What is an Automatic Clutch?
An automatic clutch is "automatically" disengaged when the engine is at idle or off. When the throttle is applied and engine speed increases, the clutch becomes engaged automatically. An automatic clutch does not change the way you shift gears; it simply prevents the engine from stalling by automatically disengaging.

How does it work?
A traditional manual clutch uses springs to push a pressure plate into the clutch disks to keep the clutch always engaged until the rider pulls in the clutch lever, pushing the pressure plate away from the clutch disks to manually disengage the clutch. An automatic clutch keeps the pressure plate away from the clutch disks when the engine is off or at idle. When the throttle is applied and the engine speed increases, a centrifugal device within the clutch expands, engaging the clutch disks.

How will it affect my riding?
For the motocross rider/racer the bottom line is that you will improve your lap times. You will put down better traction, leading to more efficient and ultimately faster cornering. By decreasing wheel spin and increasing traction, your launches off the line will improve substantially--putting you at or near the front of the pack.

For the EXP rider? and/or off-road racer, you will be able to navigate technical sections much easier than before. The Rekluse clutch will eliminate the necessity of modulating the clutch in tight terrain, which will allow you to concentrate on the terrain in front of you; this will enable you to get better traction and develop better throttle control. Plus--because the Rekluse clutch will disengage when your engine speed drops to idle--stalling will be a thing of the past. You'll be able to ride longer, faster, and with less fatigue than ever before.

Do I have to use the clutch lever?
You have the option of using the clutch lever at any time, but it is not necessary.

Can I still use my clutch lever like normal?
Yes. The manual override characteristics of the Rekluse clutches differ by product. The Core EXP clutch offers manual override identical to a conventional clutch. The z-Start Pro clutch has a lighter pull at low RPM, then offers override comparable to a conventional clutch as RPM increases. The Rekluse EXP clutch offers manual override with a lever feel that is heavier than the stock clutch pull due to the use of heavy duty pressure plate springs.

Can I bump-start with an auto clutch?
All Rekluse automatic clutches can be configured to bump-start the engine in the event your normal starting system fails. None of the Rekluse automatic clutches can be configured for bump-starting quickly and easily enough to use bump-starting as a regular method for starting the engine, rather bump-starting can be used to get you home in the event your normal starting system fails.

Do I have to modify my existing clutch parts?
No modification of your existing clutch parts is necessary with any Rekluse clutch.

Can I go back to a stock setup?
Yes, due to the fact that no modification to your existing clutch parts is necessary. Generally, you can return a bike to stock manual set-up in about 30 minutes. With the addition of a manual mode pressure plate, the Rekluse Core EXP can be converted from auto to manual mode and back to auto mode in 5 to 10 minutes to allow a set-up to best meet your immediate riding conditions.

Clutch Comparison

What is the technical difference between Core EXP and z-Start Pro?
A z-Start Pro clutch differs from a Core EXP clutch in two significant ways: how centrifugal force is generated and how the clutch lever feels when using it to manually disengage the clutch.

Centrifugal Force – Balls vs Wedges
A z-Start Pro clutch uses 24 to 30 ball bearings (depending on model and configuration) to create centrifugal force to engage the clutch. The advantages of ball bearings is that you can add or subtract balls or even change from a lighter to heavier ball material to easily change the engagement characteristics of the clutch. One disadvantage to ball bearings is that tuning the clutch is more difficult and time consuming. Also ball bearings slide on the pressure plate which is slower and produces more friction than wedges.

A Core EXP clutch uses 6 wedges to create centrifugal force to engage the clutch. Some kits offer light and/or heavy wedge kits as an option to change the engagement characteristics of the clutch.

Disengaging the Clutch – Overcoming Centrifugal Force vs Overcoming Springs
The z-Start Pro clutch uses a centrifugal pressure plate that moves towards the clutch friction disks for engagement. To manually override the clutch, the clutch lever pushes against the centrifugal force to disengage the clutch. At low RPM, the centrifugal force is lower so the clutch lever pull is light. At higher RPM the centrifugal forces engage a spring and the clutch lever pull is similar to a stock clutch.

