The Motorcycle Slipper Clutch: How They Work and Why They're Awesome | MC GARAGE

Like inverted forks and radial brakes, slipper clutches are a feature most riders think of as pretty premium. But what does a slipper clutch do, how does it work, and how can it benefit your riding? In this video from the MC Garage, Motorcyclist magazine’s Senior Road Test Editor Ari Henning explains it all.
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Twenty years ago, slipper clutches, which are also called back torque limiting clutches by engineer types, were reserved for racebikes. These days, slippers come standard on all kinds of streetbikes from performance machines like the Ducati Panigale to beginner bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 300, and even sport-tourers and cruisers.
The whole idea behind a slipper clutch is that it prevents engine over rev and rear-wheel chatter, and helps keep the rear suspension working properly during hard engine braking caused by aggressive downshifts. At the racetrack a slipper clutch is helpful because downshifts are usually performed while hard on the front brake, so not only is there a lot of engine braking taxing the rear tire and suspension, but there’s very little static load pressing the rear tire against the pavement. Rear-wheel hop, a full-on skid, and even crashes can result. It’s not a good scene
On the street a slipper clutch might come into play when you downshift accidentally, make a sloppy shift in the wet or on a slippery surface, or if you downshift one more gear than you intended. Most folks don’t make those kind of mistakes, but if they do, a slipper could save their butt.
So keeping the bike’s back end calm is why slipper clutches are beneficial, but how do they work? It’s pretty simple, actually. The most common type of slipper clutch has ramps built into the inner basket and the pressure plate, and when the rear wheel begins driving the engine under deceleration, the ramps are forced together and they ride up each other. That pushes the pressure plate away from the clutch pack, which reduces the clamping force on the clutch plates and lets them slip past each other so that the rear wheel turns with less engine drag slowing it down and the engine revs aren’t pushed through the roof.
It’s the same action you’d get if you applied a little pressure to the clutch lever, but with a slipper clutch it happens automatically so you don’t have to put any thought into it. No rev matching or clutch finesse required.
A recent evolution of the slipper clutch is the “slip and grip” clutch. In addition to ramps that push the pressure plate out during hard engine braking, there are also ramps that force the plate in during acceleration. This puts additional pressure on the clutch plates to help prevent slippage. Since the “grip” ramps squeeze the clutch pack during acceleration, lighter (or fewer) clutch springs can be used, netting a nice easy pull at the lever.
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[@Majesenmoto]

So simple to understand. thanks for the perfect explanation! great job! cheers from Spain!

[@VeeFour]

every day is a school day

[@blackbluerray]

Facts

[@simpslayer7417]

Yamaha’s joke R15 v.3-has slipper clutch R3- no slipper clutch and 2019 and still no slipper clutch

[@labradorarvingabion3662]

one word: Marketing

[@glowiever]

beginners need as much assistance as possible dude

[@afletra]

@Arun P G possible because its not that complex. the only problem is; is there any slipper clutch kit for your bike in the market

[@chandrakantchamoli2192]

R15 is having slipper clutch probably because r15 is much lighter in weight having very less momentum even at high speeds which can be easily broken by engine braking causing skidding or disbalancing

[@afletra]

@@chandrakantchamoli2192 its not about that really, all the bigger bike start from Ninja 400 way up to the 1000 have slipper clutch now and its nothing to do with that. its just yamaha didnt put it for the R3, at least for now. just that. the next gen R3 should have it.

[@brisfocus3648]

can you get a slipper clutch on a CHINESE SCOOTAH though???

[@DanDippity]

You're gonna have a REAL FUCKED UP DAY

[@DodgyBrothersEngineering]

What about a CVT ;)

[@dokebi999]

Bris Focus no but you have it on CBBBRRR DOUBLE FUCKING R 1000

[@DanDippity]

Man, I love me some Cycle Cruza all-in-one motorcycling channel... SUBSCRIBE TODAYYY!

[@mozzmann]

Actually you may find that it is actually a centrifugal clutch

[@mrwezbo]

Hey guys, I really enjoy these vids. cause there isn't any fluff at the beginning...straight to the point.

