Rekluse Clutch

[bobpara]

Is the Rekluse Clutch all its cracked up to be? I saw a you tube vid of a guy riding one and it seemed pretty nice......almost like a snowmobile. If it was that great, wouldn't all dirtbikes be made this way?....there has to be a catch or I am missing something.....

[080]

A lot of people like them, some don't. I would suggest you do a search as there is probably a couple books worth of info and opinions on the subject.

[still2smokin]

Is the Rekluse Clutch all its cracked up to be? I saw a you tube vid of a guy riding one and it seemed pretty nice......almost like a snowmobile. If it was that great, wouldn't all dirtbikes be made this way?....there has to be a catch or I am missing something.....

I have six rides on my Rekluse ( the cheaper $400 unit ) and I love it . If there is a catch I haven't found it yet.

 

Some people don't like them mainly because they think it is a Band-Aid to help manage poor clutch skills .......and it is.

 

I am ok with that ,  I gave them some cash and bam I am instantly a better rider than I was before on the tight turns and the

rocky , rooted and steep technical type trails . It allows you to be a little lazy when you are exhausted as well .

 

My riding buddy is a little jealous of it , especially when we go to take off from a stop I look over give him the finger with my  

left hand and with the right I twist the throttle and take off maintaining a full bird salute for as long as I feel I need to.

 

Take offs are better in crappy situations , cornering is better and hard trails are a little easier .

 

What's not to love about it . Best 4 hundo I think I have thrown at my bike ever..........except maybe suspension work .

[torkd14]

I have the Z-start pro Rekluse in my '12 WR. I bought the bike with it already installed and wasn't a fan at first. After a little tuning I love it. More traction, no clutch arm pump, no stalling in really rocky tight sections, and nasty hill climbs are a lot easier with the bike perfectly clutching itself for the best traction.

[DRZ04]

I have six rides on my Rekluse ( the cheaper $400 unit ) and I love it . If there is a catch I haven't found it yet.

 

Some people don't like them mainly because they think it is a Band-Aid to help manage poor clutch skills .......and it is.

 

I am ok with that ,  I gave them some cash and bam I am instantly a better rider than I was before on the tight turns and the

rocky , rooted and steep technical type trails . It allows you to be a little lazy when you are exhausted as well .

 

My riding buddy is a little jealous of it , especially when we go to take off from a stop I look over give him the finger with my  

left hand and with the right I twist the throttle and take off maintaining a full bird salute for as long as I feel I need to.

 

Take offs are better in crappy situations , cornering is better and hard trails are a little easier .

 

What's not to love about it . Best 4 hundo I think I have thrown at my bike ever..........except maybe suspension work .

I agree. I have had one on two different bikes: 1] 04 Suzuki DRZ435S, 2] 13 Yamaha WR450. It took a bit to get the clutch set up for the DRZ as the motor was built [big bore, 39 FCR. Yosh pipe, Stage 2 cams Hot cams, ported]. It was designed for a stock bike with less power. Rekluse Customer Service guys worked with me until we had it set up. Changes springs & wedges to what they use on the KTM 450. The WR 450 worked perfectly with the Rekluse right out of the box. I like it cause I have never been real good with clutch finesse & it allows me to be "Lazy" & I too am ok with that. It made my off road rides more enjoyable cause it was easier. I am also short with a 29" - 30" inseam. It takes a bit to get used to the lack of rear wheel decompression when off the gas but there are ways to get the decompression just by blipping the throttle. If you pull in the clutch and let the engine go to idle it will free wheel & coast. You can use the clutch as normal if you want but the pull is very stuff. That is part of the adjustment to set it up correctly.

[fixitandy]

Hey there, dollar for dollar best mod now & forever ROOSTA out.

[MyersAvionics]

I just installed the EXP 3.0 in my bike (2013 WR450) and i think it's a good upgrade for any one. Riding in the technical stuff I've noticed i can get power to the ground much better and sometimes unexpectedly so. 

