10 Ways To Avoid Your Motorcycle Clutch From Burning Out

Updated: 22.5.24

Ever been cruising down the road, only to notice a strange smell or a drop in power?

Often, it's your clutch sending you an SOS. Think the clutch isn't a big deal?

Think again. A failing clutch can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

Ready to learn how to keep it in top shape?

Let's dive in.

Summary of The Main Points of Avoiding Clutch Burn Out

The Basics of Clutch Control

Imagine the clutch as the unsung hero of your motorcycle. It may not be the star of the show, but it sure as heck plays a crucial role in the performance.

So, what are some foundational tips to master the art of clutch control?

1. Keep Your Foot Away When Not Changing Gears

Yes, it might feel instinctive to keep your foot near the clutch, especially when you're manoeuvring through heavy traffic.

But doing so increases the risk of partial clutch engagement, which, let me tell you, isn't something your clutch appreciates.

Related: How To Ride A Dirt Bike With A Clutch (FOR BEGINNERS)

2. Disengage the Clutch Fully Between Gears

Ever feel that jerk while shifting gears? That's often because the clutch wasn't fully disengaged.

Ensuring a complete release ensures smoother gear transitions and less wear and tear.

3. Importance of RPM Management

While the adrenaline of revving up the bike is tempting, high RPMs are your clutch's nemesis.

To extend its lifespan, you want to maintain a balance.

High RPMs can lead to something we all want to avoid—clutch burnout.

Related: How Does A Motorcycle Clutch Burn Out?

In Traffic and at Stops

Traffic is the true test of a biker's skills and patience. Trust me, your clutch feels the stress too.

Here's how to keep it smooth when the going gets tough:

4. Don't Engage the Clutch at Stoplights

Here's a simple rule: at a red light or stop, keep it in neutral and use the brake.

Keeping the clutch engaged while idling is like sending out an invitation for mechanical trouble.

5. Master Slow Riding Techniques

Slow riding in bumper-to-bumper traffic is inevitable. Your clutch will thank you if you learn techniques to keep it engaged minimally during those sluggish moments.

Related: Do Pro Motocross Riders Use The Clutch?

6. Filtering Safely Through Traffic

Weaving through traffic is sometimes necessary, but it doesn't have to strain your clutch.

With proper clutch control, you can negotiate those tight spaces without causing unnecessary wear.

On the Hills and Slopes

Hill riding can be a thrilling experience, but not if you mess up your clutch in the process.

7. Use Handbrake or Foot Brake on Slopes

If you're holding your bike in place on a hill using your clutch, you're basically asking for a breakdown.

Instead, use the handbrake or foot brake—it's what they're there for.

8. Perfect Your Hill Starts

Starting uphill can be tricky but doing it the wrong way can mess up your clutch.

A little practice goes a long way in perfecting the art of hill starts without causing clutch wear.

Related: 25 GAME-CHANGING Motorcycle Hacks You NEED to Know

Maintenance and Warning Signs

Because prevention is better than cure, right?

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your clutch in top shape. Regular checks on the engine oil, clutch plate, clutch spring, and clutch cable can prevent significant problems and expenses.

Recognise early warning signs such as burning smells, slipping gears, difficulty in accelerating, and unusual noises to avoid major failures.

Ensure the clutch lever is correctly adjusted and inspect the clutch cable for fraying or stretching.

Maintain correct fluid levels and clean fluid for hydraulic clutches. Simple checks like visual inspections, lever tension tests, and stall tests can help monitor clutch health.

For severe issues or uncertainties, consult a professional mechanic.

Adhering to these tips can extend your clutch’s lifespan and ensure smoother, safer rides.

9. Regular Maintenance Schedule

Just like you wouldn't ignore a fever, don't ignore your clutch's health.

Regular checks on the engine oil, clutch plate, clutch spring, and clutch cable can save you a lot of headaches later.

10. Know the Warning Signs

If you know what to look for, your bike will often tell you when something's wrong.

Look out for symptoms like an unfamiliar smell, slipping gears, or difficulty in accelerating.

Understanding the Different Parts Involved

You wouldn't dive into a cake recipe without knowing your sugar from your flour, right?

Same goes for your clutch system.

Here's a quick rundown:

Clutch Plate

Think of this as the messenger between your engine and your back wheel.

When you engage the clutch lever, you're actually pressing the clutch plate against the engine, allowing the power to transfer to your back wheel.

Clutch Spring

The spring acts like the tension in a romantic movie—it keeps the characters, or in this case, the clutch plate and the engine, close but not too close.

A worn-out spring can lead to an "unhappy ending" for your clutch.

Clutch Lever

This is your control point. A properly adjusted lever ensures that the clutch plate and engine engage and disengage smoothly, reducing the chances of a burnout.

