Do you love riding your motorcycle at top speed?

What do you usually do at sharp turns? Apply the brakes to slow down, right?

Well, what if you have less time and want to shift across two-three gears at one go?

Chances are you won't be able to do it without running the risk of gearbox damage. Plus, you also run the risk of colliding with something else.

This is where a slipper clamp comes into the picture. Also known as the back-torque limiter clutch, it is an excellent tool to have in your motorcycle that effortlessly allows for the clutch to slip away partially and wait till the engine matches changing speed.

In this post, we take a closer look at the working of slipper clutches and why it is an indispensable component for motorbikes.

Knowing The Basics Right

As a motorcycle enthusiast or a rider yourself, you must be aware that the current motorcycle industry has been flooded with 400cc models. These are essentially those two wheelers that are referred to as the big bikes on the street and generally exhibit more engine power.

Reportedly, these are also those models that have the best of tech assembled in one place and include the likes of a slipper clamp, which is seemingly one of the many USPs.

Now, engine braking, which you must be familiar with already tends to generate what is known as negative torque, pretty common during downshifts at higher speeds.

So, when you are speeding, and you suddenly have to shift to lower gears, and the motorcycle feels like pulled backward, it is the slipper clamp that comes in handy to save the clutch from overstraining. Further, when you choose to decelerate, the slipper clamp in place remarkably lessens the effect of negative torque.

Thus, as the braking force is transmitted throughout the chain drive and down to the rear wheel, it tends to lose traction or shake. The slipper clutch is cleverly designed to disengage partially and slip away as the rear wheel attempts to drive engines faster than it would have done under normal declaration.

As the name goes, a slipper clutch is meant for slipping and keeps at it until the speed of the wheel and the engine is at par. Slipper clamps are used by all riders on the racing tracks as it encourages aggressive declaration and does not allow for much wheel recoil, and save the gearbox from impending damage.

Now, most people might use the term slipper clamp and clutch synonymously with slip-assist. However, in reality, they work differently. A slipper assistant clutch is something that also does the job of a slipper clutch, with the difference being that it allows for a much lighter pull across the clutch levers.

Another significant point to consider in this case is that a slipper clamp can also help prevent the lock noticed in the rear wheels during an engine seizure.

Normal Clutch Vs. Slipper Clutch

A normal clutch sees the engine force transmitted to the rear wheel using the chain drive. This in turn leads to shaking, jumping, and losing traction.

However, in the presence of a slipper clutch, the rear wheel manages to maintain traction. That is why slipper clutches are a must in high-displacement motorcycles that use massive force to initiate engine braking. As a rider, it helps you maintain stability and prevent collisions to a great extent.

Having said that, there's another notable point of difference between a normal and slipper clutch, and that has to do with the clutch hub. And the best way to figure out the difference is when you disassemble a slipper clamp. That way, you can figure out the clutch base that sits to the right and the clutch hub on the left. Also, look out for the ramp and ball bearings at the clutch base along with multiple engagement clamps. In some models, the clutch hub might not have any ball bearings at all.

Under normal circumstances, when you have your motorcycle engine trying to turn the rear wheel around, it is those flat engagement clamps that start pushing on each other. Thus, the clutch tends to drive the motorcycle forward like a normal clutch would have done.

Sure, the mechanism is way too complex to understand, even if you have been under your two wheeler, repairing things, checking on your brake clevis and other essential parts a dozen times. Simply put, there are three basic reasons why a slipper clamp takes an edge over a normal clutch in motorcycles:

• It remarkably reduces the engine braking causing negative torque, thereby doing away with sudden or unforeseen damage to the transmission. This also ensures the clutch's longevity.
• It helps a rider maintain focus and body posture and saves from thoughts of collisions toying with his mind.
• Lastly, it can also mitigate the chances of any major crash as it stops the rear wheel from going to sudden lock when engine seizures happen out of nowhere.

Undeniably, a slipper clamp is a perfect safety accessory for any come-of-age motorcycles with high displacement.

When you are out there on the road, there can be multiple distractions to deal with. Things like slipper clutches can help you restrict your focus, ensure a comfy ride and gain absolute peace of mind.

What more can you ask for anyway?

Happy riding!