 

The first and only time I've tested it so far, the only time i have stalled it was on steep hills where the back wheel would need to suddenly stop to pivot or similar. I may also not have it fully tuned yet either. I will be going out riding this Saturday morning to tune it further and i plan on taking my GoPro. 

[SteveThe Snakes]

Okay I'm not a fan.

I remember one of the early ones was in a bike. When the tough got going the bike burned the clutch up and the bike got left up in the piutes. Had to go back and put a new clutch in to get the bike out.

I rode on on a KTM 300 up a hill that the owner couldn't make and wasn't impressed. I also noticed when I stopped on a hill to turn the bike around it freewheeled backwards.

I see where some would enjoy it. It is likely more work to use a regular clutch. We also climb some big hills and I would much prefer a regular clutch. If it came from the factory with one in it I would change it to a regular clutch.

[GP1K]

I have six rides on my Rekluse ( the cheaper $400 unit ) and I love it . If there is a catch I haven't found it yet.

 

Some people don't like them mainly because they think it is a Band-Aid to help manage poor clutch skills .......and it is.

 

I am ok with that ,  I gave them some cash and bam I am instantly a better rider than I was before on the tight turns and the

rocky , rooted and steep technical type trails . It allows you to be a little lazy when you are exhausted as well .

 

My riding buddy is a little jealous of it , especially when we go to take off from a stop I look over give him the finger with my  

left hand and with the right I twist the throttle and take off maintaining a full bird salute for as long as I feel I need to.

 

Take offs are better in crappy situations , cornering is better and hard trails are a little easier .

 

What's not to love about it . Best 4 hundo I think I have thrown at my bike ever..........except maybe suspension work .

 

No, it most certainly did not instantly make you a better rider. You said it yourself, it's a band-aid to help manage poor clutch skills. You didn't magically get better at riding, you band-aided your poor clutch skills, simple as that. And you'll always be leaving those skills on the table, never to be mastered. Some people are ok with that, others are not.

[still2smokin]

Ok I chose my words poorly. Is this better ? ...

My riding abilities on this bike improved almost

instantly, it did take an hour to install so it was not actually instant.

I will never be a master of clutch work or anything else dirt bike related. I just like to have fun riding my dirt scooter and the rekluse upped the fun factor for me.

[GP1K]

Ok I chose my words poorly. Is this better ? ...

My riding abilities on this bike improved almost

instantly, it did take an hour to install so it was not actually instant.

I will never be a master of clutch work or anything else dirt bike related. I just like to have fun riding my dirt scooter and the rekluse upped the fun factor for me.

 

Your skills didn't increase at all, you just made riding your bike easier. Big difference. Increasing your skills would be actually mastering the clutch, not adding a device that makes you not need to use it anymore.

 

But hey, I'm not trying to be a dick about it, I'm just pointing out the obvious... you didn't get any better at riding, your bike got easier to ride. And if a rekluse ups the fun factor for you, that's a good enough reason right there. I have a couple buddies with rekluses. One has been riding since he was a kid,is very good/experienced rider and he still uses the clutch all time. For him, it's an anti-stall device, nothing more (which is what a lot of racers use it for). My other buddy isn't that experienced, definitely has not mastered the clutch etc, he doesn't touch his clutch anymore, it's a crutch for him. But they both like the rekluse and are happy. So there you go.

[RockerYZWR]

Are you as opinionated about this with your buddies? Was it your mission today to call out Still2Smokin and make sure he qualifies his use of the Rekluse set up appropriately and in accordance your reasoning? Are you going to be able to sleep tonight if he doesn't say what you want him to say?

Just a thought here, but it may be that what riding skills the Rekluse does not help develop, like use of a standard clutch, others might become easier to work on because the mechanics and technique of clutch modulation is pretty much taken out of the picture.

He might have become a better rider because the bike became easier to ride.

Crutch, cheating, band aid, whatever.

[GP1K]

Are you as opinionated about this with your buddies? Was it your mission today to call out Still2Smokin and make sure he qualifies his use of the Rekluse set up appropriately and in accordance your reasoning? Are you going to be able to sleep tonight if he doesn't say what you want him to say?

