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Curious about how clutches work and how they can help your bike's performance? In this article, we dive into the mechanics of a clutch system and how changing and upgrading different components can improve performance and your riding experience. Owning and operating a motorcycle of any kind involves great levels of fun, but also requires a keen eye on maintenance along with unlimited options to modify the machine and its working parts. One key element at the heart of the engine is the clutch system, which is more important than just transferring power for a multitude of reasons. Aside from its core job of applying the power to the driveline, the clutch in any kind of motorcycle can change the entire characteristics of the machine and also the rider’s experience. Have you been maximizing your time on two wheels? Let’s discuss why clutch performance should be at the top of your thought list before your next ride. The clutch is the bike's key component in regulating the engine's power to the rear tire. Clutch Connection Explained At its most basic function, the clutch is the backbone of power delivery from a motorcycle’s crankshaft to the transmission. With all of this mechanical responsibility comes the importance of the system’s internal components and wear condition. After all, the connection from the rider to the machine’s characteristics and performance relies heavily on clutch components. From the street to the dirt, things like stall control, traction, momentum, power transfer, and more can be improved and controlled with the many optional components available. But how does it work? Starting with the pull of the clutch lever, a sequence of events occur that transfers the power of the engine to the driveline, the final stop being the rear tire. Whether a cable or hydraulic system, the clutch springs are the first action to relieving or applying pressure to the friction plates within the basket, mediating the crankshaft output to the transmission system and driveline through the inner hub, pressure plate, and clutch basket. When the lever is pulled, the pressure is relieved inside and friction disks are not engaged. As the lever releases, the clutch goes to work through the action of the pressure plate engagement to the clutch pack, increasing friction between the friction discs and plates, thus turning the center hub and applying the transfer of torque to the transmission. It then travels through the gears, to the countershaft, through the chain and sprockets, and finally the rear wheel and tire. As anything goes, wear condition and type of components within are integral to feel and performance. When it’s time to work on or maintain your motorcycle’s clutch, selecting which clutch replacement level or system you’ll be choosing is a decision that hinges on rider needs and expectations. Learn more about how a clutch works here: From friction plates to complete clutch assemblies, the value of each component can be found in different forms. The friction discs and drive plates are the most important working contact friction points of engagement, while the options of different spring rates and system combinations can dictate how the transfer of power is modulated. Beyond the clutch packs, components like clutch baskets, hubs, pressure plates, and basket sleeves can all provide added characteristics of oil cooling, wear prevention, power modulation, and options to suit your tastes and needs. All the parts of the clutch work together to allow the rider to regulate power delivery to the rear wheel. Clutch Benefits Breaking down some benefits of a properly operating clutch system comes down to clutch feel, power engagement, and added torque and traction. Riders that have their clutch in top operating condition will feel no slip or loss of power when a load is placed on the system, enjoy a lever feel that is modular and consistent with the engagement of the plates, and enjoy the benefits of efficient power transfer to the rear wheel. Added benefits of oil cooling/circulation within upgraded systems can also affect the clutch’s lifespan, durability, and engine temperature as well. Of course, normal maintenance like oil changes, cable adjustments, and plate inspections are key to the longevity of the system. Choosing different parts when servicing will create the various benefits the rider is looking for. Rekluse's billet components work together to move more oil through the clutch, increasing durability and decreasing operating temperatures. Rekluse Products and your Manual Clutch System For those who prefer the standard manual clutch, depending on your preference, performance, and demand, Rekluse has multiple options. Core Manual components, TorqDrive Clutch Packs, and Core Manual TorqDrive combination can provide varying levels of performance with different characteristics to suit the rider’s needs. At the most basic level, a clutch pack replacement into your stock system will breathe new life into your motorcycle. By introducing more friction plates into Rekluse’s world-renowned TorqDrive Clutch Packs they're able to vastly improve performance characteristics and add up to 25% torque increases over stock, giving the rider more drive and acceleration. In most