12 Clutch Components in Motorcycle and Their Functions

Motorcycle are one of the most popular vehicle for the public. This is because with a motorcycle, you can quickly get to your destination, you can get through traffic jams by slipping, and other conveniences it offers.

Apart from the comfort and convenience offered by motorcycle, there are several components in a motorcycle that need to be known. In particular, this article will discuss the clutch components in a manual clutch motorcycle.

The clutch itself is a part that plays an important role in the performance of the motorcycle engine, so it is very important to know, especially for manual clutch motorcycle users. In general, the motorcycle clutch is the part that disconnects and connects the two motor shafts in the engine to the transmission system.

Examples of motorcycles that use this clutch component are:

  • TVS Max 125
  • Bajaj Rouser 135
  • Honda CB150R Streetfire
  • Yamaha Vixion
  • Suzuki GSX-S150
  • Kawasaki Z125 PRO
  • KTM Duke 200
  • Benelli TNT250
  • Ducati Monster 797
  • BMW R nineT Scrambler

The clutch components have their respective functions, where these functions are interconnected so that they are able to carry out the clutch function properly. Here are the parts of the motorcycle clutch:

1. Primary Drive Gear

primary drive gear
Primary Drive Gear

This component has a small size but with a very important function. This primary drive gear serves to connect the engine crankshaft rotation to the primary gear. The shape of this component is small and round with a serrated curve around the rotation. These components can be found in the engine block on the right.

2. Primary Driven Gear

primary driven gear
Primary Driven Gear

Another motorcycle component is the primary driven gear. At first glance the name of this part is almost the same as the previous part, this is because the two parts are related. It can be seen in the figure that the primary drive gear is attached to the middle of the primary driven gear.

The function of this component is as the first friction medium on the pressure plate. This function can replace the function of a flywheel (car clutch component) that is not owned by a motorcycle.

There is a reason why the size of the primary driven gear are large and wide. This larger shape serves to increase the comparability of the teeth used. Apart from being connected to the primary drive gear, this component is also connected to the other clutch parts which will be discussed in point 3.

3. Clutch Cover

cluth cover
Clutch Cover

This clutch cover component attaches directly to the clutch primary gear. This section serves to deliver rotation from primary teeth to several pressure plates.

As previously explained, this section is connected to the primary driven gear components which work together so that rotation can occur. This section uses the concept of a clutch plate and a pressure plate where the pressure plate part rotates according to the rotation formed by the primary gear.

4. Multi Clutch Cover

cluth cover
Multi Clutch Cover

The multi clutch cover is also called the clutch plate or friction plate which has a function as a medium for receiving rotation from the pressure plate. This section is located midway between the pressure plates on the clutch.

5. Multi Friction Plate

multi friction plate
Multi Friction Plate

Multi friction plate functions to transmit rotation from the clutch primary gear to the transmission by utilizing the friction medium. This component is located between the clutch cover. Although its function is to transmit rotation to the transmission, this part is not directly connected to the transmission, but is connected to the primary gear.

6. Center Gear

center gear
Center Gear

The next component is the center gear that has a functions to distribute the rotation from the clutch lining to the transmission shaft. This component is equipped with a gear that functions to put the clutch lining and this component is located on the transmission axis.

7. Pressure Plate

pressure plate
Pressure Plate

Pressure plate is one part that lies outside of the clutch structure. This component serves to exert pressure on the clutch plate inward so that the clutch plate itself can press the friction plate in order to be able to distribute power / energy.

8. Pressure Spring

pressure spring
Pressure Spring

Pressure spring or also known as pressure plate is a component of the clutch inside the pressure plate. This component is inside the pressure plate because it has a function as a power source to press the clutch plate. This component, in the clutch it takes about six or more of these components which are located around the pressure plate.

9. Release Fork

release fork
Release Fork

The release fork functions as a lever or jack used to control the pressure plate. This component moves to release and exert pressure on the link between the friction plate and the clutch plate.

10. Clutch Adjuster

cluth adjuster
Clutch Adjuster

The clutch adjuster functions to adjust the depth of the motorcycle clutch itself. This is because every motorcycle user has their own taste in using the clutch.

There are those who like the use of a short clutch or long clutch. For that, with the clutch adjuster, it can be adjusted. This component is located outside the engine cover with a shape like a small bolt.

11. Clutch Handle

cluth handle
Clutch Handle

The clutch handle or also known as the clutch lever is a component that is located outside the clutch that has a functions to regulate the clutch performance which is regulated directly by the motorcycle driver’s hand. This section is basically a lever to control all clutch work.

12. Clutch Cable

cluth cable
Clutch Cable

The clutch cable has a function as a medium for distributing power from the clutch lever to the release fork.

The clutch cable is a copper cable that looks like a strong and elastic wire. This component is also wrapped with anti-rust material to prevent rusting.

Keep in mind that all these components have their own functions that support each other so that the main function of the clutch can occur. So if one of the components is missing or damaged, the motor clutch performance will be not optimal.

So, maintain your motorcycle periodically so that the clutch components are not damaged.