|
General Discussions & Announcements General Announcements, General Questions, e.g. What bike do I buy?, etc. |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Autoclutch: Love em or hate em?
I'm starting this thread, so I admit up front I'm not really a lover or hater of Rekluse or whatever-autoclutch system. But I do have an opinion.
Pros: They do most of your clutch work for you. Some say they help them get through the tough stuff. They say they get less tired using one. Does that about cover it? I think so. Cons: 1- Rear tire will freewheel since the engine is essentially in neutral when you stall on a steep hill. With a regular clutch the motor will hold the back tire from freewheeling. 2- Engine braking is very altered and somewhat unpredictable. 3- Can't pull start or bump start the bike. 4- Increased cost of the parts and installation if you can't do it yourself. 5- Decreased reliability. Many will argue this, but I sure have seen and ridden alot of bikes with auto-clutches that don't work properly. Sure, you can adjust them, but not as easily as simply having a hydraulic or cable operated normal clutch. 6- Operation changes with wear. I once started a long ride with an autoclutch. By the half-day mark, the engagement was very different. There was a significant lag between my application of throttle and it engaging. By the end of the second day, there was about a 1.5 second lag between the clutch engaging when trying to jump a log or whatever obstacle, and my application of the clutch and throttle. Very hard to predict. 7- Makes you lazy. Rather than stay on top of your clutch operation skills, you expect the clutch to work itself. Which is fine until it decides to quit working consistently. 8- Did I miss anything? I think the cons are worse than the pros. I also theorize that a big part of what many riders like about autoclutches is that they add "flywheel effect". Which can also be accomplished by a hundred buck flywheel weight that never needs adjusting and takes 20 minutes to install. No, I don't work for Steahly, but they should hire me. I'm ducking the thrown roost now! Autoclutch lovers swear by them. But have they really tried the alternatives of learning how to use the clutch properly, and maybe a flywheel weight, or even simply practicing and checking lap times both ways? Very few pros use them, even most of the Extreme Enduro guys don't use them. Very few pro GNCC, Nat. Enduro, MX, WORCS, OMA, ISDE guys use them. A few do, but not many. I've tried it both ways. Autoclutches absolutely do help at times. They truly do have a few good points. But I think they have far more bad points, and many riders who use them simply aren't really giving an honest shot to not using one with proper setup and practice. I think they are putting a bandaid on their problems of not setting up their bike as best they can for themselves, and not learning how to ride without the bandaid. I think I'm gonna need some bandaids when they start throwing worn out ramps, balls, and clutch plates at me. And Rekluse instructions they ball up in their fists. |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
My thoughts are that it's a good thing in nasty terrain, but it comes with it's drawbacks, the ones you listed - and a deal breaker for me - I try to always ride with a finger on the clutch, and the front brake.
It's a safety thing for me...I can't help but assume getting lazy with the clutch, could mean that there'd be a risk for me to be caught out...I've had my shares of passenger rides on bigger bikes through the woods when it starts to get out of hand.
__________________
Advanced riding instructor on tarmac....desperately trying to learn how to do it on the loose stuff. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
I have mixed feelings myself but love the EXP on my 165 Husky. I'm an old 53 year old fart that just plays on the MX track and in the woods. Lot's of times I'm just riding with the grandkids. It sure makes things easier when going that slow through the woods . I also had the Rekluse Pro on my 07 Honda CR450 and it REALLY helped mellow out that thing. If I was yonger and raced MX... no I wouldn't need one. If I raced the woods....probable would have one. The way I see it is I'm not an expert woods or MX rider and never was so I'll take a little help when I can get it. Pro's don't need a crutch they have skills. I won't forget how to use a clutch having two other bikes without an auto clutch either. Life is full of pros and cons; choice is nice. Now.....DUCK !
|
#4
|
||||
|
||||
I really didn't like the auto clutch, I had the exp and hated the feeling of it everytime I rode. Yes I had it adjusted correctly and yes I'm sure it works great for some but I would never put one in a bike I owned again. Just me though
__________________
trevor |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
My 2 Cents
I have had 5 bikes with auto clutches. Z-Start, Pro, and now my Gasser has a Core EXP. I'll address several of your points.
Quote:
__________________
Newest Spanish Girlfriend: 2011 300 Six Days My Daughter is a U.S. Marine |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
This topic is like beating a dead horse. If you don't like an auto clutch then don't use one!
I have one and always will and I can give a rats A@# what anybody thinks about them, they are not me! |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
I had an opportunity to ride a '12 300 xc-w a couple months ago, owned by a local enduro guy. He let me ride through some nasty technical single-track. I must admit, If I wasn't spending money keeping my fleet happy, or upgrading to better riding gear...I'd have one in my primary scoot.
__________________
All healed up, and ready to burn some fat. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
I love the auto clutch! I think it is the best thing that has come out in along time! But I don't run one in my bike nor do I plan to, I have tried one and it was very fun to hammer the rear brake into every corner. I have seen many people greatly improve and no longer cry on the trails I love.
I don't plan on using one because I ride trials and that is all clutch so the more I can use it the better. It is like anything else why do you ride a 300 and not a 125? |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
I'm on the fence, but have never ridden a bike with an auto clutch.
Whats holding me back is the cost, $900 for a clutch is a lot of $$$ I've been thinking about adding one to my bike this winter though. My thoughts are that its expensive, but I dont plan on selling my bike to upgrade to a 13 0r 14....or anytime in the next 5 years. My 2011 is more bike than I need now so an upgrade to my clutch makes more sense than spending coin on a new bike. Think i'll have one before spring Now i'm back to oiling filters and changing the spark plug.....Listening to some Motorhead and chillin with a beer.
__________________
2011 EC250 Six Days Oldest boy = 2012 TTR125 Youngest boy = 2011 TTR50 Nephew = 2002 CR125 |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chBPe88f5ns
Of course a handbrake would have solved this dilemma, I take great pleasure while riding modulating the clutch and when I want the absolute most control is right off idle. |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
I hate my EC200 | AnthGG | Enduro Engine - 2 stroke | 15 | 09-24-2012 09:36 PM |
Love your Pivot Pegs but hate the maintanence? | GMP | Enduro Chassis & Body | 9 | 06-04-2012 07:15 PM |
Autoclutch on the 200? | blanc | General Discussions & Announcements | 15 | 12-10-2010 10:35 AM |
Don't hate me, I need you guys | thelonius | General Discussions & Announcements | 6 | 11-18-2007 01:53 PM |