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TRW Clutch. Full Power Without Slipping
Modern motorcycle clutches handle enormous loads. At the same time, they are becoming smaller and lighter, as the race is not only for extra horsepower but also for shedding precious kilograms. The demands of motorcyclists are also growing, as they want a mechanism that doesn’t require much force and allows for smooth engagement of the drivetrain, and that’s when TRW clutch come to the rescue.
The clutch in a motorcycle allows us to disconnect/connect the drive running from the engine to the gearbox. This is essential for starting from a standstill and also comes in handy when shifting gears (although it’s not necessary with a quickshifter or proper throttle technique). Regardless, it’s a very important element in every motorcycle and is exposed to significant stress.
More Power, Less Weight
Modern motorcycles are becoming more powerful, with 200 HP no longer surprising even in machines that aren’t strictly sport-oriented. A light clutch not only reduces the overall weight of the motorcycle but also improves the engine’s high-speed capability and throttle response. So, how can the issue of clutch miniaturization be addressed while increasing its durability? Simply replace a single plate with several, as what matters is the total friction surface. It doesn’t make much difference whether it’s placed on one plate or, for example, on nine plates separated by eight metal discs.
Such a set works in oil, creating what is known as a wet clutch. This is today the most popular solution used in modern motorcycles. I’d just like to remind you that not so long ago, most Ducati models had a multi-plate dry clutch. Today, you’ll find it on the flagship Panigale V4R or in purely racing constructions.
To learn how to diagnose if the clutch in your motorcycle isn’t functioning properly keep reading this article. In the meantime, you can find the full range of TRW clutch parts at www.jkmoto.ie
Smooth Starts, Firm Grip
A street motorcycle clutch cannot operate in an on-off manner. The rider must have full control over a delicate clutch slip, which is necessary for a smooth start. Otherwise, the motorcycle would jerk, and various maneuvers would be practically impossible. On the other hand, once the clutch engages, there should be no slippage. So, we have somewhat conflicting needs – a delicate engagement must work together with a firm grip under full load. And all of this must happen in oil, which needs to perfectly lubricate the engine without disrupting the strong connection between the friction plates and discs.
TRW offers a wide range of products necessary for proper clutch service. We have available the appropriate friction plates and metal discs. The former comes in various variants depending on the motorcycle brand and application. The standard friction materials are designed to match factory components as closely as possible. For the most ambitious and demanding customers, TRW also offers reinforced kits (including friction plates and discs). The “Power-Kit” group is dedicated to Ducati and BMW motorcycles. On the other hand, the “Competition-Kit” range features friction plates with a high carbon content, ensuring a stable pressure point and exceptional controllability.
Clutch Damage
A properly used clutch can last for many years and cover thousands of kilometers. The key here is proper handling. The clutch shouldn’t operate in slip mode for too long, as this is what has the most impact on its wear. Each significant overheating of the clutch can degrade its performance. Many times in my career as a motorcycle mechanic, I encountered situations where the friction plates were far from the service limit, but their surfaces were so heavily scorched that they slipped under full load. In such cases, the only solution is to replace the plates with new ones. This leads to the point where many owners and mechanics wonder whether to replace only the friction plates or to replace them together with the steel discs. Common sense and practice suggest replacing both groups of components. Overheated discs (which can be identified by black marks on their surface) often warp. Such a clutch, even if within dimensional tolerance, may slip or cause problems with finding neutral.
Strong Pressure
The third element crucial to proper clutch operation is the pressure springs. These also wear out over time because even when at rest, they work under significant load. In a motorcycle that’s several years old, there’s a good chance that these springs are beyond their limit. All of these factors can cause clutch slippage and wear. TRW, taking into account that springs wear out and that stock solutions become insufficient over time, offers pressure springs that apply 10% more force than the factory ones.
Best in a Set
Since all these elements are so important, why not buy them as a set? TRW offers complete kits necessary for clutch replacement, including discs, friction plates, springs, and even a cover gasket (which many motorcyclists forget about, only to find out that the gasket was damaged during disassembly). By purchasing such a set, you also get a favorable price and the guarantee that everything will work properly.