applications, Rekluse’s basket sleeves will fit into the stock clutch basket, aiding in its lifespan and keep modulation smooth, all while keeping the stock clutch cover. The addition of Core Manual components introduces billet construction to the inner hub, pressure plate, and lighter overall weight, giving the system superior durability and lifespan and improving oil flow within the system. The extra friction disks result in more torque at the rear wheel, while the overall weight reduction and increased oil flow offer benefits like longer lifespan and improved clutch feel. TorqDrive Clutch Pack delivers a high-performance manual clutch within an OEM clutch footprint. Combining it all together in Rekluse’s flagship manual clutch system, the CoreManual TorqDrive kit is used by top factory race teams worldwide. Options like spring rate changes add to the tunability of the system, offering a stock feel or lighter-than-stock feel, depending on the rider’s demands. As mentioned prior, connection to power, added torque, better oil cooling capability, and the confidence that comes with a quality product are all added benefits of these systems. While a manual configuration is what many riders are used to, the option of making your motorcycle clutch system automatic is an entire other option to change ride characteristics, power delivery, and more, and has even been trusted at the highest level by the Monster Energy / Yamaha / Star Racing Yamaha race team. Core Manual TorqDrive is Rekluse's premier manual clutch, combining their Core and TorqDrive technologies into one package. Check it out here. Automatic Clutch Options For riders that want to go the route of an automatic clutch configuration, there are many (sometimes surprising) benefits to it. The ability to stall your motorcycle is eliminated by Rekluse’s proprietary EXP technology, and centrifugal force automatically engages and disengages the clutch pack based on RPM. Beyond this, advanced riders can see benefits like increased momentum in corners and still use the clutch lever just like they always have. The EXP disk is the part that gives an auto clutch its automatic functionality. Pictured here is Rekluse's latest EXP 4.0. Beginners and advanced riders alike often find that less clutch usage can add to the ease of riding and reduce overall fatigue. With optional spring and wedge options available, tunability and power delivery characteristics of this EXP system are open to rider preferences. The clutch lever still functions as it always did, and this system can connect the rider to the experience longer via less mental and physical taxation. The benefit? Longer, care-free rides equaling happier riders. Rekluse offers three different options of auto clutch packages, each with varying levels of performance and modification. Beginning with the RadiusX system, this product offering utilizes the stock basket, hub, and pressure plate, but adds Rekluse’s EXP auto clutch disk and TorqDrive friction disks, resulting in high performance characteristics and an auto clutch configuration. Adding Core technology into the mix, the Core EXP 3.0 package includes Rekluse’s billet core, their EXP auto clutch, and utilizes your stock friction disks, a system only available for certain applications. Culminating everything into the highest performance auto clutch setup on the market, Rekluse’s RadiusCX system combines Core, EXP, and TorqDrive technology into a race-ready configuration that offers all of the aforementioned benefits of the added oil cooling and reduced weight and a level of auto clutch that has never been matched. Engine/Clutch Life and How Heat Affects It With any level of off-road motorcycle, the demands of riding at various skill levels and conditions can lead to stress and strain on the machine as a whole over time. Naturally, the friction-based transfer of power inside of the clutch system is a source of engine heat. Heat is a large factor in clutch fade and wear, and clutch fade is power loss and slippage from the crankshaft to the transmission due to excess heat in the clutch. The opportunity to lower operating oil temperatures can improve the performance and also add to the lifespan of both the clutch system and overall engine package. Rekluse Core technology is designed to optimize oil flow through the clutch. With the added benefits of both the TorqDrive friction disks and billet internal components, operating temperatures are lowered while oil circulation is improved by design and function. Physical wear is prolonged with these billet machined pieces and all of the aforementioned traits of the motorcycle’s characteristics are affected by heat and directly transfer over to the rider, so keep it cool and your motorcycle will thank you! As any passionate rider does, keeping your dirt bike in peak operating performance is the best way to provide the best experience. Whether you’re a racer, a weekend warrior, trail rider, or a few and far between enthusiast, doing your research and investing into your clutch system is one of the most noticeable and valuable things a rider can do. Understanding the way everything works is important, and all of the information that is mentioned in this article can be referenced further at Rekluse.com via their extensive information catalog.