[@blancolirio]

Brilliant Explanation!

[@buddymckay3486]

I've accidentaly geared down to 1st instead of 2nd before a turn and was lunged forward getting into a whiskay throttle. I realized very quickly and let go of it. Happened when I was learning how to ride.

[@aivarg016]

gotta really love this guy and his work. he explains things so clearly and has helped me countless times to understand the inner workings of my motorcycle. thanks ari! more good content from you, man!

[@steelsporty]

Alternatively, you could just learn how to operate your clutch and gearbox correctly; but I can see the advantage of a lock-up clutch in that it allows the use of lighter springs.

[@HeroRR]

Does a slipper clutch make the lever easier to pull also?

[@DodgyBrothersEngineering]

Typically no. The resistance you feel at the clutch lever is directly related to how heavy the clutch springs are. Sitting stationary at a set of lights it doesn't matter what type of clutch type is used in the bike, you will be pulling against the full strength of the clutch springs. There are only two ways to make a clutch lever feel lighter, the first is to put lighter clutch springs in the bike (not desirable at all) and the second is to increase mechanical leverage. Think when you put a longer bar on a socket, the effort is easier but the amount of travel increases.

[@paulvandall1363]

Dodgy Brothers slipper clutches do have lighter springs and thus pulls.

[@Ahhtheserenity]

Finish watching the video buddy then you'll find out

[@adammars1410]

HeroRR i love your videos!!!

[@JH09SUMIT]

@@DodgyBrothersEngineering I think you forgot slipper clutches use lesser number of springs so they are actually lighter to pull.

[@peter_king]

Vintage MC Garage, 3 minutes of informative gold :D

[@MotorcyclistMag]

See the RC390's slipper clutch in action at Sonoma Raceway: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmqVZquZmLRsrcUm16s

[@ambur0007]

Motorcyclist Magazine you were revvmatching with the slippery cluch. Does it make any difference between revvmatching on a slipper cluch and not revvmatching. Or is the output the same. Cus i love the sound of blipping the throttle

[@mozzmann]

IMHO Slipper Clutch is simply made for Lazy rider's , changing down while blipping the throttle even when NOT using the clutch (YES I said not) most Motorcycle gearboxes are constant mesh Dog selected and will do so easily if the dogs and gears in sync. If you are used to a particular bike it is easy to go both up and down gears without the clutch if required. I use the clutch to disengage on down shift and usually have released the clutch at the same time as blipping the throttle or marginally afterwards. Slipper's certainly have a place in racing but on the street , I don't think so as I believe that it makes rider's lazy.

[@TheGhost13960]

Motorcyclist Magazine can you explain what is clutchless and how it works

[@mozzmann]

Simply NOT using the clutch unless starting off and or stopping, with skill and being profoundly used to a particular cycle it is easily done , I seldom use the clutch on up shift , You simply apply light presure to the gear shift and lighten throttle application VERY briefly - poof as load comes off the transmission the change is made . I can change down the same way by having light pressure on the shift and at the same time I blip after very briefly getting off the throttle , the down shift is complete. I DO NOT recommend doing this to any Motorcycle , I have road and drag raced in my younger days and am I ride my bike most days so I'm VERY familiar with it . I WISH people would STOP the BULLSHIT Statement Rev Matching !!! This is an incorrect mechanical term when you should be saying gear synchronization .

[@clayman012]

Is there a video on clutchless shifting and would you say harmful or not harmful?

[@thelants8569]

lol i have to rev match into every corner on my 2006 CBR 600 so i dont low side every time or hear a really ear shattering RRRRRNNEEEEEENSJAJRRRR by my engine and feel my back tire having a seizure

[@donovanwells5898]

ツRapidCombo 😂😂😂 I just recently put mine down because I didn’t rev match. Dropped it into 1st and paid the price.

[@thelants8569]

@@donovanwells5898 damn that sucks. what u ride bro? (year and model) did u low side or what?

