Every time the friction plates lose material and the spring weakens, your clutch struggles to provide power to the wheels and the performance gradually declines. Clutch problems, if left unsolved, can leave you stranded on the roadside. In this blog, we will discuss what warning signs you should consider before deciding to replace the clutch.
Why Clutches Wear out?
- Friction plates are coated with a rough surface, and every time you miss the clutch, it bites into the steel plates
- The surface gets worn out, reducing its ability to grab and transfer power
- Constant use weakens the strings
- Aggressive riding can also result in clutch wear out
- Oil is crucial for the clutch system, and degraded oil can wear out the clutch as well
Warning Signs
1- Clutch Slipping
Generally, riders notice that there is some disconnect between throttle input and road performance, leading to frustration. It often happens when you are carrying a passenger or due to heavy language. Moreover, its causes include worn-out friction plates, weak springs and overheated glazed plates. Beyond that, it is dangerous because it generates heat that can damage plates and expensive parts of the bike.
2- Difficulty Shifting Gears
A good working clutch allows gear changes with minimal effort. When shifting becomes hard and unresponsive, it is considered a warning sign. Oftentimes, putting excessive stress on the transmission can lead to damage to the shift forks. Moreover, missing gears at high speed can throw the bike off balance.
3- Burning Smell
One of the most alarming signs is the burning odour that comes after riding the bike. It is not the smell of hot oil but often more sharp and acrid. In some cases, the clutch can stop working mid-ride, making it difficult to shift or accelerate. Moreover, thin plates glaze over when heated, and the clutch gets strained due to heavy luggage.
4- Stiff Lever Feel
When the lever feels inconsistent and soft, then something in the system is off. It makes smooth shifts difficult and the ride unpredictable. In addition to this, it feels heavy and requires extra effort to pull. A stiff lever can cause fatigue in long rides and make it difficult to control the ride.
5- Poor Acceleration
Riders often mistake poor acceleration for engine trouble, but it is often a clutch issue. The bike feels lazy despite aggressive throttle input, and acceleration feels delayed. It may be due to several reasons, one of which is heat damage, where repeated slipping warps the plates, reducing their efficiency. Additionally, a bike that does not accelerate predictably can be dangerous and lead to accidents.
Risk of Ignoring Clutch Problems
A clutch doesn’t fail overnight; there are always some warning signs that include
- When a clutch is old and worn out, each ride becomes unsafe, as it can stop working mid-ride
- Excessive slipping can overheat the clutch
- Sudden lurches and the bike becomes unstable at low speeds
- Inconsistent clutch response
- Not replacing the old clutch with a standard clutch due to cost
- Buying a cheap gearbox, which costs more in the long run
Maintenance Tips to Increase Clutch Life
- Motorcycle always requires oils that are designed for them specifically, unlike car oil, bike oils don’t cause slipping
- Using the wrong oil, like that of a car, can cause your clutch to wear out faster
- Many riders shorten their clutch life by unnecessarily slipping in traffic
- Regular inspection is necessary to notice and replace the clutch before it’s too late
- Never use dirty oil
- Don’t overload the bike with heavy luggage
- Ensure the plates and springs are properly oiled
- Clean and check clutch components after an adventurous ride
Clutches From Top Motorcycle Manufacturers
1- Honda
Honda is trusted for its reliability, but its OEM clutches can wear out under aggressive riding. That is why aftermarket clutches provide good quality performance and affordability. They often provide stronger springs and better heat resistance.
2- Yamaha
Yamaha bikes are known for sporty engines and sharp handling. Their clutches bring more durability and are designed to handle aggressive riding styles. At Aliwheels, we stock Yamaha parts at affordable prices.
3- Suzuki
Suzuki clutches are made to handle the load. They perform well under heavy stress and are dependable for heavy use. Suzuki clutches are good for daily use as they are responsive under acceleration.
4- Harley-Davidson Clutches
Harley clutches are made to provide smooth shifts on the road. They are reliable and provide endless miles of cruising and comfort.
5- BMW
BMW clutches provide good performance at high speeds. Its clutches are good for long-distance riders, as they provide lightning-fast response in aggressive acceleration.
Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed the warning signs that indicate the need for replacement of motorcycle clutches. Additionally, we explored what some of the top brands provide in the case of reliability and performance. Moreover, we mentioned some of the risks associated with ignoring clutch problems. Lastly, it is important to consider that delaying the replacement of the motorcycle clutch can make the experience of each ride less joyful and more unsafe.
