What is a Motorcycle Clutch?

Indeed, in the motorbike transmission, the motorcycle gear is the most crucial motorbike part. But did you know that you can only change the motorbike gear with the help of a motorcycle clutch? Now the question arises, what is a motorcycle clutch? 

The motorcycle clutch is one of the crucial motorbike parts that help you engage and disengage the motorbike power so you can change the motorbike gear. But when you apply the motorbike clutch, your motorbike will enter a state where the motorbike engine can’t transmit the power to the rear wheel.

Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about motorcycle clutches. 

What is a Motorcycle Clutch?

Indeed the motorcycle clutch is one of the crucial motorbike parts responsible for running your motorbike on the highways. Now the question arises, what is a motorcycle clutch?

The motorcycle clutch is one of the crucial motorbike parts that help you engage and disengage the motorbike power so you can change the motorbike gear. 

When pressing the motorcycle clutch lever on your left side, the motorbike stops to supply power to the rear wheel, providing you the window to change the motorbike gear. 

Can You Change the Motorcycle Gear Without the Clutch?

So far, you understand what a motorcycle clutch is and what it mainly does on your motorbike. Now the question arises, can you change the motorcycle gear without the clutch? 

You can change the motorbike gear without the clutch, but it should be your backup or second option because doing this will hamper your motorbike gear teeth. 

The motorbike clutch is there to temporarily disengage the motorbike power to the rear wheel so that you can change the motorbike gear without hurting the motorbike gear teeth during this period. 

And that’s why experts always recommend avoid changing the gear without pressing the clutch. 

Can You Find the Clutch in Every Motorbike? 

So far, you understand that you shouldn’t press the motorbike clutch whenever changing the motorbike gear. Now the question arises, can you find the clutch in every motorbike?

You can find the motorcycle clutch in every motorbike with gear. Except for the electric motorbike, all remaining motorbikes come with a clutch so you can change the motorbike gears. 

Since the electric motorbike is based on a simple electric motor principle that runs when you accelerate, there’s no involvement of the motorbike gears and clutch. 

However, many manufacturers are planning to release electric motorbikes with transmissions and gears and thus you can find the electric motorbike clutch on those motorbikes soon. 

Where Can You Find the Clutch in the Motorbike? 

So far, you understand that you can find the motorbike clutch in every motorbike, which comes with gear and transmission. Now the question arises, where can you find the clutch in the motorbike? 

You can find the motorbike clutch on the left side of the handle on every motorbike. The clutch looks the same as the front tire break, and you need to press it when you want to disengage the motorbike engine to the rear wheel.

Why Do Electric Motorcycles Don’t Have a Clutch? 

So far, you understand whether electric motorcycles have a clutch or not; now the question arises, why do electric motorcycles don’t have a clutch? 

An electric motorcycle comes with a simple mechanism in which an electric motor is attached to the back wheel, which runs the time you give throttle. 

The more you accelerate, the more speed your motorbike will catch. You don’t need a gearbox and clutch for rotating the electric motorbike tire and motor.

And that’s why electric motorbikes don’t require any motorbike clutch and gearbox. 

Which Electric Motorbike Will Come with a Gear Box? 

So far, you understand why electric motorbikes don’t have a clutch. Now the question arises, which electric motorcycle will come with a gearbox? 

The Kawasaki EV project is the most awaited electric motorbike from Kawasaki, which is expected to come in the next five years. Manufacturers are planning to add gearboxes to this motorbike to give it a little more power, which can’t be found on other electric motorbikes.

In upcoming years, you’ll see the electric motorbike with a gearbox that will add more power to your nature-friendly journey. 

How Much Does Replacing the Motorbike Clutch Cost You?

Indeed you can find the motorbike clutch on every motorbike, which comes with transmission and gears; now the question arises, how much does replacing the motorbike clutch cost you? 

In case your motorbike clutch malfunctions or breaks in a motorbike accident, then a motorbike clutch would cost you pretty much high. For instance, it will cost you around $600-$800 on the higher side if you hire a professional to replace the old motorbike clutch; it’s mainly because installing the motorbike clutch is complex and focused work. 

Instead, you can purchase the motorbike clutch, plates, and wire and DIY to replace the old motorbike clutch with the new one. However, if you’re a bit untechy, avoid DIY on a motorbike clutch.

What’s the Function of a Motorbike Clutch?

Indeed you can save more money by doing DIY when installing and replacing the motorbike clutch; now the question arises, what’s the function of a motorbike clutch? 

When you ignite the motorbike, the engine starts to spin, which doesn’t spin the motorbike’s rear tire unless you apply the motorbike gear and accelerate the motorbike. But when you apply the motorbike clutch, your motorbike will enter the state where the spinning motorbike engine can’t transmit the power to the rear wheel, even if you’re on the motorbike gear. 

In easier words, the motorbike clutch leads your motorbike to the stage where your engine won’t transmit power to the rear wheel. Not only this, you can use the clutch to slow the motorbike’s speed without applying the motorbike brake, but it takes some time for the motorbike to stop. 

Also, please read my previous post where I discussed how adding a clutch can boost engine power in the electric motorbike, CLICK HERE to read.

What’re the Types of Motorbike Clutch?

So far, you understand the function of a motorbike clutch and where you can find the motorbike clutch; now the question arises, what’re the types of motorbike clutches? 

There are two types of motorbike clutches: 

1. Wet motorbike clutch. 
2. Dry motorbike clutch. 

Types of Motorbike Clutch?	Details:
Wet motorbike clutch	In the wet clutch, you can find the presence of engine oil, and in some cases, the wet motorbike clutch is fully bathed with the motorbike engine oil.
Dry motorbike clutch	The dry motorbike clutch is one that doesn’t come with any trace of engine oil which decreases the clutch age insanely.

Wet Motorbike Clutch:

A wet motorbike clutch or a long-lasting clutch are those clutches in which you can find the presence of engine oil, and in some cases, the wet motorbike clutch is fully bathed with the motorbike engine oil. 

The wet motorbike clutch’s engine helps promote longevity by absorbing the friction heat. Still, the only disadvantage is that the oil is sometimes leaked from the clutch lever. 

Dry Motorbike Clutch:

The dry motorbike clutch doesn’t have any trace of engine oil which decreases the clutch age insanely. Unlike the wet motorbike clutch, you can’t find any trace of engine oil; thus, it will always be clean and free from dust.   

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

What is a motorcycle clutch? The motorcycle clutch is one of the crucial motorbike parts that help you engage and disengage the motorbike power so you can change the motorbike gear. But when you apply the motorbike clutch, your motorbike will enter a state where the spinning motorbike engine can’t transmit the power to the rear wheel.

I’ve also mentioned the types of motorbike clutches and the difference between them, which will help you to choose the best one for yourself.