A motorcycle clutch transfers torque from the power unit to transmission. It ensures smooth gear shifting to alter the speed of a vehicle.

Types of motorcycle clutch:

• Wet. Most street bikes use this type. It has a lubricant in the system. It ensures smooth gear shifting and also protects the unit elements from overheating. A drawback of such a system is that it requires periodical servicing. In particular, gearbox filters and transmission oil have to be changed regularly. The service life of the assembly exceeds 100,000 km.
• Dry. It is mainly used in racing bikes and is less common in street ones. Gears are shifted swiftly and accurately due to a high level of friction. Such a harsh change in speed might be uncomfortable for a beginner motorcycle rider. Its disadvantages include the vulnerability of the parts to overheating and abrasive wear. The life expectancy of the assembly is 90,000 – 100,000 km.

Main components of a motorcycle clutch:

• Basket. It ensures that components of the system are properly aligned and make reliable contact.
• Plates. The system houses several alternating elements of the following types:
  • Steel. These are smooth plates with inner lugs.
  • Friction. They have outer lugs and a lining made of abrasive material to create friction.
• Springs. They ensure uniform pressure between steel and friction plates.
• Gaskets. They seal the assembly and prevent abrasive particles from getting inside.
• Mounts. In particular, they include roller bearings that attach the unit to the gearbox input shaft.

You can buy a motorcycle clutch kit online. It might include all components of the assembly, as well as only springs or friction plates.

Malfunctions: their causes and symptoms

• Wear and tear of plates. They might be caused by improper operation of the bike. Worse dynamics in the mid-RPM ranges is a sign of it. Besides, a motorcycle with the engine running can start moving even though the clutch lever is pulled in completely.
• Springs become less stiff. It happens due to metal fatigue. In that case, the transmission will work intermittently.
• Stuck clutch plates. It happens when a vehicle was left unused in a cold room for a long time. In case of such a breakdown, the clutch cannot be fully disengaged. If you can’t manage to eliminate the malfunction by pressing the corresponding lever several times, a new unit has to be installed.

Tips on how to maintain and replace motorcycle clutch

• It is recommended to have the unit replaced at a repair shop. That is a laborious procedure which requires special skills. In particular, the cable needs adjusting.
• When new components of the system have to be installed, it is necessary to check the seals and mounts. The latter ones are tightened with a particular torque. It is stated by the motorcycle manufacturer.
• A bike with a faulty clutch must not be used. This might lead to the contamination of the engine lubrication system and cause engine failure.

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