Just a thought here, but it may be that what riding skills the Rekluse does not help develop, like use of a standard clutch, others might become easier to work on because the mechanics and technique of clutch modulation is pretty much taken out of the picture.

He might have become a better rider because the bike became easier to ride.

Crutch, cheating, band aid, whatever.

 

Yes I am. I don't need to be on 'a mission' to point out an obvious logical fallacy. He said he was 'instantly a better rider' with a rekluse, which is patently false, and needs no qualification. I get that logical fallacies may be a tough concept for you to understand, try googling it. I'll sleep just fine tonight, thankyouverymuch.

Clutch control is a basic function of a motorcycle. Ask any pro and they'll tell you mastering the basics is the key to being a good fast rider. A rekluse can NEVER EVER match what an experienced rider who has mastered clutch control can do, and that is a fact. So sure by bypassing that very basic foundation of riding you might be able to improve on some other areas, but you'll always be leaving something on the table, and will never advanced past a certain level. If you're ok with that, knock yourself out.

 

You sure do have some funny logic. You'd be the first person I've heard to posit using a crutch will actually make you a better rider. Derp.

[still2smokin]

Ok I chose my words poorly. Is this better ? ...

My riding abilities on this bike improved almost

instantly, it did take an hour to install so it was not actually instant.

I will never be a master of clutch work or anything else dirt bike related. I just like to have fun riding my dirt scooter and the rekluse upped the fun factor for me.

Your skills didn't increase at all, you just made riding your bike easier. Big difference I did not say that , your reading comprehension sucks . Increasing your skills would be actually mastering the clutch, not adding a device that makes you not need to use it anymore.

But hey, I'm not trying to be a dick about it, It must be just a natural thing for you . I'm just pointing out the obvious... Thank you Captain Obvious you didn't get any better at riding, your bike got easier to ride there by increasing my riding performance. And if a rekluse ups the fun factor for you, that's a good enough reason right there .well then STFU I have a couple buddies with rekluses. One has been riding since he was a kid,is very good/experienced rider and he still uses the clutch all time. For him, it's an anti-stall device, nothing more (which is what a lot of racers use it for) Well duh derp boy, maybe you should be wasting your energy informing those racers that they just don't have skills like you do .. My other buddy isn't that experienced, definitely has not mastered the clutch etc, he doesn't touch his clutch anymore, it's a crutch for him. But they both like the rekluse and are happy. So there you go.

You pointed out my poor choice of words , so I fixed it , still not good enough for you . you try to put words in my mouth and go on and on about lack of skills .

Basically it sounds as if your logic says that a Rekluse in a racers bike is ok because it helps stop stalling but any one else that uses one for the same propose

just lacks in skill. If that's the case it sounds pretty hypocritical to me.

Enjoy the rest of your day and happy riding .

TO THE OP , APOLOGIES FOR JACKIN YOUR THREAD UP .

Edited June 6, 2014 by still2smokin

[grayracer513]

A rekluse can NEVER EVER match what an experienced rider who has mastered clutch control can do, and that is ...

 

...entirely incorrect.  A human operator detects that the RPMs fall, processes the information, and reacts to it.  Response time.  There is none with the Rekluse.  Lowering the RPM by an increase in load or by backing off the throttle simultaneously reduces the clamping force on the clutch plates as a direct result.  The RPM rises, the clutch clamps harder, instantly, and in the precisely correct amount to achieve the dialed in balance.  I don't care how good you ever get, you'll never match it. 

 

It's fine if you don't like them, and a lot of people don't.  They aren't for everyone.  Neither is the automatic transmission in your truck.  The only downside to the thing for me is the inability to bump start the unit (Z-Start Pro), but otherwise, once you learn how to get the most out of it, you cannot beat it.

 

[Navaho6]

I use the clutch constantly to modulate power in corners.  That's always been my technique.   I tried riding with a Rekluse and not using the clutch lever and my speed went down dramatically.   I liked the anti-stall benefits but I hardly ever stall with the manual clutch.  So, I sold mine.  Just didn't see much benefit for me AND there were a few things I really didn't like, like the rolling backwards.