The Cable is Also Important
The clutch is not only the mechanism working inside the engine but also the system that engages it. In many designs, a traditional cable is used, but high-end motorcycles often come equipped with a hydraulic system. The left lever thus operates a pump, which pumps fluid through a hose to the slave cylinder. Such a system is very precise and does not require adjustment depending on plate wear (or cable stretching). TRW offers a steel-braided hose, similar to the one used in the braking system. This design provides even better clutch feel, and often only a few millimeters of lever movement are needed to disengage the clutch.
Not All Levers Are Equal
For many motorcyclists, the first step in tuning their machine is to replace the clutch and brake levers. TRW offers such clutch levers in two versions. The first is “Racing.” These are short levers with a 50 mm grip and convenient adjustment. CNC technology provides excellent finish and fit to the motorcycle. The “Street” line features levers that are 30 mm longer, very popular among civilian riders. Of course, both versions can be used on the road, as even the racing line is road-approved. As expected from a premium product, the levers are available in many colors, and spare parts like adjustment mechanisms can be easily purchased.
At this point, it’s worth warning against counterfeit aluminum levers available on Chinese websites. They have nothing to do with what TRW offers. Using such parts can even be dangerous, as the levers are poorly seated, have serious design flaws, not to mention visual and sound issues (creaking, squeaking, loose joints).
Dry Clutch? Why Not!
The dry clutch has been successfully used in Ducati motorcycles, among others. Today, it’s rather an avant-garde solution, employed in extreme machines like the Panigale V4R. In a different form, this solution still exists in BMW motorcycles, specifically in the RnineT series. This engine comes from the last air-cooled R 1200 GS. It features a clutch resembling a car design – with a single plate that transfers power from the flywheel to the gearbox through pressure. The TRW clutch plates for BMW motorcycles are of the highest quality.
Looking for a clutch or clutch parts for your motorcycle? Use the parts finder at www.jkmoto.ie/parts
Modern motorcycle clutches handle enormous loads. At the same time, they are becoming smaller and lighter, as the race is not only for extra horsepower but also for shedding precious kilograms. The demands of motorcyclists are also growing, as they want a mechanism that doesn’t require much force and allows for smooth engagement of the drivetrain, and that’s when TRW clutch come to the rescue.
The clutch in a motorcycle allows us to disconnect/connect the drive running from the engine to the gearbox. This is essential for starting from a standstill and also comes in handy when shifting gears (although it’s not necessary with a quickshifter or proper throttle technique). Regardless, it’s a very important element in every motorcycle and is exposed to significant stress.
More Power, Less Weight
Modern motorcycles are becoming more powerful, with 200 HP no longer surprising even in machines that aren’t strictly sport-oriented. A light clutch not only reduces the overall weight of the motorcycle but also improves the engine’s high-speed capability and throttle response. So, how can the issue of clutch miniaturization be addressed while increasing its durability? Simply replace a single plate with several, as what matters is the total friction surface. It doesn’t make much difference whether it’s placed on one plate or, for example, on nine plates separated by eight metal discs.
Such a set works in oil, creating what is known as a wet clutch. This is today the most popular solution used in modern motorcycles. I’d just like to remind you that not so long ago, most Ducati models had a multi-plate dry clutch. Today, you’ll find it on the flagship Panigale V4R or in purely racing constructions.
To learn how to diagnose if the clutch in your motorcycle isn’t functioning properly keep reading this article. In the meantime, you can find the full range of TRW clutch parts at www.jkmoto.ie
Smooth Starts, Firm Grip
A street motorcycle clutch cannot operate in an on-off manner. The rider must have full control over a delicate clutch slip, which is necessary for a smooth start. Otherwise, the motorcycle would jerk, and various maneuvers would be practically impossible. On the other hand, once the clutch engages, there should be no slippage. So, we have somewhat conflicting needs – a delicate engagement must work together with a firm grip under full load. And all of this must happen in oil, which needs to perfectly lubricate the engine without disrupting the strong connection between the friction plates and discs.
