- The 4 main components of a motorcycle clutch
- Differences between wet and dry clutches
- How long a motorcycle clutch typically lasts
- What the “friction zone” really is
Prefer to get this information in podcast form? Listen to the 30 Minute Motorcycling Podcast episode about the clutch and clutch friction zone:
Why Do You Need to Disengage the Engine from the Rear Wheel?
Clutch Operation – Hydraulics vs. Cable
Hydraulics
Cable
Instead, power is delivered through a metal cable that tensions as you squeeze the brake lever - similar to how many motorcycle clutches work.
Although not so much on modern motorcycles, these brakes are highly common on bicycles and e-bikes.
What Does a Motorcycle Clutch Consist Of?
The clutch hub
Clutch plates
Aside from a pressure plate, clutch plates are either friction or steel, which sit between the housing and the clutch hub.
The smaller the clutch, the more plates it will contain.
The two types of plates alternate between one another – i.e., if you’ve got four friction plates, you’ve got four corresponding steel plates as well.
While you’re riding your bike, the two plate types are pressed together by either a set of coil springs or by a large diaphragm spring.
As you pull the clutch lever in (e.g., shift into second gear), the pressure plate separates these two plates – either through a cable or through hydraulics.
While the clutch is disengaged, these friction plates press the clutch hub against the flywheel, which transfers the power from the engine to the transmission.
Diaphragm or coil spring and pressure plate
Clutch housing
Wet vs. dry clutch
Why do road motorcycles use wet clutches?
- Increases the clutch lifespan
- Reduces noise