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How Does a Dirt Bike Clutch Work? Clutch System Explained

How Does a Dirt Bike Clutch Work? Clutch System Explained

The clutch is an important feature on nearly all dirt bikes. A clutch helps you shift into different gears as you ride down a trail, as well as bring your bike to a smooth stop when necessary. But, how exactly does the clutch on a dirt bike work?

A dirt bike’s clutch functions similarly to the clutch on any other vehicle. It consists of two main parts, the flywheel and the pressure plate, which work together to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. When you squeeze the clutch lever, this power transmission stops.

Below, we will discuss more information on how exactly the clutch on a dirt bike functions, as well as how you can use the clutch to gain better control over your bike. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!

How Does a Clutch on a Dirt Bike Work?

Perhaps you’re new to the world of dirt bikes, or maybe you’re just looking to gain a better understanding of how your bike functions to improve your riding techniques. Whatever the case may be, you must understand what exactly a dirt bike clutch is and how it helps your bike drive down a trail.

Where Is the Clutch on a Dirt Bike Located?

On a typical dirt bike, there are two levers on the handlebar. The lever on the right side controls the front brake, and the lever on the left side, known as the clutch lever, controls the clutch.

A dirt bike’s clutch sits between the engine and the gearbox and works similarly to the clutch on a motorcycle or manual transmission car.

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What Is Clutch Gripping & Slipping on a Dirt Bike?

In general, the clutch on your dirt bike helps to engage and disengage power transmission between the engine and the wheels through “slipping and gripping.” Let’s break down each action below.

Here’s a good video showing how to use a dirt bike clutch:

Dirt Bike Clutch Gripping

When the engine is running and the clutch is disengaged, the parts inside the clutch “grip” by allowing the flywheel to spin with the crankshaft and rotate the pressure plate. This allows power from the engine to be transferred to the wheels from the gearbox, moving your bike’s wheels along the trail.

Dirt Bike Clutch Slipping

When you hold the clutch lever, the clutch “slips” to cause a disconnection between the engine and the wheels. The clutch springs compress, separating the flywheel from the pressure plate and breaking the connection to prevent any power from being transmitted.

As soon as you release the level, the springs will expand to reconnect the pieces and resume transmitting power from the engine to the wheels.

What Do I Do If My Dirt Bike Doesn’t Have a Clutch?

The clutch is primarily engaged to change gears and allow your dirt bike to come to a smooth stop without stalling.

If these bikes did not include clutches, your engine would stall every time you came to a stop. You must disconnect your engine from the rear wheel by engaging the clutch so your dirt bike can keep running even when you’re not moving.

What Makes Up a Dirt Bike’s Clutch?

A dirt bike clutch consists of two main parts, known as the flywheel and the pressure plate. The flywheel is attached to your engine’s crankshaft, while the pressure plate is attached to the gearbox input shaft. These two parts are connected to each other through a number of clutch springs.

In addition to the flywheel and pressure plate, a dirt bike’s clutch is composed of a few other small parts. These include:

  • The clutch plates. These plates create friction within the clutch. They are typically made of ceramic material.
  • The clutch springs. These are the springs that pull the plates together and connect the flywheel to the pressure plate.
  • The drive sprocket. This connects to the crankshaft.
  • The gearbox shaft spline connector. This piece transfers power to the rear wheel through the gearbox.

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All of these parts work together to make up your clutch assembly, ensuring you can always change gears and come to a smooth stop when necessary.

How Do You Slip a Dirt Bike Clutch?

Slipping your dirt bike’s clutch, also known as “fanning” the clutch, is a method many bikers use in order to control their dirt bikes better and improve their traction. It involves pulling the clutch level just enough to keep your RPMs up, but not so much that you transfer any power to the rear wheel.

There are many occasions that call for slipping the clutch. Some of these include:

  • Racing
  • Going up a hill
  • Slowing down around a curve

Now, let’s discuss how slipping the clutch can be helpful in each of these situations.

Slipping the Clutch for Racing

Raising your RPMs without transferring any power to the wheels can help you get a quicker start before beginning a race. It is also useful when you need to wheelie your bike to go over any rough terrain along the trail. Knowing when to slip your clutch as you race your friends can give you an edge over your opponent.

Slipping the Clutch to Go Up a Hill

Going up a hill takes a lot of engine power, and it can be difficult to maintain your speed as you do so. Slipping the clutch in this situation can keep you in the same gear the entire time you’re climbing up the hill, ensuring your engine stays at peak torque.

Slipping the Clutch to Make a Turn

The most common reason dirt bikers slip the clutch is to gain better control as they go around a corner. It’s usually necessary to slow down significantly before you make a turn, and some bikes can struggle at lower RPMs. Slipping the clutch will give you better traction and control as you turn corners.

Your bike will still slow down, but your RPMs will remain high. That way, you can avoid shifting down into first gear and speed up more quickly as you come out of your turn.

The Bottom Line

The clutch on a dirt bike works similarly to the clutch on any other vehicle. It consists of two main parts, the flywheel and the pressure plate.

Most dirt bikes feature a clutch lever, located on the left side of the handlebar, instead of a clutch pedal. When you squeeze this level, the flywheel and pressure plate disconnect from each other to prevent power transmission between the engine and the wheels.

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