Rekluse auto clutch questions

[Atrus96]

One of the bikes I'm looking into buying has a rekluse clutch with optional perch. What exactly is that. I knows its an auto clutch but on a bike? Do I still have a fully functioning clutch for when I want it? If so does it act like a normal clutch? Are they hard on a tranny? Do I use the clutch (if it has one) to shift? Any downsides? Powerloss? Upsides? I'm lost in this one please guide me.

[gsa102]

I'm told the clutch lever still works, and that it will really help in the tight stuff and keep the bike from stalling. It is supposed to make it easier to go fast. But I don't have one-yet.

[jaymo]

If you do single track riding the Rekluse is amazing. It was the first thing I put on my 450 when I bought it. Mine is the Pro version so you can over ride it with the clutch lever. The one your looking at sounds like the original version. I'm not 100% sure but I believe the perch option does give you over ride control.

[GCHEVY]

I agree the rekluse clutch you want is the Z-start pro, this gives you limeted use of the clutch lever. I had it installed on a 2004 crf450r I tried to set up for the woods. I own a wr450 2005 now with a standard clutch. I always felt that hole shot starts were not as easy w/ the Rekluse, The owner should have the original clutch, give it a try they are a proven product you can alway convert it back.

[byggd]

Do I still have a fully functioning clutch for when I want it? If so does it act like a normal clutch?

Yes. And yes you can still use the clutch lever but it is MUCH easier to pull in. Plus you can make adjustments quickly and easily.

[ASternad]

The perch is needed for the basic version of the Rekluse, the Pro version does not require the perch. Of course the Pro version cost's more too.

[Clays-dad]

Seems most riders have a love-hate opinion of the rekluse. The basic model does not require a clutch lever but you can run one with the auto adjust feature. The pro model uses a clutch lever but only to disengage (to slip the clutch) and is auto adjusting. Clutch can be set-up to engage just off idle or at a higher stall (some mx riders prefer the higher stall to keep rpm's higher)

In short: the rekluse is a centrifugal clutch, i.e. you can shift up or down and will slip when needed. It works like an atv clutch.

Up-side: rarely does the bike stall, has made me 2x the rider i was.

Down-side: can't bump start/roll start bike. engine braking is possible but takes practice and some getting used to. basic model requires some periodic adjustment (I check mine 1x per year).

My relationship with the rekluse is definately A+. I am also old, overweight and lazy. I love my WR450 elec leg and rekluse!

[Atrus96]

Thanks for the info. So pro just limited use to slip the clutch. Does the basic with auto adjust feature and perch work like a normal clutch when you want it to? Hope that makes since.

[ASternad]

Here's the deal:

Basic or Z Start - harder installation cause you need to grind down the clutch hub towers, also this setup requires the perch for clutch override.

Pro - is easier to install because it come with a matched clutch hub, potentially needs less adjustment, works without the perch.

Both perform the same, although some will say the Pro is less noisy during abuse.

You will have the use of the clutch lever, it will be easier to pull in and will be different feeling than a normal clutch. If you want the feel of a normal clutch with the auto clutch magic, it's called a EXP and cost $$$. This more for the MX guys.

I have both the Estart and the Pro in two different bikes.

Edited February 1, 2010 by ASternad

[byggd]

harder installation cause you need to grind down the clutch hub towers, also this setup requires the perch for clutch override.

Really? i didn't have to grind anything?

[ASternad]

My Bad I assumed they were all that way, must be a KTM thing only then.

[tunefx]

I use an EXP on an '07 WR450. I use it for all types of dirt riding (woods, h/s, mx). It's the best mod ever for me. As mentioned, the lack of engine braking is a bit of challenge. But setting the idle just a bit higher than normal helps with this. Other wise, I have an auto clutch when I need it or I can use the clutch as normal. The stock clutch will never go back on the bike.

Seriously, I feel like I'm cheating with this clutch.

The best part? The bike keeps on running when I fall. This is confirmed as I've tested it many times!

[wheelsoff]

Thanks for the info. So pro just limited use to slip the clutch. Does the basic with auto adjust feature and perch work like a normal clutch when you want it to? Hope that makes since.

With the original z-Start (which sounds like the version you have) and the perch adjuster you can manually override the clutch up through mid-RPMs. Once you get into upper RPMs you will not be able to override the clutch manually.

With the z-Start Pro you can manually override the clutch at any RPM.

[gsa102]

What does the perch adjuster do to make the override work? You are still just pulling the clutch cable, right? I don't see why it costs an extra $99 when there is a quick adjust on the clutch perch already. Do you get other hardware with it that goes inside the clutch?

I am considering getting an auto clutch, but I don't think I need the pro model. I only see it being necessary for an MX start.

[Clays-dad]

I had a z-start on my bike when I bought it (used). Once my riding buddies tried my bike they went and bought the z-start pro. I cant see the need for the pro, or the extra $, just my opinion.

Here's the description from Rekluse website:

z-start:

http://rekluse.com/zstart.shtml

z-start pro

http://rekluse.com/zstartpro.shtml

I hope I'm not violating any rules by posting a link to their website.

ride:

[tek9tim]

So the engine braking deal, is it the same as on a snowmobile where you have to blip the throttle to engage the clutch, and then as long as the RPMs stay up, you have engine braking?

[Chas_M]

So the engine braking deal, is it the same as on a snowmobile where you have to blip the throttle to engage the clutch, and then as long as the RPMs stay up, you have engine braking?

Yes, as long as the auto clutch is still engaged there is engine braking available.

[moparfan]

I just got the Core EXP in my '08 WR450 and I'm really happy with it. I'm still adjusting some of my riding style to accommodate the benefits of this new clutch, but I'm really glad I got it. I used to use engine braking almost exclusively instead of the rear brake. Now that the danger of stalling the bike is gone I'm learning to use the back brake which is really improving my corner speed. It's still surprised me a couple of times coming into a corner: if I'm totally off the throttle I'm freewheeling into the corner, but if I blip the throttle even a little then it's engaged and you do have an engine braking effect. Like it was mentioned earlier, turning up the idle changes that.

I race my bike in off-road and in motocross, and so far I still use the clutch like I used to on dirt starts, and I think I can start without using the clutch on concrete and let the centrifugal action of the clutch (hopefully) make for a better start. Oh, and overshooting a corner and panic braking into it...no stalled engine! It's saved me a couple of times. Tight single track? Run it a gear higher! I'm happy with it.

[aussiefletch]

What about if you want to hop over a log, hoisting the front hoop with a dump of clutch?

[tacotory]

My Bad I assumed they were all that way, must be a KTM thing only then.

Yup, KTMs you have to grind. No so on the WRs.