Understanding Motorcycle Clutch: How Motorcycle Clutch Works?

What is Motorcycle Clutch - Basic construction

In simple terms, your motorcycle clutch is the part that connects the engine to the transmission of your motorcycle.

Unlike many of the other parts on a motorcycle, the clutch is a design that has been around for centuries. The advancements in the materials used to make a motorcycle clutch, but the basic design has remained the same for years.

Your motorcycle clutch contains a group of motorcycle clutch plates which sit inside of a basket. The plates are compressed together with some springs and a cap plate that sits on the front of the basket. This is referred to as the pressure plate.

What Happens Inside the Clutch?

The basket is attached to the engine via a shaft. This basket spins with the engine. Inside this basket is a motorcycle clutch hub. This is the part that transfers the engine power to the rear wheel when the bike is in gear.

When the clutch is compressed it becomes one unit and engages the hub which then transfers the power to the rear wheel. When you pull the clutch lever a rod pushes on the pressure plate, releasing the pressure on the clutch pack disengaging the hub, and allowing your engine to turn freely.

There are two types of plates that sit inside the basket Friction plates and steel plates. These clutch plates for motorcycles are what allow the clutch to compress and to disengage. The main function of the clutch is to disengage the transmission so you can shift, and to transfer the power to the rear wheel.

When to Replace Your Motorcycle Clutches?

When your motorcycle clutch gets worn out, due to use, excessive heat, poor lubrication, or any combination thereof, your motorcycle clutch will begin to slip.

Your Clutch is what allows you to use all that power your motorcycle engine is making. The friction plates and the steels in your clutch take a lot of abuse every time you ride your bike. Eventually, the plates will wear out and will need to be replaced.

When you release your clutch lever and you hear your bike revving a little more than normal, or the bike feels sluggish when the engine is running fine. This is known as clutch slippage, and it means it's probably time to replace your clutch.

Clutch Benefits - Why Clutch Performance Matters?

If you have a high horsepower engine, you may want to install a performance motorcycle clutch. A high-performance motorcycle clutch uses slightly different, more expensive, materials for the friction plates and steels. This means a slight increase in cost, but produces a clutch that can handle a lot more abuse.

Lowbrow Customs carries a variety of aftermarket motorcycle clutches for your motorcycle. These aftermarket motorcycle clutches work fine in most stock or slightly modified applications. They contain proven friction plate materials with quality steels that will provide plenty of endurance.

Whatever your application, Lowbrow Customs carries a variety of motorcycle clutch replacement parts for your Harley Davidson® or Triumph® motorcycle. We have replacement clutch packs, clutch hubs, clutch baskets and hardware. Everything you need to get your clutch operating like it should. If you are a newbie in building or customizing your motorcycle, we have a lot of motorcycle guides that could help you. Enjoy your reading!