Motorcycle are one of the most famous vehicles in Indonesia. This is because the motorcycle is very suitable in a country with a high level of traffic jam. There are several types of motorcycle, such as automatic transmission motor, geared motorcycle, and manual clutch motorcycle.
Automatic motorcycle is currently a type of motorbike that is in great demand, because of its easy operation. Besides that, it is very convenient to be used on urban roads. This reason makes manual clutch motorcycle decreased in demand because they are known to be difficult to use. But, the manual clutch motorcycle also has advantages that an automatic motorcycle does not have.
For those who may never or rarely use a manual clutch motorcycle, you might think this motorbike is a hassle to drive. Whereas for other riders, they choose this vehicle for riding on long trips. So in order not to misunderstand about manual clutch motorcycle, here are the advantages and disadvantages of the manual clutch motorcycle.
Advantages of Manual Clutch Motorcycle
1. Suitable for Long Travel
Manual clutch motorcycle is known to be very suitable to use in long trips or difficult terrain. This is because the performance of the clutch motorcycle is far above the performance of an automatic motorcycle.
The clutch lever can be played to get spontaneous acceleration and jerks. This is a feature that an automatic motorcycle does not have. Therefore, the average clutch motorcycle rider is those who like a challenge, because of their more “fierce” performance compared to other types of motorcycle.
2. Fully Controlled Gearshift
Of course, when we use a clutch motorcycle, the gearshift can be adjusted. We can control it through the clutch lever on the motor handle. Through this clutch lever, we will have complete control of the disconnection and merging of the transmission system parts with engine speed.
3. Adjustable Engine Power
The engine power generated by the clutch motorcycle can be regulated by the level of power to be used. By being able to disconnect and connect the engine speed, the engine power can be regulated. In addition, the portion of the initial torque (shock) on the manual clutch motorcycle will be greater than any other types of motorcycle.
To control the engine power of the motorcycle, the driver can hold or release the clutch lever directly when turning the gas which will make the clutch motor get a jerk. Other types of motorbikes do not have this feature.
4. Smooth Tooth-shifting
In a clutch motorcycle, the clutch displacement process can be made as smooth as possible, because this type of motorcycle is not related to the rotation of the engine.
When the driver is about to change gears, the transmission position will be separated from the engine speed, which has an effect on smoother gearshift. Due to this smooth gearshift, the gear condition will be more well maintained and durable.
5. Engine Brake on the Clutch Motor
Engine brake is a technique for slowing down the motor speed by using the motor engine itself. This technique will be very easy to apply to manual clutch motorcycle. Unlike automatic motorcycle, which have to take turns pulling the front-rear brake lever while opening the gas lever a little because the engine brake depends on the engine speed.
But when using a manual clutch motorcycle, we just need to pull the clutch lever and slowly release it until the motor slows down. Because of this engine brake factor, the clutch motorcycle is very suitable for driving on uphill and downhill areas.
6. Easy and Inexpensive Maintenance
Manual clutch motorcycle maintenance is fairly easy and cheap when compared to automatic motorcycle. You just need to routinely change the oil or lubricant which the replacement is quite easy and can even be done by yourself.
In addition, you don’t need to change the transmission oil and just take it to the motorcycle maintenance service every 2-3 months. Because little maintenance is done, the costs are lower.
Unlike automatic motorcycle maintenance, where we have to take several steps in its maintenance. We have to regularly change the oil or lubricant, we also have to regularly change the transmission oil, not to mention the CVT parts that need to be cleaned and other components that are difficult to do alone so they need to be brought to the service place more often. Because the treatment is more complex, it will cost quite a lot.
Disadvantages of Manual Clutch Motor
1. Difficult to Operate
This will really be experienced for those who are using a manual clutch motorcycle for the first time. This is because you have to get the right moment when you pull or release the clutch lever so that the motor does not suddenly jump or turned off.
2. Make You Tired Quickly
You will easily experience fatigue on the left hand when using a manual clutch motorcycle because you use this hand to operate the clutch lever. Other part of your body will also get tired because the body adjusts to the movement of the hands, especially if you use a sport motorcycle.
3. Clutch Conditions to Pay Attention to
Maintenance of a manual clutch motorcycle is indeed easier and cheaper, but we still need to pay attention to the condition of the motorcycle clutch. The damage that often occurs is a worn clutch or a clutch cable that breaks suddenly. For safety reason, before driving a manual clutch motorcycle, pay attention to the condition of the clutch first.
4. Requires Special Talent
This depends on the motorcycle driver itself. In manual clutch motorcycle operation, it requires the right ability to accelerate between the clutch lever which is moved with the left hand and the movement of the foot in changing or entering a gear. Riders who have used a clutch motorcycle for a long time are certainly familiar and will be comfortable using it.