Missing the Bite

[0x1d7]

I just purchased a new 2025 Type-R and what a damn beautiful car! After having just two hours of manual lessons on an old VW diesel last year, I had to take a 150 mile trip home in this new CTR.

I simply cannot feel the bite of the clutch; in that VW it was plainly obvious. The only real difficulty I'm having is going from full stop to moving w/ throttle; shifting through the gears is very smooth. I can certainly ever so slowly lift up off the clutch, roll, and go, but it's usually a tad jerky (not in a violent way). Or I stall the thing. It's a little frustrating/embarrassing, though I know everyone learns at some point and it may just take time, but it's really the only trouble I'm having with it and it is making me trepidatious in an otherwise fun car! I want to get to the point of being able to get up and go as fast as my 2025 CR-V Hybrid does so I can squeeze in from a full stop to 35 mph on a highway. Right now I'm feeling like grandma, waiting for everyone to pass before trying.

And yes, I do need to find a parking lot.

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[AZCWTypeR]

New clutches are "a little wooley" as described by an old friend. A couple thousand miles of use will polish the faces and you'll have a much more defined catch point.

 

[ModJPB]

It is a type R which has a clutch able to handle 300+ HP, so it'll be on the stiffer and grabby side. It'll take about 2 weeks for you to not even think about how to anymore. Also like previously mentioned it is a brand new clutch, it's not broken into yet.

Every Manual car "feels" different. The pressure gradient, the clutch engagement height, and pedal placement. I've driven manual for 25 years and every different manual car I get into for the first drive, I look like a noob. Give yourself some time before worrying.

 

[0x1d7]

Thanks, any advise on dealing with a new clutch without pissing everyone else off? Is it 'safe' to apply a little gas before reaching the point where the car would otherwise roll on it's own (presumably the bite point)?

I know, practice

 

[TypeRD]

Thanks, any advise on dealing with a new clutch without pissing everyone else off? Is it 'safe' to apply a little gas before reaching the point where the car would otherwise roll on it's own (presumably the bite point)?

I know, practice

You mean you don’t do this already? The way I learned is to gradually give it gas while also gradually letting off the clutch. It’s a balance. I’ve never let it idle to start rolling then give it gas.

 

[0x1d7]

You mean you don’t do this already? The way I learned is to gradually give it gas while also gradually letting off the clutch. It’s a balance. I’ve never let it idle to start rolling then give it gas.

Yeah... the way I was told was to wait for the bite, then give a bit of gas and transition off clutch add gas as required. And that was with someone who professionally taught manuals. I know there are different schools of thought on how to handle manuals, so I figured I'd ask.

 

[TypeRD]

Yeah... the way I was told was to wait for the bite, then give a bit of gas and transition off clutch add gas as required. And that was with someone who professionally taught manuals. I know there are different schools of thought on how to handle manuals, so I figured I'd ask.

I think it probably explains your slow and slightly jerky starts as you described. I’m not doubting the instructor, but a lot depends on the vehicle. He was likely taking a very generalized approach to teaching it in order to cater to a range of vehicles from diesel trucks to buzzy little imports.

 

[0x1d7]

I think it probably explains your slow and slightly jerky starts as you described. I’m not doubting the instructor, but a lot depends on the vehicle. He was likely taking a very generalized approach to teaching it in order to cater to a range of vehicles from diesel trucks to buzzy little imports.

Awesome, well I'll give the gas before bite a try! Thank you!

 

[TypeRD]

Awesome, well I'll give the gas before bite a try! Thank you!

No problem. I think you’ll find launch to be much smoother and you can get up to speed more quickly and confidently.

 

[0x1d7]

No problem. I think you’ll find launch to be much smoother and you can get up to speed more quickly and confidently.

Drove around the block and yes, that does feel much better. Still no bite but applying a little gas right about when I start to roll does feel better. Not smooth, but better! Certainly faster, too.

 

[menikmati]

It is a type R which has a clutch able to handle 300+ HP, so it'll be on the stiffer and grabby side.

Might just be me but the clutch is surprisingly light IMO.

 

[TypeRD]

Might just be me but the clutch is surprisingly light IMO.

It is light. I think it’s a Honda thing.

 

[0x1d7]

Alright, you're never to old to be taught, and never too old to teach. Got a dad lesson and totally figured it out -- 2000 rpm + slower to let off once the clutch engages. I was being way too timid on the accelerator. Feels great to 'understand' how to do it -- now it's just time til it's second nature & not staring at the RPM cluster

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