Referring to Rekluse’s “auto clutch” systems is much more simply stated than achieved. Auto clutch technology has been meticulously engineered, tested, and developed through several generations in the engines of many different brands and types of motorcycles. But, what are the benefits of running an auto clutch in the first place? Benefits of an Auto Clutch and How it Works Swing a leg over a motorcycle equipped with a Rekluse auto clutch system – whether it be a RadiusX or RadiusCX – and roll on the throttle and riders will notice they can start and stop without the clutch lever. The automatic engagement and disengagement of the clutch is based on engine RPM, allowing the EXP disk to perform what you’d normally do by pulling in the lever, on its own. This eliminates stalling and improves rider control, maximizing traction and confidence to navigate challenging terrain. Plus, riders can run a gear taller, allowing the suspension and chassis to settle and work better. Auto clutch systems can provide a wide range of benefits outside of just eliminating stalling. The EXP disk is the magic ingredient behind the functionality and benefits of Rekluse auto clutches. About 10 years ago, Rekluse introduced an innovatively redesigned version of its revolutionary auto clutch technology with EXP 3.0. The years of racing, testing and development since have led to Rekluse’s most refined auto clutch experience yet; Introducing EXP 4.0. Rekluse engineers went through every aspect of the EXP auto clutch disk design to achieve three major goals: More direct power delivery, improved durability, and rider-focused functionality. Shop RadiusX and RadiusCX clutch systems featuring EXP 4.0 for your bike here. How Can you Upgrade Your Rekluse 3.0 Auto Clutch to 4.0? If your bike is already equipped with a Rekluse auto clutch system using EXP 3.0 - whether it be RadiusX, RadiusCX, or Core EXP 3.0 - there's a quick and convenient option for you. Depending on your system, you have the choice of purchasing an EXP 4.0 assembly on its own, or an EXP 4.0 assembly plus a fresh clutch pack with complete with drive plates and TorqDrive friction disks and baskets (for applicable models). The upgrade is simple! Backwards compatibility with Rekluse 3.0 systems is drop-in ready; Simply replace your EXP 3.0 disk with your new EXP 4.0 disk and you're ready to enjoy all the advantages of the latest generation auto clutch. Shop EXP 4.0 Upgrade Kits for your bike here EXP 4.0 was designed and tested to achieve three goals: More direct power delivery, improved durability, and rider-focused functionality. What Changes were made with EXP 4.0 from EXP 3.0? First, the base material used for EXP 4.0 has been updated to provide better strength in high temperature environments, critical for the heat clutch systems create. Next, the internal wall of EXP 4.0 bases were redesigned for strength and rigidity, which helps translate to a more connected lever feel for the rider. EXP 4.0 improvements started at the bases, using improved material and design for provide better strength in the harsh environments of clutch systems. On the outside of the EXP disk, riders will notice the friction pads now match the proprietary friction design found on Rekluse TorqDrive clutch plates. Applying this friction pad design helps match oil flow characteristics of the clutch pack beneath, promoting improved cooling capability and consistent operation. EXP 4.0 uses a TorqDrive friction pad design, improving oil cooling and flow, improving longevity. The ‘wedges’ are a critical component to the centrifugal functionality of EXP 4.0. In the previous iteration, the wedges would slide up and down ramps built into the EXP bases to engage and disengage the clutch. EXP 4.0’s wedge has been improved to now use rolling contact with built-in pins. Rolling versus sliding creates less friction and resistance, providing smoother engagement and a more responsive feel, creating stronger power delivery overall. The wedge and ramp design of EXP 4.0 has been improved with rolling action vs. sliding, creating less friction and resistance for more direct power delivery and smoother engagement. Not only is engagement smoother and more responsive, but the engagement curves of EXP 4.0 have been designed to better match the engine characteristics of modern motorcycles. Improved tuning options play a role in this as well, as riders now have the option to set up their EXP 4.0 with a combination of light, medium and heavy wedge weights in addition to having multiple EXP disk spring options as they did with 3.0. This creates much more potential for riders to optimize their clutch and engine characteristics based on riding conditions. However, if you’re a rider that likes load-up and go, EXP 4.0 comes with recommended settings out of the box. EXP 4.0 disks were developed and tested to complement the engine characteristics of a wide variety of modern bikes. EXP 4.0 will be featured in all new RadiusX and RadiusCX auto clutch kits going forward, and will also be retrofitted to those same kits as they are restocked for existing models. Any riders that currently have a Rekluse auto clutch system with EXP 3.0 can quickly and easily upgrade to EXP 4.0 with a simple disk swap and adjustment check. Summing it Up: Rekluse EXP 4.0 Auto Technology Benefits More direct power delivery, improved durability, and rider-focused functionality Upgraded base material providing improved strength at high temperatures Revised base design improving strength and rigidity, translating to more connected lever feel Improved wedge design with pins allows for rolling instead of sliding to expand the disk, creating a more responsive feel and smoother engagement TorqDrive friction pad design matches revised oil flow characteristics Engagement curve designs updated to better match modern motorcycle engine characteristics More tuning options with varying wedge weights and EXP springs RadiusCX auto clutch kit with EXP 4.0 technology.

