“The key to your motocross bike’s performance lies in the clutch. You may be an ace as a motocross player but if your clutch is not doing its part, you may find your engine difficult to control. Here are some tips for an excellent clutch.

If you are using those Factory Clutch Springs take those off and replace them with stiffer clutch. Maximum performance parts are not used by bike factories when they assemble the clutch. This is because these cost more money than those being used by factories. But keep in mind that you don’t have to change every spring. You can experiment on what works but two or three will usually do.

Do not neglect your transmission oil. Cars and trucks are different as you only need to change the oil once a year only. Every two or three races your oil must be replaced. Changing the oil may sound too much for you, but it is cheaper than a transmission overhaul. Remember that the crud that you pick up on the track accumulates and will put early stress on your clutch plates.

Carrying extra shims is ideal in case of emergencies. You’ll never know when you’re going to need these things. Emergencies may happen in the middle of a race and you won’t be able to remedy the situation. Just insert the right washer under the bolt. This added thickness will preload your springs and take away that spongy feeling in your clutch.

You can top off your transmission to the proper level with Automatic Transmission Fluid, that is, if it is GM compatible. But don’t use a Ford type fluid. The difference between the two is GM fluid grips better than a Ford fluid which is slick as molasses.

Never use factory-installed aluminum clutch plates. These are not tough enough for extended motocross use so only use these plates for regular use. They don’t hold up as well as steel plates which are heavier but more durable. There are two drawbacks for aluminum plates. One, they wear more quickly than steel leaving metallic deposits in the oil, thus, hastening mechanical wear. Two, aluminum warps easily when exposed to too much heat generated in motocross.

Aging plates build up a glaze layer on the surface which makes them slip more noticeably. When this slippage is noticed, remove your fiber clutch plates and sand the surface to remove the slippery glaze. Reinstall after cleaning.

Your clutch lever should not be too tight. Set it so that a quarter can slide between the lever perch and the lever without catching the clutch cable.

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