Getting That Clutch Power

The clutch holds the key to yoru motocross bike's performance. If your clutch is not doing its part, you may find your engine difficult to control, regardless if you are an ace motorcross player. The following 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. You can experiment on what works but two or three will usually do.

Your transmission oil should not be overlooked. Cars and trucks are different as you only need to change the oil once a year only. Ideally, your oil must be replaced every two or three races. 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.

Carrying extra shims is ideal in case of emergencies. Who knows, you may need these things. Emergencies may happen in the middle of a race and you won't be able to remedy the situation. You can simply insert the right washer under the bolt. The added thickness will preload your springs and take away that spongy feeling in your clutch.

You can top off your transmission to the proper level with Automatic Transmission Fluid, that is, if it is GM compatible. Avoid using a Ford type fluid. The difference between the two is GM fluid grips better than a Ford fluid which is slick as molasses.

Never use factory-installed aluminum clutch plates. These plates are suitable only for regular use but not tough enough for extended motocross use. They don't hold up as well as steel plates which are heavier but more durable. There are two drawbacks for aluminum plates. One, they wear more quickly than steel leaving metallic deposits in the oil, thus, hastening mechanical wear. Two, aluminum warps easily when exposed to too much heat generated in motocross.

Aging plates build up a glaze layer on the surface which makes them slip more noticeably. When this slippage is noticed, remove your fiber clutch plates and sand the surface to remove the slippery glaze. Reinstall after cleaning.

Your clutch lever should not be too tight. Set it so that a quarter can slide between the lever perch and the lever without catching the clutch cable.