Different machines, types of riding, and skill levels may benefit from different clutch setups. So how do you decide which clutch is right for you? Here, we break down each of Rekluse's clutch offerings to help you make an informed decision. While riding a motorcycle may seem elementary to an experienced individual, it’s not the act of riding that’s so impressive as how a motorcycle works. Very few people take to the time to think about all of the minute steps required for a bike to even start, let alone be ridden. Of course, there’s the piston pumping up and down, fuel igniting in the combustion chamber, and the crankshaft turning energy into rotary motion. One of the most overlooked components of an engine is the clutch system. In fact, it’s generally considered an afterthought; that is, until it stops functioning properly. Never overlook the importance of a properly functioning clutch. Motorcycle enthusiasts may view the engine’s clutch as a small piece of a large puzzle, unnecessary to worry about until new clutch plates are required. However, the clutch can actually be a huge performance advantage. Rekluse, an Idaho-based company that has been making their own line of clutch systems for 17 years, knows this all too well. Their first centrifugal automatic clutch (known as the Z-Start), put them on the map. Top off-road racers across various disciplines have raced, and won, with the Rekluse auto clutch. As an aftermarket company, reaching the pinnacle of the sport can’t be accomplished by offering an inferior product. Every component is tested to its maximum capabilities before ever being used in a race situation. Today's Rekluse clutches are the result of 17 years of development, engineering, and testing. This is an ever-evolving process that fuels Rekluse's continued development. Rekluse offers six different options across the auto and manual clutch categories for dirt bikes. Although known for their automatic clutch systems, Rekluse makes state-of-the-art manual clutch packages. Which one is right for you? Auto or manual? RadiusCX or EXP 3.0? Core Manual TorqDrive or Core Manual? Read on to find out. Understand Your Options Think about your preferences, expertise, and shortcomings as a rider. Are you a beginning motocross racer, focused on mastering throttle control and maintaining corner speed? Perhaps you’re an avid trail seeker, searching for unconquered terrain in the most hostile environments. Whatever the case, it’s important to understand that your bike’s clutch can either help or hinder your goals as a rider. Understand that you have options. Different riders will benefit from different clutch setups. Read on to understand which of the various options will be most beneficial for you. Conventional clutch systems can be easily abused, leading to premature wear and eventual failure. Constantly pulling in and releasing a clutch lever causes fatigue. Automatic clutches can help solve those problems. Is there a drawback to using an auto clutch? Some may find the technology foreign, requiring practice in order to achieve comfort. Wrap your head around the idea of coming to a stop with the bike in gear and your hand off the clutch. Fortunately, Rekluse covers the spectrum of clutch configurations. Rekluse Technology Through extensive research and development, Rekluse created three technological advancements that are shared among various clutch systems in their line. These components are a telling sign of Rekluse’s commitment to achieving clutch mastery. EXP The Houdini of clutch tech, Rekluse’s EXP disk is responsible for engaging and disengaging the clutch based on centrifugal force. When the motorcycle reaches a certain rpm, the EXP wedges slide out to expand the disk and engage the clutch. All of this is happening from engine idle to about 3,000 rpm. The point at which the clutch engages can be fine-tuned with different wedges and springs for a customized feel. The EXP disk is the key to auto clutch performance. This is the piece that automatically expands and contracts based on RPM to engage and disengage the clutch. Andrew Wheeler, Rekluse Engineering Manager, elaborates, “There was a lot of thought that went into the ramp angles during the development process, and how the wedges would ramp out while rotating. Small changes to the wedges made a big difference in how the auto clutch performed. Our goal was to make something lightweight, easy to adjust, and functional.” This graphics illustrates the simple, but innovative, process of the EXP disk and how it achieves auto clutch functionality. EXP technology is utilized on the RadiusCX, RadiusX and Core EXP 3.0 automatic clutch systems. Read more about how EXP works and find clutch systems with EXP here. TorqDrive Exactly what the name implies, TorqDrive is based on the principle that using more