How Slipper Clutch Works? Its Advantages & Disadvantages

Slipper Clutch in Bikes is an important technology that has evolved in recent years and it is essential both for the bike & its driver. It helps in reducing the sudden forces applied on the inside of the transmission

Slipper Clutch in Bikes - Meaning, Work, Advantages & Disadvantages

In India, bikes are rapidly becoming the most chosen mode of transport. The over-crowded public transport and poor roads make it very important for people to own a motorcycle or bike. Feasible financing and 2 wheeler loans with such low-interest rates have helped the buyers in choosing the right bike model. Nowadays these bikes are being upgraded with some top-notch technologies to ease out the lives of the riders. A slipper clutch is one such technology that can easily be considered as one of the finest inventions keeping in mind the congested, unplanned road infrastructure we have all over India.

Meaning and Working of Slipper Clutch

Slipper clutch came into existence to counter the deterioration of the clutch plates caused by excessive engine braking as it can mean in a shorter life span of the bike. Depending on how much tension we put it under, it provides slip under hard acceleration or slips when the engine/motor is turning at one speed and the tires come down from a jump and are moving at a different speed. The slipper clutch allows for the torque from the rear wheel to be dissipated or absorbed, if one will, in the clutch, through the use of springs and ramps and such. We can think of it as an automatic clutch feathering mechanism. It mostly comes into play when the rider mistakenly performs a downshift more than a gear when grooving into tight corners or in case of some sudden obstacle appearance, slipper clutch kicks in and helps counter the teardown of the gearbox caused by the downshift. In normal clutches, the engine braking force is transmitted to the rear wheel via chain drive which causes the rear wheel to shake, jump or lose traction. This is where the main concept behind the slipper clutch to control rear wheel under hard braking and downshifting that causes the rear wheel to lose traction comes into play. It is particularly helpful in the bikes having high ground clearance as the engine braking force in these kinds of bikes is massive and could easily lead to the bike getting out of control and resulting in casualties.

Must Read: 5 Best Slipper Clutch Bikes in India 2021

Advantages of Slipper Clutch

1. A slipper clutch is extensively helpful in reducing the sudden forces applied on the inside of the transmission and hence, reduces wear and tear on the transmission.

2. A skilfully assembled and properly conditioned slipper clutch can heighten the performance of the two-wheelers to a great extent and in the long run can easily be used for long bike rides.

3. It acts as a lifesaver as it can prevent rear-wheel lockup caused by engine seizure which can easily turn into a fatal accident if the engine slows down the wheels enough for them to get off balance and fall.

4. It reduces work of the rear suspension by absorbing engine braking exerted on the bikes which can a lot of wear and tear of the wheels and also the engine. It also assures the ride being a much less bumpy one meaning lesser harm to the body postures.

5. Slipper clutch makes the rides lot more carefree and comfortable as the rider doesn’t need to concentrate on the working of the clutch and other such stuff rather they can have a much clearer focus on their body balance and have a predictable ride.

Must Read: What is ABS in Bikes - How It Works and Why It Is Important?

Disadvantages of Slipper Clutch

1. The internal structure of the slipper clutch is to an extent quite complicated and if it breakdowns then the cost involved in repairing it is quite high and very few mechanics are comfortable in handling these.

2. In some cases the availability of engine braking is important then the entire concept of slipper clutch goes out of the picture.