Automatic Clutch for the Super Enduro...

[PowerCell]

Just a quick show of hands; how many would be interested in a Revloc Auto Clutch for the new Super Enduro, or any of the LC8 line-up for that matter?

I know the company is actively considering it, but says they need a small commitment of 25 buyers to justify the initial production run.

I think the unit would be a little pricey... probably around $1100 - $1200. But that's the price you pay for quality without quantity...

For me, I'd jump on it immediately. I've had several Revloc clutches through the years starting with my CRF150 and going all the ways through my Husaberg FE750e. There's no question in my mind that a SE950R would greatly benefit from an Auto Clutch.

So don't be shy, let's hear your opinions!!!

[JBird]

That's twice the price of the LC4. Seems high. Great product - works great! At $1,100 no thanks.

[custmmc]

When I first purchased a new 04(late 03) 950S, I wanted an autoclutch setup, but ran into the same problems your are facing now. I eventually gave up, and now I am not in the market now because I've been thinking about selling the 950. I would think that some of the autoclutch companies would be interested in developing a clutch for the LC8 since the market has grown.

Before purchasing an autoclutch for my dirtbike, I tested AFM, Revloc and Rekluse. I got the Rekluse clutch for my 300 EXC because it was easy to install/remove, it was easily adjustable, and it had better engagement than the others IMHO.

I would recommend that you check with Rekluse. I do not work for Rekluse, just a happy customer.

[PowerCell]

Originally Posted by JBird

That's twice the price of the LC4. Seems high. Great product - works great! At $1,100 no thanks.

Hey JBird - I believe you're thinking of the Rekluse product. I've had lots... and lots... of experience with their clutch. It's a great design and well suited for smaller bore bikes, but just can't handle the torque of the bigger 4-strokes. I had one on a Husaberg FE650 and it left me stranded several times... once in Baja which stunk-up the ride for everyone.

The Revloc is definately waaaay more expensive, but they've never let me down... and that's worth the additional expense. The one I installed in my 2003 525MX/c is still running the original plates and has never needed adjustment. That's 3 years and many rides down south.

[Jolly705]

Sounds great but to rich for my blood.

[JBird]

Powercell - You are correct!! I was thinking of the ReKluse product. They are really starting to show up at all the enduros and some of the dual sports rides. Only a matter of time before someone fits them as standard on an OEM level.

[Hambone950]

Sorry to be an ignoramus but other than clutchless down changes or F1 style momentarily killing ignition upshifts which could be of utility, what is the use of an auto clutch vs the complication/ das ist kaput factor on a 950?

Sometimes I like to slip the clutch momentarily in sharper corners on a big 4 stroke dirt bike or in sand. Does an auto clutch allow such "abuse"?

If someone can point me at the relevant article or tests that would be great.

[gefr]

How dare you A S K ??? I've never experienced the semiauto systems, but read on their sites you can also use the clutch! I do not know about the gear lever, but I think it exists also!!

[PowerCell]

This is true... all modern Auto Clutches allow you to retain the clutch lever if you choose. I personally remove the lever (as most people do). After using the auto clutch for a while, you begin to realize how useless the remaining lever is. The clutch will slip perfectly for you everytime.

Instead, I replace the clutch lever with a rear brake lever and remove the peddle. This allows you to brake-slide the rear end from both right and left turns with absolute ease. My favorit feature is being able to slightly drag the rear brake in the whoops - it helps keep the back in the back!!!

Other advantages are the bizaar ability to stop on a technical incline and change direction. Simply roll the throttle back on and the bike will continue with it's ascent without spinning the rear tire. Makes you feel like Jimmy! And waterfalls that used to fill you with anxiety, now become a fun little challenge.

One surprising benefit I discovered was the option to drag the rear brake on rutted-out down hills. You can lock-up the rear wheel without stalling the engine... the motor will just idle, waiting for you to roll on the gas again. Sometimes I find the rutts so deep, I need to lift my feet up to clear the sides. Without the auto clutch I would be sacrificing the use of my rear brake... that just sucks! I hate going down a nasty rutted-out face only using my front brake... but with the rear hand brake, I no longer need to carry extra underwear!!!

You really need to experience it to appreciate how much better of a rider you can become. People seem to hang-on to the clutch lever and rear brake peddle out of some kind of nostalgia. I've been riding and racing for 40 of my 43 years, and embracing the auto clutch and hand brake has made me a much faster, safer and more competent rider. For the price; it's the best mod you can do.

[dezrat57]

Hello PowerCell
i installed a Rekluse on my ktm xcw 2 stroke at the start of the 06 hare scrambles season in january ,the +s out weigh the -s in a race situation, bobbles NEVER turn into mistakes, when you fall you never stall,maybe if the bike is upside down for awhile;if you turn up the idle a bit the clutch will stay engaged in a off throttle down hill situation.i like to keep the clutch lever in place in lieu of the rear brake bar mount it helps in getting holeshots and fanning the clutch in deep sand or loose conditions

i attribute the clutch to my current standings 9 points out of 1st place with 600+ points accumulated and 1 race left
not bragging but i love my Secret Weapon
dave

[ChrisK7]

I have the Rekluse in my 525 EXC and love it. I left the stock clutch lever on it to have the ability to light up the rear tire in sand or where ever when needed. I've heard that the Rekluse is easier on the gear train than some of the others also.

[Hambone950]

Originally Posted by PowerCell

This is true... all modern Auto Clutches allow you to retain the clutch lever if you choose. I personally remove the lever (as most people do). After using the auto clutch for a while, you begin to realize how useless the remaining lever is. The clutch will slip perfectly for you everytime.

