When to use the clutch...

[Dupo]

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS set yourself up BEFORE a turn/curve. Have the bike in the desired gear and speed before taking turn/curve. If you are stalling just making a left into your street, sounds like you are in too high of a gear and going too slow causing it to shut off. You really shouldn't downshift into first gear while setting up for a turn ... the bike will most certainly jerk back n forth or compression lock the back tire. Stay in or downshift to 2nd ... keep your speed 10-15mph or above depending on turn/curve, roll off the throttle and enter the turn .. slowly roll back on the throttle and out of the turn. If you are under 10mph and creeping around a turn, then 1st gear could be used. Need to learn how to feather the clutch and throttle together for smooth transitions so as not to jerk the bike back n forth. Shouldn't hold the clutch in while you turn either! What if you accidentally shift too low for the turn while you keep that clutch pulled in? Possible compression lock. Keep the bike in gear!