Clutch Cable

Think of this as the nerves in a human body, transmitting your commands from the lever to the clutch plate.

A frayed or slack cable can lead to poor clutch control.

DIY Quick Checks

Not everyone's a mechanic, but here are some checks you can do at home to ensure your clutch is in good health.

Visual Check

Inspect the clutch cable for any visible signs of wear and tear. If it looks frayed, it's time for a change.

Lever Tension

The clutch lever shouldn't feel too loose or too tight. A simple press should give you an idea if it's at the right tension.

The Stall Test

Start your bike and engage first gear. Slowly let go of the clutch while not applying any throttle.

Your bike should stall. If it doesn't, your clutch might be slipping.

The Smell Test

This one's straightforward. If you smell something burning while riding, it could be a sign of clutch burnout.

Advanced Riding Techniques

While clutch control during everyday riding is crucial, mastering it during advanced manoeuvres is equally important. Here are some tips:

Taking Tight Turns

During tight turns, your clutch and throttle should work in sync. If you mess this up, you could be looking at a slipping clutch or worse.

Sport Riding

High-speed sport riding can heat up your clutch. Learning to shift gears swiftly without unnecessary clutch engagement can save you from a burnout.

Seasonal Care for Your Clutch

Weather can be an unexpected villain when it comes to clutch health.

Here's how to fight back:

Summer Care

Heat expands everything, including your clutch system. Make sure you check the fluid levels and keep an eye out for any symptoms of a burnt clutch.

Winter Care

Cold can make the clutch cable contract, affecting your clutch control. A little warm-up before your winter ride can go a long way.

Wet Clutch vs. Regular Clutch

Understanding the difference between a wet clutch and a regular clutch can help you make an informed decision, especially when it comes to maintenance or replacements.

Wet Clutch

In a wet clutch system, the clutch operates soaked in the engine oil. This design helps to keep the clutch cool, thereby reducing wear and tear.

It's commonly found in motorcycles that are designed for high torque.

The friction plate in a wet clutch is lubricated, decreasing the chances to burn a wet clutch.

Regular Clutch

Also known as a dry clutch, these types are not bathed in oil.

Because they run dry, they can produce more torque, but they wear out faster and are generally found in older motorcycle models or those not designed for high performance.

Repair Costs

Ignoring the signs of a burned clutch can hit your pocket hard. Knowledge is power, and knowing the potential repair costs can be an eye-opener.

General Repair Costs

In the US, repairing a burnt-out motorcycle clutch can range from $300 to $1000 depending on various factors like the make and model of your motorcycle and mileage.

Labour rates also play a role here (3). The average cost sits around $600, covering both parts and 2-3 hours of labor.

For clutch replacement, it's crucial to pick the right parts, whether they are factory original clutch or aftermarket (4).

DIY Costs

If you're mechanically inclined, you could significantly cut down on labor costs.

Plates could cost you around $60, cables $10, and springs about $15. But it is also a matter of regular maintenance to prevent burning the clutch (3).

Brand-Specific Costs

For instance, replacing a Harley Davidson clutch can range from $400 to $1000.

The cost spectrum largely depends on whether you opt for a stock clutch kit or go high-performance.

For fixing a burned clutch, always keep an eye out for warning signs (5).

Conclusion

A well-maintained clutch isn't just a component of your bike; it's an investment in smoother, safer, and more enjoyable rides.

The clutch might seem like a small cog in the machine, but a faulty one can bring your biking adventure to an abrupt halt.

So let's keep that from happening, shall we?

Ride safe and take good care of that clutch!

FAQs

What's the difference between 'riding the clutch' and 'feathering the clutch'? Is one safer for the clutch's lifespan?

While both involve partially engaging the clutch, 'riding the clutch' typically leads to more wear as it's often done at higher speeds. On the other hand, 'feathering' is more controlled and usually occurs at lower speeds, like during manoeuvres. Feathering is generally less harmful to the clutch if done correctly.

Is engine braking a good practice to avoid clutch burnout?

While engine braking can reduce wear on your brake pads, it can put unnecessary strain on your gears and clutch plate if not done correctly. This could result in a higher repair bill than simply replacing brake pads. Therefore, it's crucial to know how to engine brake properly to avoid harming your clutch.

Can poor quality engine oil contribute to faster clutch wear?

Yes, poor-quality engine oil can lead to inadequate lubrication of the clutch components. This lack of lubrication can increase friction and accelerate clutch wear, potentially leading to burnout.

What are some early warning signs that my motorcycle's clutch might be on the verge of burning out?

Early signs that your clutch may be nearing burnout include excessive vibrations or pulsations when operating the clutch or changing gears. Additionally, if you experience excessive shuddering of the motorcycle, especially upon starting to drive or releasing the clutch after a shift, it's time to have your clutch examined.