Clutch Performance: Ensure Your Dirt Bike Responds When Asked to Deliver

Riding effectively demands confidence. This is true whether you're a GEICO/AMSOIL/Honda professional Christian Craig or a weekend warrior haunting the trail near home.
By: Haldimand Synthetic Oil
 
CALEDONIA, Ontario - May 13, 2019 - PRLog -- Confidence stems from experience with the bike and familiarity with the terrain. But it also derives from knowing your bike is going to respond the way you want for the entire ride.

Take for example, the start of a typical motocross race. "Riders want firm, positive clutch-lever feel as they rev the engine in anticipation of the gate dropping." When the gate drops, they want the bike to hook-up smoothly and with consistent power so they can grab the holeshot. Again, as they work up through the gears, clutch-lever feel should be crisp and consistent, not sloppy and loose.

OIL IS KEY
"The transmission lubricant plays a vital role in clutch feel." To see why, you need to know how a dirt bike clutch works.

The clutch connects the engine and transmission via a series of alternating friction and steel plates. When the rider squeezes the clutch lever, the pressure plate separates the steel and friction plates, allowing them to rotate independently. This allows the bike to idle without moving.

As the rider lets out the clutch lever, the pressure plate squeezes together the friction and steel plates. This binds the engine to the transmission and moves the bike.

The transition from the friction and steel plates spinning independently to becoming bound together is an example of dynamic friction. Once the plates are locked together and spinning in unison, they are subject to principles of static friction.

"Motor oil plays a vital role in both area. The formulation influences dynamic friction, which is best thought of as clutch feel." Oils with incorrect frictional properties can result in inconsistent or loose clutch feel. This negatively affects the rider's ability to confidently start quickly and grab the holeshot in a race or maneuver around obstacles on the trail. The oil also contributes to the holding power, or static friction between the plates once the clutch lever has been let all the way out. "Oils with incorrect frictional properties can allow the plates to slip in some circumstances, which you will feel as lost power to the ground." This is more common in motorcycles.

The oil's additive chemistry has the greatest effect on performance. Friction modifiers, added to some passenger car/light truck oils can decrease the coefficient of friction within the clutch pack and result in excessive slippage. Extreme-pressure additives, commonly used in gear lubes to protect against shock loads and intense pressures, can cause excessive clutch slippage and related damage.

The key is to use a lubricant specifically formulated for wet clutches. AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil (DB40, DB50, DB60) and Synthetic Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid (DBTF) contain no friction modifiers or extreme-pressure additives. "They are dialed in with the correct frictional properties to promote smooth shifts and consistent clutch feel while guarding against wear for long clutch life."   https://www.haldimandsyntheticoil.ca/amsoil-motorcycle-oil-guide/dirt-bikes/

How Does AMSOIL Synthetic Drt Bike Oil Stand Up?

In an extreme simulated-start test, AMSOIL synthetic Dirt Bike Oil continued to deliver consistent clutch feel following 32 simulated race starts, while a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-branded oil demonstrated inconsistent clutch-lever action and poor clutch feel after 16 starts. The clutch plates lubricated with AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil remained clean and in good overall condition, while the plates using OEM oil revealed discoloration and wear. AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil's superior performance delivers confidence that your bike will perform consistently in all types of riding conditions.
https://www.haldimandsyntheticoil.ca/amsoil-motorcycle-oil-guide/synthetic-dirt-bike-oil-faqs/
End
Source:Haldimand Synthetic Oil
Email:***@haldimandsyntheticoil.ca Email Verified
Tags:Dirtbikes
Industry:Sports
Location:Caledonia - Ontario - Canada
Subject:Products
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