[@cfltitan]

Thank you for this video!! I've known how slipper clutches work but I just bought a very lightly used 2018 Triumph Street Triple R and it has a "slipper/assist" clutch and it's a VERY light clutch pull which is amazing! My FZ8 that I had for years was MUCH stiffer and I was always good about lubing the cables, keeping them adjusted properly and running good oil. I wondered how they got such a light clutch pull but a clutch that would still hold almost 120hp without it being hydraulic.

[@RocketdetailingLLC]

Awesome explanation, and very informative. Thanks!

[@hangten111]

Nice job. Very professional. Excellent info. Thanks.

[@fisco130]

In a normal non-slippery-clutch bike, when you let go slowly the clutch lever you (sometimes) can feel the gears (so to speak) with your hand (pardon the poor explanation I hope somebody gets it), why is this?

[@antaeussimmons4969]

Like a semi

[@justanothernoobe]

I love your content. You always break it down in a really simple way :)

[@ambur0007]

Does slipper cluch have less life/more wear than the conventional type.

[@LockieNZ]

I can definitely feel the difference with a slipper in my R6 over my old FZR250 which just had a standard clutch. Even if you've mastered the art of rev matching on your down shifts, you still mess it up from time to time, and a slipper makes it much more forgiving.

[@CubanRider]

Thanks for the video. Will rev-matching the downshifts increase the durability of the slipper clutch significantly or is it negligible?

[@pauloconnor7951]

Great !!! Please explain that Rekluse clutch; in the context of enduro riding. Thanks.

[@Baleur]

Wait so, if your bike has a slipper clutch, you dont need to do rev matching during gear changes anymore??

[@TwoWheeledDecaf]

Skids and locking the rear is fun though

[@carlosdeleon9593]

Yeah, dying is very fun!

[@DexMaster881]

Actually first slipper or torque clutches were designed for enduro and used on Paris-Dakar for loose ground use. I had two bikes that used it Kawasaki Klr (not all models)and Cagiva t4(elephant w16 series) .Its actualy reversed system that prevents you from overspining your back wheel and crashing or staying stuck in sand or loose soil,mud and such.. Technically it has minimim ground resistance to power input ratio to put the power down if the wheel slips hard clutch partialy disengages so realistically U get more traction. For example Cagiva will not slide out on newb riders while banking under full throttle and can even ride in snow and ice if your good. How ever as soon as it warms up it can not wheelie. Its very good at beating more powerfull bikes at short drag racing up to 100kph. Both bikes hate tuning because clutch is designed for very specific power input so as soon as u get 5hp more its noticable under heavy acceleration. They also lack slow down slipping but both engines have very strong engine braking so unless someone is pulling U U cant overrev it.

[@chincemagnet]

I love the slipper clutch on my z650. It's awesome for beginners or for aggressive driving. It's saved my ass a few times at least.

[@coolguy79jeffrey]

are you still able to push start if you have a slipper clutch?

[@drunksanta1427]

yes, engine braking is also still possible, how much is depending on how heavy your springs are and the aggressiveness of the ramps. Only thing is, something you will need to do on most bikes anyways, is you need to put it into a higher gear than first because of the compression. Thats if you have super light springs, with normal springs its pretty much the same as normal

[@derf9465]

Really?

[@0xsergy]

@@derf9465 no.

[@paradigmshift7]

Awesome informative videos. No BS, straight to the point. Love it, keep them coming!

[@kaleshivam]

Is it possible to replace standard clutch with slipper clutch ?

[@RyMann88]

Anything is possible provided you do extensive research and/or higher a good professional who knows their stuff.

[@sergeantsodom6969]

Not to be one of those nostalgic dickheads- but since moving to a slipper clutch last year on the Z900, now on the MT09- its like someone ripped away about 70% of the feel and tactic input of the clutch which I loved- losing that is like losing the feel of when to change gear using the vibrations of the bike- very strange. also never had a back wheel come out on me due to going down too many gears/letting out the clutch too quickly- maybe im just lucky or maybe im just creating this issue in my head.

[@weljo2001]

My 2016 Kawasaki Versys 1000 came with a slipper clutch and i must say its really nice.....