TRW offers a wide range of products necessary for proper clutch service. We have available the appropriate friction plates and metal discs. The former comes in various variants depending on the motorcycle brand and application. The standard friction materials are designed to match factory components as closely as possible. For the most ambitious and demanding customers, TRW also offers reinforced kits (including friction plates and discs). The “Power-Kit” group is dedicated to Ducati and BMW motorcycles. On the other hand, the “Competition-Kit” range features friction plates with a high carbon content, ensuring a stable pressure point and exceptional controllability.
Clutch Damage
A properly used clutch can last for many years and cover thousands of kilometers. The key here is proper handling. The clutch shouldn’t operate in slip mode for too long, as this is what has the most impact on its wear. Each significant overheating of the clutch can degrade its performance. Many times in my career as a motorcycle mechanic, I encountered situations where the friction plates were far from the service limit, but their surfaces were so heavily scorched that they slipped under full load. In such cases, the only solution is to replace the plates with new ones. This leads to the point where many owners and mechanics wonder whether to replace only the friction plates or to replace them together with the steel discs. Common sense and practice suggest replacing both groups of components. Overheated discs (which can be identified by black marks on their surface) often warp. Such a clutch, even if within dimensional tolerance, may slip or cause problems with finding neutral.
Strong Pressure
The third element crucial to proper clutch operation is the pressure springs. These also wear out over time because even when at rest, they work under significant load. In a motorcycle that’s several years old, there’s a good chance that these springs are beyond their limit. All of these factors can cause clutch slippage and wear. TRW, taking into account that springs wear out and that stock solutions become insufficient over time, offers pressure springs that apply 10% more force than the factory ones.
Best in a Set
Since all these elements are so important, why not buy them as a set? TRW offers complete kits necessary for clutch replacement, including discs, friction plates, springs, and even a cover gasket (which many motorcyclists forget about, only to find out that the gasket was damaged during disassembly). By purchasing such a set, you also get a favorable price and the guarantee that everything will work properly.
The Cable is Also Important
The clutch is not only the mechanism working inside the engine but also the system that engages it. In many designs, a traditional cable is used, but high-end motorcycles often come equipped with a hydraulic system. The left lever thus operates a pump, which pumps fluid through a hose to the slave cylinder. Such a system is very precise and does not require adjustment depending on plate wear (or cable stretching). TRW offers a steel-braided hose, similar to the one used in the braking system. This design provides even better clutch feel, and often only a few millimeters of lever movement are needed to disengage the clutch.
Not All Levers Are Equal
For many motorcyclists, the first step in tuning their machine is to replace the clutch and brake levers. TRW offers such clutch levers in two versions. The first is “Racing.” These are short levers with a 50 mm grip and convenient adjustment. CNC technology provides excellent finish and fit to the motorcycle. The “Street” line features levers that are 30 mm longer, very popular among civilian riders. Of course, both versions can be used on the road, as even the racing line is road-approved. As expected from a premium product, the levers are available in many colors, and spare parts like adjustment mechanisms can be easily purchased.
At this point, it’s worth warning against counterfeit aluminum levers available on Chinese websites. They have nothing to do with what TRW offers. Using such parts can even be dangerous, as the levers are poorly seated, have serious design flaws, not to mention visual and sound issues (creaking, squeaking, loose joints).
Dry Clutch? Why Not!
The dry clutch has been successfully used in Ducati motorcycles, among others. Today, it’s rather an avant-garde solution, employed in extreme machines like the Panigale V4R. In a different form, this solution still exists in BMW motorcycles, specifically in the RnineT series. This engine comes from the last air-cooled R 1200 GS. It features a clutch resembling a car design – with a single plate that transfers power from the flywheel to the gearbox through pressure. The TRW clutch plates for BMW motorcycles are of the highest quality.
Looking for a clutch or clutch parts for your motorcycle? Use the parts finder at www.jkmoto.ie/parts