friction plates in a clutch pack creates increased torque capacity. Rekluse accomplished this by decreasing the thickness of their plates in order to use more plates in the same confines, while developing their own friction material for increased durability. Check out how TorqDrive increases torque capacity. Wheeler states, “The idea was to increase torque capacity to the system. Ultimately, the goal was to allow for more tuning options, lighter feel at the lever, and lessen clutch operating temperatures. The world of Supercross and motocross is based around a standard functioning manual clutch. The market in that segment is very competitive. We learned that other companies were using standard-based friction plates. Yet race teams were still having issues with breaking friction plates and experiencing clutch fade, which was caused by expansion. Our goal was to find a fiber compound that was durable, even when the operating temperature became extremely hot, yet be thin enough to fit more fiber plates into that same working area.” "Our goal was to find a fiber compound that was durable, even when the operating temperature became extremely hot, yet be thin enough to fit more fiber plates into that same working area." - Rekluse The friction plates are made out of steel, which bucks the trend of using aluminum. When subjected to extreme heat, aluminum expands roughly twice as much as steel. Expansion leads to clutch fade. Rekluse essentially solved an age-old clutch malady through metallurgy. Additionally, the steel-based friction plates have unusually shaped friction material totally unlike a traditional square or rectangle-shape. Wheeler explains, “We came up with our own fiber material and design, which is based around oil flow. That material is on a steel core, which maintains its integrity, even when the engine gets really hot. As a result, you don’t get clutch fade or constantly have to adjust the clutch cable in the middle of your moto. The Rekluse TorqDrive system contains 12 friction plates in most Japanese-manufactured bikes, versus seven or eight in a OEM/stock configuration.” Additionally, the TorqDrive pack comes with steel lining clutch basket sleeves to eliminate wear and notching to the clutch basket tangs. Rekluse left no stone unturned. Rekluse developed a more durable clutch fiber compound while simultaneously improving the pad design for better cooling. The fiber material sits on a steel core, creating a complete package that drastically reduces clutch fade. TorqDrive technology can be found in the RadiusCX and RadiusX auto clutches, as well as the Core Manual TorqDrive and TorqDrive Clutch Pack manual editions. Read more about how TorqDrive works and find TorqDrive-equipped clutch systems here. Core Heat is the mortal enemy of an engine’s clutch. Rekluse confronted that problem head-on by developing their own hub, pressure plate and clutch cover. Made out of billet aluminum and designed around optimizing oil flow to lower clutch operating temperatures, Core is literally cool. The parts are made lighter to reduce rotating mass. In comparison to the competition, what’s noticeable about Rekluse hubs and pressure plates are that they have very open profiles. The bottom and top of the hub have features that basically act as a dam for the oil. Oil that makes its way into the center hub is directed through the clutch plates. More flow reduces heat. The pressure plate is also open, and any oil that comes from the front side of the clutch system makes its way to the center clutch. Rekluse Core billet inner hubs and pressure plates are designed to promote better oil flow and less rotating mass. A close inspection of an OEM/stock hub will likely reveal oil holes and features that are located in the profile where the drive plates would ride. With this design, the holes are potentially blocked, preventing oil from reaching the clutch plates. Rekluse found a solution. Wheeler explained, "The Rekluse-designed hub has the oil holes and features on the ribs themselves. There are features in the drive plates, which act like pockets, so the oil is able to flow to the clutch plates without restriction.” Taking it a step further, Rekluse created their own clutch cover that allows for roughly 50cc more oil capacity. More oil equals decreased operating temperature. Rekluse billet hubs have oil flow features directly on the ribs, adding another measure to clutch plate oiling. Also, Rekluse billet clutch covers allow for additional oil capacity to keep things cooler. Core technology is utilized in RadiusCX and Core EXP 3.0 auto clutches, as well as Core Manual TorqDrive and Core Manual clutches. Read more about Core technology and find Core-equipped clutch systems here. Automatic: What are your Options? Rekluse offers three automatic clutch options – RadiusCX, RadiusX, and