How does a clutch work? What's it good for... etc?

[Sissy]

I'm trying to explain to my son but my knowledge isn't great!! can someone write something quick, not too long, just a few lines on what all this "give it more clutch" etc means because he's asking me!!

[pipnet11]

OK short as I can. Basicaly it is to allow the engine to keep turning without turning the wheels, and to allow you to pull away by gradually applying the drive to the wheels.

It works by having 2 circular plates (often more actually, but easier to explain with 2) that are pushed together by springs. These are covered in a material which allows them to grip each other when pushed together. When the clutch is pressed in, these plates are pushed apart to let them spin at different speeds.

Better explained and in much more detail here
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[zonicmotors]

clutch = to create a temporary neutral

[Rory]

It allows you to disconnect power from the engine to the rear wheel, so you can change gear. Bike clutches are designed to slip IIRC, allowing smooth take offs from a standstill.
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[hustler]

I f you're really interested from the How Stuff Works website https://auto.howstuffworks.com/clutch.htm
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[Barker-CBR 600]

Clutch - Disengages the engine from the wheels, hence the engine continues to run but doesnt make the wheel go around. The wheels become as a pushbike, free spinning under their own momentum (or if still.. they will stay still).


Basic way to do most things -

Pull away =

Clutch In - Gear Down - Let clutch out while twisting throttle accordingly. *

*This is known as 'slipping'. Basically the clutch becomes partially released, so the wheels begin to go around but not with the full force of the engine. The point at which this starts is the 'biting point' because the engine begins to 'bite' the wheels.. making them go.

As the clutch is let out the engine revs begin to dip (lessen) since the bike is trying to go forward without any throttle to back it up. If this happens too much the bike will stall - engine cuts out and bike remains in gear. By applying the throttle to balance out the drop in the revs you stop a stall and begin moving

[B}Change Gear Up[/B] =

Throttle Down - Clutch in - Gear Up - Let clutch out while twisting throttle accordingly

This is the basic way of doing things, as you work on it it can get smoother and develop things like blipping the throttle (making the revs with clutch in equal revs when you would let it go... so engine does less work...) but for now thats the basic setup.

Pulling up to stop =

Throttle Down - Brakes - Clutch in as you almost completly stopped - Brakes - Neutral Gear (when stopped).

This is the simplest way of pulling up, you can on the way change gears as your speed lessens... hence allowing you to recieve 'engine braking' which slows you down faster. But its alot to think about if your not used to it, long as you werent going too fast (i.e 6th gear to stop is a bad idea).

Wheelie

Only jokin
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