What is Slipper Clutch - Working, Advantages & Disadvantages

Often, taking a sharp turn at high speeds might not be the ideal way of making a turn in general. Hence, you would rather slow down and shift gears to a lower ratio and then take a turn. But what is there is not enough time for that as well? Thus, to prevent such scenarios from occurring, the slipper clutch was introduced. For those who don't know what is a slipper clutch? Then it’s a torque limiter clutch that helps in allowing the clutch to partially slip unless and until the engine speed matches the bike's speed.

Most often, the primary usage of a slipper clutch is to prevent the engine braking force from transmitting via the chain to the rear wheel. But not all is well and good. To learn more about what is a slipper clutch? There are its advantages and disadvantages that can tell you the complete story of a slipper clutch. Read on!!

Advantages of a Slipper Clutch
 

There are several advantages that you can avail yourself of through a slipper clutch over a standard clutch. All of which are enlisted below -
 

• The main and prominent advantage of a slipper clutch is that it helps in reducing the overall momentum and sudden forces inside the transmission. Such that there are minor wear and tear that occurs inside of the transmission.
• The overall performance of the bike improves such that there are no jerks and abrupt interruptions that might disrupt the functioning of the engine upon sudden braking of the motorcycle.
• Another key advantage of having a slipper clutch is that it helps in the overall prevention of rear-wheel lock up, engine seizure, and transmission failure. All of which can cost half of the overall proof that you might have paid for the bike.

Additional Read: What is Engine RPM?

• An interesting advantage is that it takes in most of the shocks and vibrations while cornering such that a lesser bumpy ride and the suspension adds on for extra comfort making the rise smooth and effortless.
• The rider doesn’t need to concentrate more on the clutch while cornering but can take care of more important things such as cornering posture, braking through ABS, and so on. For those of you that are wondering what is ABS in bike? Then it helps in effective braking of the motorcycle.
   

Disadvantages of a Slipper Clutch
 

Well, not everything is good is excellent with a slipper clutch. While practically speaking, everything is extraordinary. But when you take disadvantages hypothetically, then there are a few disadvantages as well. All of which are given below -
 

• The overall construction and installation of slipper clutches are quite complex. Some might be so complex that many manufacturers tend not to deal with it and provide standard clutches for their bikes.
• In general, they are expensive. Well, they are in terms of manufacturing and construction of the slipper clutch. And the cost doesn’t include the reduction in wear and tear of the transmission, less suspension movement, and rider safety.
• Sometimes, if you have a really powerful engine but weaker brakes, then you can get rely on a standard clutch to slow down the bike. But with slipper clutches, that might not seem possible unless you tweak the transmission to provide that level of braking capabilities.

Additional Read: Best Performance Bikes With Slipper Clutch

Thus, the above-given advantages and disadvantages can provide us with a complete idea about how effective it can get when it is coupled with an ABS. For those of you wondering what is ABS in bikes? Then it stands for an antilock braking system that helps in slowing down the motorcycle gradually and applies enough pressure to bring the bike to an abrupt stop without causing any accidents or collisions.