The clutch is an essential part of any motorcycle.  In this edition of Shop Talk, we’re going to look at how it works and how you can keep it working properly in order to deliver the optimum safety and performance during your ride.  We begin this segment by listening to Chris Reo, Chief Instructor at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute.  He gives a rundown of what the clutch consists of.  While Chris talks of baskets and plates, it is important to see there is a “connection” that links it all together.  In fact, let’s approach it in this fashion.  First, the engine’s crankshaft has gears that spin the outer clutch basket.  The fiber, or friction plates, inside are tanged into the basket.  When the engine is running, they are spinning.  Then there are the metal plates that are tanged to the inner-clutch hub that is splined onto the main shaft and secured with a nut.  These plates spin only when the clutch lever is released, moving the pressure plate in and forcing the friction plates to cause the metal plates to spin.  This action, in turn, spins the main shaft.  If the bike is in gear, you will begin to move!  Clear as mud, right?

Okay, now that we have some idea of how a clutch works, we need to talk about maintaining and adjusting the clutch lever.  Basically, there are two types of clutch levers: hydraulic and cable activated.  A hydraulic lever works like a brake system, complete with hydraulic fluid.  If you notice decreased performance, such as sticking or dragging when you have this type of system, you could be low on fluid, or the lines may need to be bled.  In addition, your transmission oil may be too heavy, burned, or worn out.  If you have a cable activated system on your bike, generally all that is required is the turning of a knob located next to the clutch lever itself.  Remember, you need about a nickel’s width of slack showing after you make the adjustment.  Now, if these adjustments don’t do the trick, your clutch plates could be warped, or there could be a more serious problem.  Remember, clutch plates do wear out and need to be replaced.  So have your clutch periodically checked by a licensed mechanic.  In addition, always consider that the way you ride affects the life of your clutch.  If you are thinking about making engine modifications that will increase the power of your bike, you might need to also install a high-performance clutch.  All that power won’t do you one bit of good if it can’t get to the rear wheel!  Be sure to check out the segment of the show on video to see just how intricate a clutch system can be and how you should make sure that you are taking care of it.                      

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