The Core EXP clutch uses centrifugal friction disk that moves towards a spring-loaded pressure plate, similar to the stock pressure plate, to engage the clutch. With the Core EXP clutch, there is no centrifugal force device between the clutch lever and the pressure plate, so clutch lever feel is just like a stock clutch whether RPMs are low or high. With Core EXP, precise manual modulation of clutch engagement using the clutch lever is possible at any RPM.

How does Rekluse EXP differ from Core EXP and z-Start Pro?
The Rekluse EXP clutch is designed to work with most of your stock clutch components. A single centrifugal friction disk replaces 3 of the stock friction plates, converting most clutches from an 8 friction plate clutch to a 6 friction plate clutch. Heavy-duty clutch springs are included to maintain adequate clutch clamping force using fewer friction plates. A Rekluse EXP clutch can be manually disengaged with the clutch lever, but the clutch pull is heavier than the stock clutch.

Why would I need billet components?
Hard-anodized billet clutch components offer superior wear characteristics as well as enhanced clutch performance. For the serious racer or clutch abuser, hard-anodized billet components will significantly outlast conventional stock clutch components. Rekluse billet clutch components not only provide higher durability but incorporate improved oil flow which cools the clutch, reduces clutch fade, and further reduces wear on all clutch components.

Installation / Maintenance & Wear

How hard is it to install?
The rule of thumb is that if you can change out your clutch plates, you can install any of our Rekluse clutches. Detailed instructions are provided with each kit and are available on our website. Technical Support is available Monday-Friday from 8:30am -5:00pm Mountain Time.

Will an auto clutch wear my parts faster?
No, Rekluse clutches are more efficient at clutching than the human hand, which means your clutch parts will last as long or longer than a conventional clutch.

What maintenance is required?
Periodic check of your Installed Gap is necessary with your Rekluse clutch. This is a simple process that differs by model, but does not take more than 10 minutes with any Rekluse Clutch.

What is an installed gap?
Installed gap is the measurement between the pressure plate and the top friction plate. This can be measured with the provided no-go gauges placed 180° (directly across from each other). One gauge should slide in easily the second gauge should not slide in. Don’t not use excessive pressure when inserting the no go gauges. This can also be checked with two feeler gauges used in the same manner as the no-go gauges. The measurement needs to be 0.030- 0.045 inch.

How much weight does it add?
Depending on the model, between 4 ounces and 12 ounces. Because clutch components spin much slower than the flywheel, there is little or no "flywheel" effect created with a Rekluse clutch.

What oil do you recommend?
Let's start with oils we do not recommend. Any oil formulated for automotive use is not recommended for use with the z-Start Pro Clutch, Core EXP clutch, or Rekluse EXP clutch, and in general, should not be used in motorcycle applications. This includes conventional and synthetic oils formulated for automotive use. Modern automotive oils do not contain the anti-wear additives necessary for proper lubrication in a motorcycle engine and may contain high quantities of friction inhibitors that can cause excessive clutch slip. That said, all Rekluse Clutches should work just fine with the oil you are using in most cases. However, some riders may find they experience clutch squeal or clutch chatter or have problems with clutch slip. If you experience these problems, we recommend trying Shell Rotella T, a heavy-duty, conventional diesel engine oil.

At Rekluse, we have found Shell Rotella T (15W-40) provides excellent clutch performance and often eliminates customer complaints of clutch problems. Why do we recommend conventional diesel engine oil over synthetic? In general, we have found conventional oils perform slightly better at reducing clutch noise vs synthetic oils. However, many Rekluse customers get excellent performance with synthetic oils. The bottom line: If your current oil is working fine, keep using it. If you're hearing some clutch noise or your clutch feels soft or slips, give the Shell Rotella T a try.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Technical Support:
Rekluse offers Technical Support Monday-Friday from 8:30AM - 5:00PM Mountain Time.

Warranty:
Rekluse offers a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects on all Rekluse parts.

Returns:
Rekluse offers a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. If for any reason you want to return a Rekluse clutch within the 30-Day return period, please contact Rekluse Technical Support toll-free at 1.866.735.5873 or 208.426.0659.

Dealer Info:
To find a dealer near you, please consult our Dealer Locator in above menu bar.
For information about becoming a Rekluse Authorized Dealer, please call 1.866.735.5873.