 

Beginners and C-riders love them because it makes riding easier (these are most of the guys you hear praising them like it's the best thing to ever happen to dirtbikes).  Some A-class (and up) racers use them because it prevents stalling, and stalling once or twice in that class can cost you a win.  Every fast rider I've seen with one has told me that they ride the bike as if it has a manual clutch (still using the clutch lever).  The A-clutch also helps you in a race when you get arm fatigue (or to prevent it) because it allows you some rest.

 

My advice:   If your not having problems using a manual clutch, you don't need an autoclutch.  Save your money.  If you get arm fatigue from pulling in clutch and tend to stall a lot, then an autoclutch may work for you.  If your just doing some casual trail riding and want life to be a little easier, you may also like an autoclutch.

Edited June 6, 2014 by Navaho6

[cubera]

I'm not currently using a Rekluse and I'm probably not going to put one on the new WR. I have an EXP on the KTM 530. I've run them on a few different CRFs and also a KTM 300 all Pro versions. The bike that benefited the most was the CRF450R because it didn't have an electric start and was prone to flame outs which the Rekluse virtually cured.

 

Other than the extra expense the main problem with the Rekluse is that it affects my timing in turns and when braking, When I'm pushing myself to make time I prefer a properly adjusted manual clutch these days. I can control the bike better especially nose divey 4 strokes in turns sometimes with a little clutch work. I could never use the lever on the Rekluse to override it like a normal clutch even the EXP version.

 

Over the years the Rekluse has allowed me to do some things I otherwise would not have done either because of lack of skill and/or confidence. The Rekluse is also a huge benefit when on long rides because it is harder to get fatigued. The Rekluse will also allow greater concentration on the objects ahead of the rider and that can be very enjoyable.

 

For some racers the Rekluse is pretty much mandatory especially in some of these ridiculously technical events some clubs are putting on. I say rig your machine for maximum enjoyment Rekluse or not. FWIW I know some highly skilled riders who use Rekluse clutches so they aren't just for novices and old dudes.

Edited June 6, 2014 by cubera

[GP1K]

You pointed out my poor choice of words , so I fixed it , still not good enough for you . you try to put words in my mouth and go on and on about lack of skills .

Basically it sounds as if your logic says that a Rekluse in a racers bike is ok because it helps stop stalling but any one else that uses one for the same propose

just lacks in skill. If that's the case it sounds pretty hypocritical to me.

Enjoy the rest of your day and happy riding .

TO THE OP , APOLOGIES FOR JACKIN YOUR THREAD UP .

 

What I said was installing a rekluse doesn't 'instantly improve your riding skills' because it doesn't, plain and simple. There's a perfect example of this in another thread on this site.Two guys ride together a lot, of equal skill. One guy gets a rekluse, the other doesn't. They come upon a gnarly uphill. Rekluse guy goes right up it in one shot, and taunts his buddies from the top. Non-rekluse guy makes several attempts, but can't make it. Rekluse guys gloats and taunts some more. They swap bikes. Non-rekluse guy goes right up the hill in one shot on rekluse guy's bike. Rekluse guy tries repeatedly but cannot make the hill on non-rekluse guy's bike. So yeah, his 'skills' clearly didn't improve one bit, but by masking his lack of clutch/throttle control, it allowed him to tackle terrain he really doesn't have the skill for.

 

The point I was trying to make about racers is they use it for a different reason, which is NOT to mask their lack of clutch skills, it's to not lose a race because they stalled out in a tricky spot and took a minute to get their bike started and everyone passed them. Everyone makes mistakes, even pros. A rekluse can prevent that mistake from costing them a race. But the difference is, THEY STILL USE THEIR CLUTCH!!! So no, they are not the same as someone who installs a rekluse and forgets they ever had a clutch lever at all, and that in no way makes me hypocritical. If you can't see the difference there, that's your problem.

