Tuning a clutch for better engagement and feel

On the street, we use our clutches to pull away from a stop, and once underway , either speed shift or use the clutch briefly for gear changes. In stop and go traffic, in first gear, we are on and off the clutch and its situations like that where we notice whether or not our clutch is smooth , heavy, light, grabby, etc.
I have taken up Trials riding, where clutch performance is ultimately critical for competition. Most sections are run in one or two gears, with the clutch being modulated heavily. I also ride hard enduro on a 2 stroke , which also forces heavy clutch work.
I had a grabby clutch in my trials machine, and it was notoriously sticky when cool. Furthermore, the clutch pull was heavy, and fatiguing after a day of practice. I made a few changes that made quite a difference.
This may be relevant if you are experiencing clutch challenges with your motorcycle.

[@tjracingteam]

Fantastic tutorial. Thankyou

[@wilywest]

Absolutely brilliant video, thank you!

[@idiot-983]

Great video, Thanks.

[@John-ev3cz]

Thanks for the informative and very articulate way you explained the modifications; being a new 2024 Beta Evo 200 owner and 70 years old returning to trials; right now I’d like to lighten the clutch pull and be able to use one finger on lever and make using lever easier with smaller hands; although quite expensive seems to really fit the bill; is there anyway you would take a personal message to discuss it a bit further thanks, John

[@jamesal0]

By filing the fiber plate fingers you are altering the spacing between each finger a random amount. this will result in some fingers bearing more load on the basket than others and clutch binding more. Try running a light light 2T gear oil Motorex or Motul 10-30 or AFT (7.5) and hold the clutch in while warming motor in gear. If you still have problems put the front wheel against a tree in gear and modulate (abuse) the clutch for a minute and it will clean up .

[@daveallen2565]

He’s only removing the glue, not touching the pads, besides it’s so tiny it wouldn’t make any difference.

[@4Him4u2]

Your static balance looks good! Thanks for posting this. Come to a Sacramento PITS event sometime!

[@kiki231000]

thanks for the note

[@uncletom1971]

At 8:38 I see you have Forma Boulder boots, right? How do you like them? I've just bought myself a pair and I'm waiting for delivery.

[@frankpopovic1392]

Great video very helpful my clutch is sticking on my beta evo 300 so that will be coming apart tomorrow morning. 👍🏽Time for sticky fingers not clutches 😂

[@vernonsalyers]

lot of work filing those plates but good on you probably worth it!...though that Clake lever will get awfully expensive to replace after a few good dumps...not if ...but when ...thanks for the info!

[@kiki231000]

Actually the Clake is designed for rough use and has a flexible lever shaft with a "break-away" section to prevent damage farther up. I have used one on my comp enduro bike. I have had some very rough spills that have damaged the bars, the grips, and even the bark busters, but the Clake was just fine.

[@monton5440]

Nice video ,You have missing washer on the end of inner hub rod

[@alanborland2545]

Phase 3 could be doin the clutch basket mayb.

[@k.snyder_812]

If you want to make the static balancing easier, spread your knees wider.

[@kdubya1050]

Chris, love the videos. How about a video of you riding the beta? Also, what type of torque wrench is that? Very cool.

[@kiki231000]

Videos of me on the Beta would be boring at this stage since most of my practice sessions are in the evening after work and consist of balance and wheelie drills. And my newby skills would have you laughing. That being said, I would recommend hopping aboard one if you can. Every-time i take it out i am grinning from ear to ear. Each day i get a skill breakthrough i have a major itch to jump right back on it the next day. Living in the north east, the snow has set in, but i can still ride it in the yard. My RT and 300RR are both in hibernation, but this little bike will run all winter long. Regarding the torque wrench; Snap-On ATECH2F100VO

[@2muchgear750]

Good info. Thanks Chris. (Old men on motorcycles, sheesh.)

[@kiki231000]

2muchgear I know- my son tells me I am just begging for broken bones.

[@2muchgear750]

I took a fall on the bike last year. I now understand rib injuries. Nothing broken but boy does that hurt and for a long time.

[@ericbrackenbury]

Nice info BUT being a Goldsmith and REAL picky (also a trials rider for 61 years), I think you should mention washing the plates after you have done the work. you do not want any fillings or metal residue in the engine. I know the magnetic drain plug should pick it all up but why put it there in the first place.

[@jonbraid2520]

What would you recommend to clean them with that wont damage the friction surface ? I have an ultrasonic parts cleaner, would that be ok with diluted carburettor cleaner?

[@ericbrackenbury]

@@jonbraid2520 Just dish soap amd water then dry thoroughly, then soak in fresh oil for a n hour or so before replacing them 😊

[@trialsted]

What is that clutch master cylinder?!

[@cathyandriamiadanarivo7504]

So I believe this is a 2008 Beta isn’t it? Is it worth to buy this in 2023 if it’s in a quite good condition?

[@kiki231000]

this is actually a 2017

[@callumtaylor6965]

He's got nearly the exact same bike as me mi e is just a bit bigger

[@derrickanderson2783]

Will you tell us why you chose a beta over any other brand??

[@kiki231000]

I am a fan of Beta, but to be fair, I haven't owned any of the other Euro 2T bikes. The local Beta dealer is fantastic to deal with, and their service is beyond expectation. I have owned a Beta 300 Enduro and am comfortable with the mechanics of these Italian bikes.

[@derrickanderson2783]

@@kiki231000 Just bought a Shrek_3 and I like it but I like how some of the extreme trials people on here are riding Betas and I wish I could ride one before getting another one or selling the Sherc.

[@lewiss66]

Well, It seems trial bike are not forbiden to ride in your country...

[@betarider9863]

its more likely you've got the wrong bike for your riding style

[@yosefbegic8851]

Says a guy with a Clake haha

[@ianm8429]

Take it for a ride please, not a drive :-)

[@kiki231000]

Ian M good point

[@user-ph1br3eo3e]

...продуманный Мотц...