Instead, I replace the clutch lever with a rear brake lever and remove the peddle. This allows you to brake-slide the rear end from both right and left turns with absolute ease. My favorit feature is being able to slightly drag the rear brake in the whoops - it helps keep the back in the back!!!

Other advantages are the bizaar ability to stop on a technical incline and change direction. Simply roll the throttle back on and the bike will continue with it's ascent without spinning the rear tire. Makes you feel like Jimmy! And waterfalls that used to fill you with anxiety, now become a fun little challenge.

One surprising benefit I discovered was the option to drag the rear brake on rutted-out down hills. You can lock-up the rear wheel without stalling the engine... the motor will just idle, waiting for you to roll on the gas again. Sometimes I find the rutts so deep, I need to lift my feet up to clear the sides. Without the auto clutch I would be sacrificing the use of my rear brake... that just sucks! I hate going down a nasty rutted-out face only using my front brake... but with the rear hand brake, I no longer need to carry extra underwear!!!

You really need to experience it to appreciate how much better of a rider you can become. People seem to hang-on to the clutch lever and rear brake peddle out of some kind of nostalgia. I've been riding and racing for 40 of my 43 years, and embracing the auto clutch and hand brake has made me a much faster, safer and more competent rider. For the price; it's the best mod you can do.

I am interested in this proposed idea. Count me in as interested party. What is the next step?

[pete40]

Powercell - still interested in your advice re my questions below...

Originally Posted by PowerCell

This is true... all modern Auto Clutches allow you to retain the clutch lever if you choose. I personally remove the lever (as most people do). After using the auto clutch for a while, you begin to realize how useless the remaining lever is. The clutch will slip perfectly for you everytime.

Instead, I replace the clutch lever with a rear brake lever and remove the peddle. This allows you to brake-slide the rear end from both right and left turns with absolute ease. My favorit feature is being able to slightly drag the rear brake in the whoops - it helps keep the back in the back!!!

Other advantages are the bizaar ability to stop on a technical incline and change direction. Simply roll the throttle back on and the bike will continue with it's ascent without spinning the rear tire. Makes you feel like Jimmy! And waterfalls that used to fill you with anxiety, now become a fun little challenge.

One surprising benefit I discovered was the option to drag the rear brake on rutted-out down hills. You can lock-up the rear wheel without stalling the engine... the motor will just idle, waiting for you to roll on the gas again. Sometimes I find the rutts so deep, I need to lift my feet up to clear the sides. Without the auto clutch I would be sacrificing the use of my rear brake... that just sucks! I hate going down a nasty rutted-out face only using my front brake... but with the rear hand brake, I no longer need to carry extra underwear!!!

You really need to experience it to appreciate how much better of a rider you can become. People seem to hang-on to the clutch lever and rear brake peddle out of some kind of nostalgia. I've been riding and racing for 40 of my 43 years, and embracing the auto clutch and hand brake has made me a much faster, safer and more competent rider. For the price; it's the best mod you can do.

PowerCell - I will be buying an SE soon in Australia. I already have a Rekluse clutch in my 05 KTM 450EXC. I love it and as you appear to have plenty of auto clutch experience I thought I would ask some advice.

I want to keep my clutch lever and foot-brake but would love to have a hand operated rear brake as well. What are the options available for that? I want the insurance of being able to pull the clutch in - in case of an accidental wide open throttle. What is your experience of being in this situation? If you have no clutch lever, what effect does just pulling on the brake lever have in these situations?

A guy in Australia is in the final stages of putting out a clutch/brake lever combo called a CLAKE which may be able to give me all my wishes with an auto clutch and brake options.

[pete40]

Mate - still interested in your sharing of knowledge on auto clutch use...

Originally Posted by pete40

Powercell - still interested in your advice re my questions below...


PowerCell - I will be buying an SE soon in Australia. I already have a Rekluse clutch in my 05 KTM 450EXC. I love it and as you appear to have plenty of auto clutch experience I thought I would ask some advice.

I want to keep my clutch lever and foot-brake but would love to have a hand operated rear brake as well. What are the options available for that? I want the insurance of being able to pull the clutch in - in case of an accidental wide open throttle. What is your experience of being in this situation? If you have no clutch lever, what effect does just pulling on the brake lever have in these situations?

A guy in Australia is in the final stages of putting out a clutch/brake lever combo called a CLAKE which may be able to give me all my wishes with an auto clutch and brake options.

[PowerCell]

Originally Posted by pete40

I want the insurance of being able to pull the clutch in - in case of an accidental wide open throttle. What is your experience of being in this situation?

I think it's important to know where the kill button is...

If, under the extremely unlikely event that your throttle sticks wide open, pulling in the clutch lever sounds like a great way to introduce your valves to your piston. I mean, what did you plan to do after pulling in the clutch?

If it makes you sleep better at night, go out to the shop and wick the throttle a couple of times - just to make sure it snaps back. I haven't had a throttle stick open since... well, never!

Originally Posted by pete40

A guy in Australia is in the final stages of putting out a clutch/brake lever combo called a CLAKE which may be able to give me all my wishes with an auto clutch and brake options.

I'm familiar with the Clake lever setup. Even watched the video. The thing's pretty freakin' huge in my opinion. I think a rear thumb brake may be a better way to go. They're used by road racers and stunt riders with great success. Do a search and you'll find several manufacturers.