Core EXP 3.0. RadiusCX is the Taj Mahal of automatic clutch systems, featuring a plethora of Rekluse’s latest technologies. It contains the best features, as far as cooling and auto clutch performance. If you are a clutch abuser, the RadiusCX is for you. Like the other auto clutch options, the rider can use the clutch lever for manual operation. The RadiusCX is the ultimate clutch package for riders desiring the auto clutch. It includes the Core billet components, TorqDrive technology, the EXP 3.0 disk, and the billet slave cylinder for DDS models (shown here). Find RadiusCX for your ride here. RadiusX is the little brother to the RadiusCX. Featuring EXP and TorqDrive technology, the system comes with the EXP disk and clutch pack, as well as the clutch basket sleeves. It does not come equipped with the Core billet components, and as such, is priced at $629. The RadiusX features EXP and TorqDrive to deliver a great auto clutch experience, it just does not include the Core billet components to keep the price point lower. Find RadiusX for your ride here. Core EXP 3.0 utilizes the EXP centrifugal disk, meaning that you can come to a complete stop in gear with clutch out and not stall the bike. The package also includes the Core billet parts. OEM/stock clutch plates are required with the Core EXP 3.0. The Core EXP 3.0 includes the EXP disk and all the Core billet components, but utilizes stock clutch plates. Find Core EXP 3.0 for your ride here. Manual: What Are Your Options? Rekluse also offers three manual clutch options – Core Manual TorqDrive, Core Manual, and TorqDrive Clutch Pack. Core Manual TorqDrive was designed for serious racers, used at the Supercross level on down to the amateur ranks. It has the most adjustments as far as tunability, and outstanding durability. The kit comes with Core and TorqDrive technology. Find Core Manual TorqDrive for your machine here. The Core Manual TorqDrive kit inludes Core billet components and TorqDrive technology. The power delivery improvement and added durability is nothing short of impressive. Core Manual is essentially a billet replacement for the stock hub and pressure plate. Some riders may prefer the feel of riding with OEM/stock friction plates. If that statement explains you, then the Core Manual is your best option. It is priced at $519. Find Core Manual for your machine here. If you want the durability and cooling characteristics of the Core billet components but prefer the feeling of stock clutch plates, the Core Manual is your clutch. The TorqDrive Clutch Pack takes the clutch pack used in the Core Manual TorqDrive and puts it into a stock hub and pressure plate. It’s very affordable, and a good alternative for racers on a tight budget. Find TorqDrive Clutch Pack for your machine here. The TorqDrive clutch pack gives you the advantages of increased torque capacity without the added cost of billet components. The most affordable way to get all the holeshots. What the Professionals Run Rekluse’s list of sponsored riders reads like a who’s who in all of the major forms of two-wheeled off-road motorcycle racing series. In fact, Rekluse relies on some of the world’s best athletes for product development and durability. Given that Rekluse produces a variety of clutch applications, it makes sense that their fleet of sponsored riders have their particular favorites. The 2021 Pro Motocross Champion, Dylan Ferrandis, and 2021 250SX Champions rely on a variation of Rekluse clutch technology, including TorqDrive, Core, and RadiusCX, depending on the rider. The current 2022 450SX Supercross points leader, Eli Tomac, is also powered by TorqDrive. Many more teams in the pits are running Rekluse, including Factory Husqvarna with CoreManual parts. 2022 450SX Supercross points leader, Eli Tomac, is powered by Rekluse TorqDrive. Photo - Star Yamaha Believe it or not, there are some riders who prefer to race Supercross with an automatic clutch. Wheeler explains, “I have done back-to-back testing with top privateers in Supercross, and most post faster lap times with an auto clutch. They couldn’t believe it. That’s because an auto clutch makes the bike's power feel smoother.” Smooth doesn’t feel fast to most riders, but the stopwatch doesn’t lie. Paden believes that more riders will start preferring automatic clutches in Supercross over time. It’s not a crazy theory, given that roll speed is an important part of clearing jumps and being successful in Supercross. While an auto clutch may not 'feel' as fast to some Supercross riders, many of those that have tested it have posted faster lap times. Could we see a migration to auto clutches in Supercross? If you’re still unsure of which Rekluse clutch to install in your motorcycle, give the clutch experts a call at 208-426-0659, or browse the Rekluse website at www.rekluse.com.

