Harley-Davidson Sportster Motorcycle Clutch

Motorcycle Clutch All You Need to Know

Motorcycle clutch definition

 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. 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. 

How Do Motorcycle Clutches work?

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

When to Replace Your Clutch?

  Your clutch is what allows you to use all that power your 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 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. 

Why Buy Motorcycle Clutch at Lowbrow?