[@FranciscoGalicia]

THANKS, I put wrong oil and my vmax 1985 is slipping. i am planning to replace the oil with motul 3000 10w40 JASO MA2, should it fix the issue? thanks

[@mokokawi]

i don't like slippers.....i had my brakes fail once....and had to heavily rely on engine braking to get me around till brakes were fixed.....and even in racing...i would rather rely on my technique.....ofcourse in a mistaken downshift.....like Nick's on Doug's ZX11 at willow that day....and wrecked and tore the bike up......wouldve been nice to have..dang i wish i could have seen the numbers that ZX11 would've put down if not wrecked.....

[@Velosirraton]

It's so cheap and simple... every bike should come out of the factory with a slipper clutch instead of the conventional ones. But no, they don't care about safety but about how much money they'll make by selling it like it was fancy and expensive tech.

[@warriorwithin767]

If this man would be my teacher in college I would have scored above 80 in engine subject Kudos to u Sir🙏💯✌️

[@Skyerzen]

Shit, I ran car oil (mobil1) for about 1000 miles on my bike once. It doesn't have a slipper clutch. Did I fuck something up?

[@johnsomerset1510]

Good video but I was wondering about the 'slip and grip clutch'; if you were riding your bike and your throttle jammed open, would you still be able to disengage the clutch and get the bike out of gear? IE can you overcome the extra pressure on the clutch plates?

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

I wonder why this tech was "reserved for race/track bikes" until recently? Clearly it doesn't cost any more to manufacture a slipper clutch than a regular clutch. They are basically the same thing with a slight difference in shape here or there.

[@shaquilleghotane6593]

Ari, mind covering inline 4 vs V twin or L twin and V 4?

[@mkg2002]

Why only moped bikes popular or known in Southeast Asian countries? I've never seen any Westerners ever mention about moped bikes from the Japan Big 4, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki(I'm not sure if Kawasaki ever made any moped bikes)

[@yusuf00102]

Can you make video about slipper clutch on BMW 310gs, from how to select one for that engine, etc. Cya

[@KZ0_1303]

Is your exhaust a mivv ghibli? I'd lick to know how it's affecting the bikes power too! Increase in hp by? How much does it weigh too? Thanks in advance! I'm looking to put this for my Duke 390! Need your help!

[@minnie19booboo]

What kinda street miles can I get until I need a clutch replacement on a slipper clutch? I have about 20,000 on my factory 2006 gsxr 750 set. No race, just commuting to work and stuff.

[@jacksunu]

After knowing this technology, this shouldn't be that costly to add in all bikes say R3 for example. I think this is why Bajaj has added to their newest bike with slipper clutch yet it is very cheap bike (Dominar 400)

[@nonprotechnician492]

hey bro , I've have some question's about my Suzuki gd110, the problem with my motorcycle is that every time I pull the clutch, and engaged in 1st gear, like there's some timing delay on the shift gear. when you release the clutch slowly or even on fast release. tnx bro on reply. hoping you helping me with my prob. love your video., nice

[@shawngreenwood7825]

Hi, I am a returning motorcycle rider after 3 plus years out of the saddle. I am looking for a adventure style bike in the 500 cc to 1000 cc range and like the Honda CB500x. I like that it over the v-strom has a slipper clutch but wonder if it is really necessary.

[@arwinsumatra8857]

Hey, if a motor bike is already equipped w/ slipper clutch, does that take away the need to rev match when abruptly slowing down the bike? Also, is rev matching the same as motor blip? Thanks!

[@Jaiswal_Anurag]

is it possible to install a slipper clutch on a bike which originally don't come with? Same question for ABS. Please answer. @AriHenning #MCGarage #MotorcyclistMagazine.

[@MrTrevorkemp]

Even with a slipper clutch my 2016 Ducati Monster 821 when I would go hit some aggressive downshifts would still be able to chirp the Tire on the downshift.

[@SuperMeesh20]

Pls make a video elaborating in detail the mods u have done on ur RC 390..

[@trantem]

Hey Ari, just wanted to say I've been watching you guys since before I bought a bike when you still on MT. After you disappeared I didn't know you had set up shop here but I sure am glad I found you again and you're still putting out great content. Now that I own a bike a lot of these well produced maintenance videos and part vs part videos have really made me more comfortable with working on my FZ09 and greatly increased my general knowledge. Thank you for what you do and I look forward to more.

