How a motorcycle wet clutch works
First, a few basics.
the clutch connects the engine and transmission via a series of alternating friction and steel plates.
The clutch basket is attached to the engine. Friction plates are attached to the clutch basket via splines along their circumference.
The hub is attached to the transmission. Steel plates are attached to the hub via splines on their inside opening.
The hub fits inside the clutch basket and the friction and steel plates are woven together, connecting the two components and creating one assembly.
The pressure plate squeezes the friction and steel plates together, binding the engine to the transmission and moving the bike. Squeezing the clutch lever relieves pressure, allowing the friction and steel plates to separate and rotate independently. Now the engine can idle without the bike moving.
Wet clutches are widely used in motorcycles and dirt bikes. The term simply means the clutch is lubricated with oil, as opposed to a dry clutch. Friction plays a big role in proper clutch operation.
The friction and steel plates are separated, allowing the bike to run without moving. The light turns green or the gate drops. As you let out the clutch lever, the plates squeeze together. The transition from the friction and steel plates spinning independently to becoming locked together is an example of dynamic friction. Once the plates are locked together and spinning in unison, they’re subject to the principles of static friction.
