Riding the clutch

5371 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by nick, May 29, 2015

nick

Discussion Starter · May 28, 2015

ive heard the all motorcycles have a "wet" clutch. so you can ride your clutch as much as you want and it wont ware down.

just wanna see if thats confirmed to be true. or is it only on specific bikes?

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sean931

· #2 · May 28, 2015

Most have a wet clutch, but not all. Ducatis generally have a dry clutch, for example.

What do you mean by "ride the clutch"? Feathering the clutch out on starts and after downshifts is good technique, but otherwise the clutch isn't constantly "ridden". Just because the clutch plates are lubricated doesn't mean the can't wear out...there is still friction between the metal plates and friction pads.

So, yes...it generally takes longer to wear out a wet clutch than a dry clutch, but they can still be abused.

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nick

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 28, 2015

sean931 said:
Most have a wet clutch, but not all. Ducatis generally have a dry clutch, for example.

What do you mean by "ride the clutch"? Feathering the clutch out on starts and after downshifts is good technique, but otherwise the clutch isn't constantly "ridden". Just because the clutch plates are lubricated doesn't mean the can't wear out...there is still friction between the metal plates and friction pads.

So, yes...it generally takes longer to wear out a wet clutch than a dry clutch, but they can still be abused.

hmm alright thats some good info. and by riding the clutch i mean holding the clutch in while the bike is rolling. most of the time when i approach a stop i engine break . but sometimes i find my self just holding in the clutch as im stopping

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michaeln56

· #4 · May 28, 2015

nick said:
hmm alright thats some good info. and by riding the clutch i mean holding the clutch in while the bike is rolling. most of the time when i approach a stop i engine break . but sometimes i find my self just holding in the clutch as im stopping

I've heard that you should just use your brakes since those are cheap and engines are expensive, according to Keith Code

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Navin

· #5 · May 28, 2015

"Riding the clutch"means to be slipping it in the friction zone as you are riding. Like you start from a stop and never let it fully engage by releasing the lever. That will wear out your clutch plates and over heat the oil and everything else in short order.

What you are describing is fine. Engine braking is fine too. I do both, depending on the situation. Keep your oil fresh and you will be fine.

+ 32 years riding, +22 racing, A level vet.

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nick

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 29, 2015

Navin said:
"Riding the clutch"means to be slipping it in the friction zone as you are riding. Like you start from a stop and never let it fully engage by releasing the lever. That will wear out your clutch plates and over heat the oil and everything else in short order.

What you are describing is fine. Engine braking is fine too. I do both, depending on the situation. Keep your oil fresh and you will be fine.

+ 32 years riding, +22 racing, A level vet.

thank you sir. i will definitely keep this in mind

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