly then have confidence in the first corner.

[NBs996]

I know nufink, I'm just a retired old has-been.

Whatever you do, DON'T STALL!
Stalling off the lights is imho the single most dangerous thing you can do in bike racing... I know, I've done it, I filled my pants!

[TP]

Originally Posted by domski

Hold the revs at 8000 and let the clutch out until the bike is trying to creap forward, then anticipate the lights going out and roll on the gas and feed out the clutch smoothly.

Works for me anyway and I've led the odd race or two, waaaaaaay back

I must say, Dom is the best starter I've seen bar Troy Bayliss. Always has the holeshot. I FINALLY managed to copy his technique, after a lengthy conversation at Snetterton, and got two BLINDING starts and I think I was second into Riches each race. Amazing the difference and you can really feel the bike hook up and drive instead of wheelie or bog.

I'm loving my starts now, I can't wait to race again

[trouty]

london north circular death race traffic light grand prix....

i reckon my starts aint too shabby. treat it like a 2 stroke, 7-8000rpm, biting point, slow feed ride the clutch aiming to have it fully released by the time you need to get 2nd. ALWAYS use the clutch on your first 3 gear changes - missing a gear here will lose you more places than at any other time on track.

[NBs996]

Trouty, your starts aint too shabby cos you go when the red light comes on!