Slipper Clutch: Meaning, Importance, Types & How Slipper Clutch Works

While slipper clutch bikes were mostly seen on race tracks earlier, they are now more common in wider motorcycle communities. Considering the country's thriving motorcycle industry, it is now more important than ever to assure smoother downshifts, enhanced rider safety, and minimal chances of real-wheel lock-ups. That is when a slipper clutch proves to be a better option.

The following sections will discuss the slipper clutch meaning, working, benefits, and types. Although they are costlier bike versions than usual, you can finance the purchase with a Two-wheeler Loan from Hero FinCorp and enjoy.

What is a Slipper Clutch?

A slipper clutch, also known as a back-torque limiter, greatly helps during aggressive downshifts and decelerations. It is particularly useful for sudden brakes and quick turnarounds. 

This type of clutch reduces the chances of wheel hops and real-wheel lock-ups, which commonly occur with regular clutches, resulting in a smoother and safer ride. The technology is a common application in touring and sports class bikes where accuracy and performance are paramount. 

How Does a Slipper Clutch Work?

Now that you know what a slipper clutch is in a bike, it primarily modifies the connection between the engine and gearbox. While quick deceleration may cause lock-up and instability, a slipper clutch slips and partially disengages in such situations. During a downshift, the clutch hold releases, allowing the plates to slide against each other. It reduces the force on the back wheel, resulting in a controlled slide. It assures bike stability and avoids wheel lock-up or hop, ensuring a smooth and safe ride.

What are the Parts of a Slipper Clutch?

Understanding the clutch components is the first step towards understanding its functioning. It includes clutch plates made of steel and friction plates that engage and release the power gearbox to the rear wheel. Its ramp mechanism has two cams with inclines or ramps – one on the clutch hub and another on the pressure plate. 

The plates slip when the pressure plate presses against the clutch to keep it engaged. It also has springs that hold the clutch plates under pressure to keep them engaged. Finally, the release mechanism disengages the clutch plates during normal shifting and gets activated when the user lifts the clutch lever.

Advantages of Slipper Clutches

High-performance bikes have slipper clutch that delivers multiple benefits over traditional clutch types:

• Better Control: Preventing real-wheel lock-up allows better control under quick downshifts.
• Reduced Wear and Tear: It reduces the pressure on the gearbox by enabling controlled slippage of the clutch plates, resulting in less wear and tear on the motorcycle.
• Smoother Rides: Since the clutch engages and disengages smoothly, it results in a smoother ride with less jerky gearshifts.
• Fast Lap Times: While racing, the clutch helps riders achieve fast lap times, as they can brake later while maintaining high speeds through corners.

Disadvantages of Slipper Clutch

Although everything is excellent with a slipper clutch, it also comes with some disadvantages. Here are a few:

• Complex Construction: A slipper clutch has a complicated construction and installation procedure. That is why bike manufacturers rarely use them on their products and prefer standard clutches.
• Expensive: Manufacturing of these clutches is costly. However, the enhanced rider safety, less movement of the suspension, and reduced wear and tear during transmission are worth the extra cost.
• Limitations: With a standard clutch, the bike will slow down even if the engine is powerful, but the brakes are weaker. However, with a slipper clutch, the transmission needs tweaking to deliver such a level of braking.

Types of Slipper Clutches

There are three types of slipper clutches. 

Mechanical Slipper Clutch

A mechanical clutch uses balls and ramps to enable slippage. Under high engine braking torque, the ramp pushes up the balls, causing the clutch plates to slip against each other. It has a reliable and simple mechanism but requires regular maintenance to ensure the ramps and balls are lubricated and clean.

Hydraulic Slipper Clutch

A hydraulic clutch has a hydraulic piston that controls the clutch plate pressure. Under high engine braking torque, the piston shifts forward, allowing them to slip against each other with minimal pressure on the plates. It has a complex mechanism but has less maintenance needs and ensures a higher consistency.

Electromagnetic Slipper Clutch

An electromagnetic clutch has an electromagnetic coil that controls the clutch plate pressure. With energy on the coil, it creates a magnetic area that attracts the clutch plates, allowing them to slip with minimal pressure. It is the most advanced mechanism among the three types of clutch plates but also the most expensive and complex. 

Top Hero Bikes in India with Slipper Clutch

Let’s check out the top Hero bikes in India with slipper clutch:

• Hero Splendour Plus
• Hero HF Deluxe
• Hero Glamour
• Hero Xtreme 160 R BS6
• Hero Xpulse 200 BS6
• Hero Karizma XMR
• Hero Maverick 440

Conclusion

The slipper clutch is a perfect example of how the automobile industry has evolved to combine safety and technology. Understanding what a slipper clutch is, its working, components, pros and cons, and types will help you choose a bike that best suits your requirements. When it comes to finance, take a Two-wheeler Loan from Hero FinCorp and finance up to 95% (Rs 3.5 Lakh) of its cost. The lending institution offers competitive bike loan interest rates, with flexible repayment terms of up to 60 months and easy eligibility conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a slipper clutch necessary for beginners?

Although it is not necessary, it is extremely important for bikers on tracks or if their riding style involves high speeds and fast downshifts.

2. Which is better, a wet clutch or a slipper clutch?

A slipper clutch is better as it can withstand high braking force, aggressive downshifts, and rear wheel lock-ups.

3. What is the effect of the slipper clutch?

It prevents skidding and locking up of the rear wheel, minimising the chances of lost bike control. Consequently, it ensures smooth and safe rides at high speeds.

4. Can we replace the normal clutch with a slipper clutch?

Since it is a complex mechanism, replacing a normal clutch with an after-market slipper clutch is not advisable.

5. Does the slipper clutch prevent engine braking?

The primary function of a slipper clutch is to prevent the transmission of the engine braking force to the rear wheel.