 

That said, and what you missed from my first reply is, if the rekluse ups the fun factor *for you* and you enjoy riding more with it, that's cool. I have a buddy just like you. He doesn't really care about mastering his bike, he just wants to go out and ride with his buddies and have fun. Nothing wrong with that at all. Just don't go fooling yourself into thinking it makes you a better rider, because it doesn't.

[GP1K]

...entirely incorrect.  A human operator detects that the RPMs fall, processes the information, and reacts to it.  Response time.  There is none with the Rekluse.  Lowering the RPM by an increase in load or by backing off the throttle simultaneously reduces the clamping force on the clutch plates as a direct result.  The RPM rises, the clutch clamps harder, instantly, and in the precisely correct amount to achieve the dialed in balance.  I don't care how good you ever get, you'll never match it. 

 

It's fine if you don't like them, and a lot of people don't.  They aren't for everyone.  Neither is the automatic transmission in your truck.  The only downside to the thing for me is the inability to bump start the unit (Z-Start Pro), but otherwise, once you learn how to get the most out of it, you cannot beat it.

 

 

That's a nice theory and all, but you totally miss the point. A rekluse is a just a dumb mechanical device. It reacts to RPM, that's it. It has no idea if you're taking off from a dead stop, trying to loft the front end over an obstacle, or fanning to get in the powerband. All those clutch uses are different and require different techniques. A rekluse simply cannot do that. It does the exact same thing every time. Can it modulate the clutch more accurately in some situations? Sure it can, for the reasons you described. But it is not the be-all end-all in all situations. 

But riddle me this, if the rekluse is so super awesome and operates the clutch so much better than any human ever could, then why do the pros that have them still use their clutch all the time?

[still2smokin]

What I said was installing a rekluse doesn't 'instantly improve your riding skills' because it doesn't, plain and simple. There's a perfect example of this in another thread on this site.Two guys ride together a lot, of equal skill. One guy gets a rekluse, the other doesn't. They come upon a gnarly uphill. Rekluse guy goes right up it in one shot, and taunts his buddies from the top. Non-rekluse guy makes several attempts, but can't make it. Rekluse guys gloats and taunts some more. They swap bikes. Non-rekluse guy goes right up the hill in one shot on rekluse guy's bike. Rekluse guy tries repeatedly but cannot make the hill on non-rekluse guy's bike. So yeah, his 'skills' clearly didn't improve one bit, but by masking his lack of clutch/throttle control, it allowed him to tackle terrain he really doesn't have the skill for.

 

The point I was trying to make about racers is they use it for a different reason, which is NOT to mask their lack of clutch skills, it's to not lose a race because they stalled out in a tricky spot and took a minute to get their bike started and everyone passed them. Everyone makes mistakes, even pros. A rekluse can prevent that mistake from costing them a race. But the difference is, THEY STILL USE THEIR CLUTCH!!! So no, they are not the same as someone who installs a rekluse and forgets they ever had a clutch lever at all, and that in no way makes me hypocritical. If you can't see the difference there, that's your problem.

 

That said, and what you missed from my first reply is, if the rekluse ups the fun factor *for you* and you enjoy riding more with it, that's cool. I have a buddy just like you. He doesn't really care about mastering his bike, he just wants to go out and ride with his buddies and have fun. Nothing wrong with that at all. Just don't go fooling yourself into thinking it makes you a better rider, because it doesn't.

 

 

 

OMG dude, like I said before I chose the wrong words , NOW PAY ATTENTION......you must be very dense to think that I was trying to say that because I bought a rekluse I can 

now jump on anyone else's bike and be a better rider cause I got's me a rekluse in my bike .  Obviously its just an automatic clutch not literally skill in a box .

 

I missed nothing from your reply ......." if the rekluse ups the fun factor *for you* and you enjoy riding more with it, that's cool " . and then you went on and on about lack of skill blah blah

blah ... just seems like you are more interested in starting shit and acting like an ass.

 

Thanks for your words of wisdom but I don't need a riding coach , I have been doing fine for the last 15 years without your help.