Think of a clutch basket as the back-bone of your entire clutch system. Precision CNC machining combined with innovative world-class engineering allows Rekluse clutch baskets to safeguard your vital internal components, keeping you on the track or trail a lot longer. Read on as we dive into the function and construction of clutch baskets and dampers and learn more about how Rekluse billet baskets can protect your clutch system and engine. Like we mentioned, the clutch basket is the back-bone of your bike's entire clutch system, but clutch modulation is not its only responsibility. In fact, an arguably even larger responsibility the clutch basket carries on its shoulders is being one of the main transfer points of load experienced back and forth between the rear wheel and the engine's rotating assembly. Not every bike utilizes a dampened clutch basket - dampened here meaning there are rubber cushions between the clutch basket and the primary gear. Small but mighty, these dampers are tasked with dampening any load transferred from the rear wheel and through the drive system, protecting the engine's internal components from potentially damaging, jolting forces. To put this in perspective, think of hitting a metal object with a standard metal hammer vs. hitting that same object with a rubber mallet. The rubber mallet absorbs much more of the energy whereas the hammer transfers it to your hand and arm. Obstacles like whoops, square edges, braking bumps and even landing off a jump under acceleration are common riding situations that force load on the drive system through the rear wheel. These repetitive occurrences over time, as well as excess clutch heat, can break down the rubber dampers, putting internal engine components at greater risk of damage. This risk can be mitigated through normal clutch maintenance and equipping your system with new dampers, but the problem is that stock clutch baskets in dampened designs are not serviceable, meaning the primary gears are riveted onto the basket and removing the gear to replace dampers renders the basket unusable. On the right is an OEM basket still assembled with the primary gear. On the left is the same OEM basket with the rivets and gear removed. Even though there is now access to the dampers, having to drill out the rivets has rendered the basket unsafe to reuse. Rekluse billet clutch baskets for dampened systems are designed with allen screws that can be easily installed and removed, making rubber damper replacement not only possible, but fairly simple with common garage tools. Replacement dampers for Rekluse baskets are designed to provide at least three times the life over OEM and are made available to help riders keep to service intervals, but those service intervals can vary by make, model, and even year. Be sure to do a little research on what's recommended for your machine, and feel free to chat with the tech experts at Rekluse as well. Rekluse clutch baskets are serviceable, meaning just the dampers can be replaced through normal maintenance without having to replace the entire basket. So, we've discussed damper wear, but what about other common basket issues? Many will say basket notching is a highly common issue with basket wear that typically constitutes replacing the basket all together once it gets bad enough. However, basket notching can actually be attributed to worn our dampers as well. Once dampers are worn to the point where they lose their ability to sufficiently absorb force, undue forces make their way through the clutch system and the rest of the engine, part of which means the impact of clutch fiber fingers on basket tangs will be greater. To help combat this type of wear in between damper replacements, Rekluse has developed basket sleeves - replaceable, thin alloy sleeves that slide between basket tangs, protecting the basket itself and theoretically allowing the basket to last for the life of the motorcycle, especially when paired with Rekluse TorqDrive clutch products. Rekluse basket benefits don't end there: Made 100% in-house in the USA in our Idaho manufacturing facility Billet aluminum hard anodized construction Enhanced clutch modulation Extreme durability resists notching and extends clutch life Exclusive replaceable cushions protect your transmission even under the most extreme conditions Tightly controlled tolerances ensure smooth operation, less drag and reduced clutch noise Rekluse Clutch Baskets are machined from one piece of solid aluminum, giving them better precision and greater durability than OEM cast baskets. #MadeInTheUSA Because in-house research, testing, and development can only go so far (and we take it as far as possible), we lean on our partners in professional racing to provide further data and feedback that we translate back into our shelf parts. Just some of these teams are: Smartop / Bullfrog Spas / MotoConcepts Honda Star Racing Yamaha XPR Motorsports EBR Performance AmPro Yamaha BWR Racing Merge Racing Technologies Want to learn more or order now? Visit Rekluse.com and use the "Select your ride" feature to find the right basket for your motorcycle.