[@rahulghatol47]

hey bro i have KTM RC200 it dosnt have slipper clutch can i install slipper clutch in it????

[@asurferkain]

go to yoyodyne and see if they have one for yours

[@dougiequick1]

Just dropped my XR ...slow speed in the dirt, the motor stalls so easily before I could get back on the throttle ...I'm thinking a slippery clutch might improve things ....probably cost a fortune and/or let me guess? They don't make em for XRs ...cause who wants to spend a ton of money on these old dogs lol

[@nikolager23]

Although it's for safety features I like the hard engine braking compared to a slipper clutch

[@HDSME]

WHEN i down shift to save my ass i want that engine dragging!!!

[@0xsergy]

apparently my bike has a slipper clutch.. can't say i've ever noticed it and i've done a ton of steep descents with engine braking. the revs always seemed to match the tire speed.

[@nikolager23]

@@0xsergy what bike are you riding

[@0xsergy]

@@nikolager23 himalayan.

[@sammedhupadhye1033]

Please answer, I have an Honda hornet 160cc bike. It does not have a slipper clucth so when I come down from top speed to lower speed although I rev my accelerator and hold complete clutch, the gear won't go down easily, sometimes it is in between the 5 and 4 gear unless I leave the clutch it comes back with a "tuck" sound.. please explain me! What is my mistake.

[@RayRayLitFam]

Wait so I don't have to always revmatch downshift If I own a slipper clutch? I almost always do out of habit from previous bikes, but my current has a slipper clutch...

[@pawandhiman21]

Is it possible to swap slipper clutch from a slipper clutch equipped bike to a standard clutch equipped bike?

[@md123420]

i pulled a derrrrr on my first oil change tried saving a few bucks but the oil had "molybdenum" "edit" inside which eats wet clutches deerr doing it thee right time from now on and sucking up the dealer oil prices

[@GRAW247]

Can you please make a video about your KTM RC390 and the modifications you've done to it please? I just picked one up yesterday and really interested what I can do to upgrade it! It seems there is plenty you can do, I'm interested to find out more...

[@adobothrottle6858]

I’m using Rotella T6 for oil, riding an XSR900. Should I switch up my oil or stick with Rotella? Thanks!

[@davidnissan3804]

What do you think about the QuickShifter on these clutchsystems? I've got a z900 and planning to get a QS. Will it get damaged by it or not?

[@ersukhjit]

I have RC 390 Duke with slipper clutch, It was stolen and recovered after a few week. The bike stalls immediately as soon as I put it in first gear. I removed the clutch, apply the oil to all plates. Installed it, clutch become nice and smooth. Bike still stalls. It does not look like side stand switch is faulty. what could be the reason thnaks

[@Kenkalsi]

Can you export bikes to hong kong? I need ktm690 adventure 21 but here distributor have very old model not euro5. In few years i will not able to enter china or india if not euro5.

[@rickyrolls6460]

hI! I know he already said it , but i just want to confirm that you dont need to rev match anymore when downshifting when your bike has a slipper clutch right? im new in riding i have a XSR 155

[@iamakkkshay]

Are slipper clutch available for cars because I love downshifting and end up burning the clutch

[@bikelifebreezy7400]

You should still rev match so you get a smooth downshift!

[@LRS7B]

My new R7 has a slipper clutch, but locked the back wheel up when I down shifter aggressively. Anyone know why? 🍻

[@DanteYewToob]

Dang.. this makes me wonder why all beginner bikes aren't made with slipper clutches standard. Those sound like beginner mistakes, and also having a lighter clutch lever would help too.

[@Frisky_FZR]

I wish there was one for my Hornet 250 gets wheel chatter in 2-1 first gear on down shifting even stopping at the lights 😂 mainly because I like hearing the crackle from a hard downshift 😂

[@akhilthiruthiyottilmannark1871]

ordinary bikes( like 100cc) may not have good braking system, so we can down the gears and which can be used as like a braking system. I think ordinary clutch is good for that kind bikes.

