How Does It Work?

The basic job of the clutch is to temporarily disconnect the engine from the transmission and drivetrain system which drives the rear wheel. Unless that happens, it is nearly impossible to mate an idling engine with the transmission and move a geared motorcycle, which is at a standstill, forwards. It is possible to shift gears without the clutch when the bike is moving, but the result isn’t always smooth and if performed incorrectly, the grinding can even damage the gearbox for good.

The lever which is pulled by your left hand is connected to a circular clutch assembly, which sits closer to the engine, via a cable or a hydraulic system. The assembly consists of a pressure plate on the outermost side which faces the engine cover.

When the clutch lever is out, the fully compressed springs on the pressure plate sandwich everything together. As the steel and friction plates are pressing against each other at this time, the rotation of the friction disc results in rotation of the steel disc and vice-versa.

There are two main designs of motorcycle clutch assemblies – A wet clutch and a dry clutch. A wet clutch is bathed in the engine oil, as it provides cooling and lubricates the various interlocking components of the assembly. It has a longer life and can withstand harsh conditions better, in comparison to a dry system. A dry clutch as the name suggests doesn’t require an oil bath. The upside to that? It doesn’t contaminate the engine oil with particles which are a part of normal wear and tear of the clutch system. The other advantage is that since it doesn’t spin through an oil bath which also lubricates the engine, there is lesser drag and the system doesn’t rob the engine’s power.

How to ensure longevity for your motorcycle clutch?

There are some basics which you can follow to enhance the life of a clutch assembly.Avoid riding the clutch, where some of your fingers rest on the lever when you ride and you’re accidentally pulling the clutch in, all throughout.

If you like indulging in acts like pulling wheelies or performing burnouts, the life of your clutch will reduce almost by half or even less. Aggressive downshifting and releasing the clutch abruptly will round off the teeth on those clutch plates and the grooves on the inner hub and outer basket.Be smooth with your inputs as much as you can and that’s the best you can do to make that clutch assembly last long, really long.

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