Motocross bike are tough and fast bikes specially designed for high performance and fast speeds. They are flashy and fun and their riders put them through some serious maneuvers. Speeding through race courses and spinning around turns. Going down inclines and flying over hills. All that action can really pound on motocross clutches, and without the clutch there can be no action at all!
The clutch holds the key to your motocross bike’s performance. You may be an ace as a motocross player but if your clutch is not doing its part, you may find your engine difficult to control. Here are some tips for an excellent clutch.
If you are using those Factory Clutch Springs take those off and replace them with stiffer clutch. Maximum performance parts are not used by bike factories when they assemble the clutch. High performance parts usually cost more money than those being used by factories.
Don’t forget that you still have change every spring. Usually two or three will do but you can experiment on what works for you.Do not neglect your transmission oil. Cars and trucks are different as you only need to change the oil once a year only. Every two or three races your oil must be replaced. Changing the oil may sound too much for you, but it is cheaper than a transmission overhaul. Remember that the crud that you pick up on the track accumulates and will put early stress on your clutch plates.
Always carry extra shims for emergencies. Who knows, you may need these things. It might happen in the middle of a race and you won’t be able to remedy the situation. Just insert the right washer under the bolt. The added thickness will preload your springs and remove that spongy feeling in your clutch.
Top off your transmission to the proper level with Automatic Transmission Fluid, that is, if it is GM compatible. But don’t use a Ford type fluid. The difference between the two is GM fluid grips better than a Ford fluid which is slick as molasses.
Using a factory-installed aluminum clutch plates should be avoided. These are not tough enough for extended motocross use so only use these plates for regular use. Steel plates are heavier but more durable and can hold up better than factory-installed aluminum clutch plates. There are two drawbacks for aluminum plates. First, the can wear off faster compared to steel and they leave a metallic residue in the oil which can also affect the mechanical parts. Two, aluminum warps easily when subjected to extreme heat generated in motocross.
Aging plates build up a glaze layer on the surface making them slip more noticeably. When this slippage is noticed, take out your fiber clutch plates and sand the surface to remove the slippery glaze. After you do the cleaning, reinstall it.
Make sure your clutch lever isn’t set too tight. Adjust it so that a quarter can slide between the lever perch and the lever without catching the clutch cable.
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Clutch Power – Tips To Have One