[@leojames7331]

New rider here.when you say what oil should you use. You're talking about general engine oil right? The clutch itself doesn't require separate oil does it? Thanks

[@frenzrupam]

Hi Ari, could you make a video on Stock Vs Performance Air Filters and Exhausts and their effects on performance and engine life... Pros n cons actually...

[@DanteYewToob]

Yeah, I've been wondering this. I have a bike with a messed up air filter housing, and it's much cheaper to just buy an aftermarket air filter, but I'm not sure if that would mess with my air/fuel mix, or require some tuning to get it to work. I've been holding off paying the 90 bucks for a piece of plastic that holds my air filter!

[@cristeaadrian9682]

I have Slipper Clutch on my 125 Zontes so, its a basic nowdays

[@michaelbooth2625]

Sorry guys that's South Wales United Kingdom live long and prosper to all fellow bikers Zoom Zoom

[@56CrazyCruiserCaddy]

Can you put a Slipper Clutch on 70s or 80s motorcycles? Like for an example gs750L

[@ChefGuruJeff]

Can any bike with a standard clutch pack be converted to a slipper clutch system? say a Vstrom 650?

[@SinhaSahab1]

Is it necessary to take clutch when shifting gears in slipper clutch motorcycle

[@BirdArvid]

So basically; they're for people who race (on or off the streets) and those who won't (or don't know how to) rev-match or release the clutch slowly/calmly on downshifts.

[@Kevin-yh8ol]

3rd! Thanks for putting up this video!

[@Hobinator17]

This is cool but I still cant find a good explaination of how the use of a slipper clutch differs from a normal one on the street. You just get off the throttle and downshift without pulling the clutch or blipping the throttle? Ive found nobody on youtube who can give a straightforward answer on how to actually use it.

[@airdoctor1251]

Just came to mind , what happened to the ugly harley video that received a ton of hate. I know it got either deleted or unlisted. Good job for listening to your subscribers.

[@wreckum56]

Slipper clutch,made for someone who can’t ride doesn’t know what his bike is doing! My opinion and sticking to it!

[@Yt_xrider]

This guys eyes look like he had smoke some of my tegridys

[@renaldocordeiro4669]

So wait it's then way better to put a slipper clutch in then just a normal clutch?.....I'm still a little confused.

[@DeNFlix...]

You still need to rev match, but a slipper clutch will save your arse if you don't do it properly, it's like having traction control on the clutch.

[@mariasaatcheson8843]

Brown Kevin Young Jessica Perez Dorothy

[@ribhoiguy27]

Will it work if i install slipper clutch for small cc bike yamaha R15 v2

[@partyplace15]

It's basically the difference between a full on fixed gear and a normal road bike. You can backpedal on a road bike, not in a fixed gear.

[@HeyMyNameIsLukas]

You guys are an amazing resource for new riders, thanks a lot!

[@winsaints8549]

can be the rc200 installed with slipper clutch?

[@sushanmaharjan706]

What happens when u highly accelerate in fule reserve mode

[@vasilypupkin2107]

It appears that modern multidisk clutches in oil bath are very bad for engine, since not efficient oil increases engine wear and gas consumption

[@dmitrijmaslovskij9114]

Love all the tech videos! Might not be appropriate for a "MC GARAGE" episode, but as the off season is upon us in most of the country I'd love to see some pointers on how you guys stay in shape in the off season. Thanks!

[@marcochavane3124]

Came here because my CRF300L Rally came with one and I had no idea what it's for.

[@jakeford2324]

That looks just like an XSR900 slipper you are using as a demo, would it perhaps be so?

[@bradenmcclennen6300]

Sorry if I’m just dumb lol but if a slipper clutch is present does that mean you don’t have to use the shift lever to downshift and up shift?

[@danielmcgrath9369]

As always,good video with excellent information for those of us who need or don't need it.Well done mate.

[@JQUICK21]

LOL I thought that with a slipper clutch the shifting process is different and maybe easier or whatnot. Has nothing to do with how you shift or how to shift it seems.....

[@lostronin380]

Great video. Highly informative and well explained. 👍