In this post, we shall take a look at the details of the top 5 signs which can inform a bike user that their clutch plate might be on the brink of failure or in dire need of replacement. Maintenance of motorcycles is an exciting aspect for bike enthusiasts. However, for most bike owners, it can be a hassle and a cause of worry. If the service is not done at regular intervals, even small issues can become huge and expensive real quick. This post will help you become proactive in recognising the fault in the clutch plate early on so that you can remedy it timely. Here are the details.
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5 Signs to Replace Clutch Plate of Bike
Low Mileage
The first difference you would notice if there is any issue with the clutch plate of your bike is low mileage. Your motorcycle would start consuming a lot more fuel than usual. You would realize that you are fuelling up your bike more usually than normal. While there could be a lot more reasons for high fuel consumption, a defective clutch plate is definitely one of them. When a clutch plate malfunctions, it slips against the pressure plate inside the transmission. Hence, the engine will use more fuel to move the bike. This is a good indication to get the bike checked.
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Slipping of Clutch
The next aspect to recognise a fault with the clutch of the motorbike is the slipping of the clutch. When you shift the gears, you will experience a rise in the RPM of the motorcycle. In essence, the engine is rotating while the transmission is not rotating with it appropriately. That is referred to as clutch slip. Again, if the clutch plate is damaged in any way, it will not sit well or tightly with the pressure plate. This slipping causes a lot of transmission losses. Hence, the entire power and torque produced by the engine will not be received by the wheels due to the transmission losses. It is another thing that the owner would instantly notice if they ride the bike regularly.
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Drop in Pickup
The next sign which could potentially force you to replace the clutch plate of your bike is the drop in pickup and acceleration. If the clutch plate of your bike is worn out, you will instantly feel a drop in performance and acceleration. You will pull the acceleration lever hard but the motorcycle will not accelerate accordingly. This drop in pickup will be a critical sign that something is wrong with the transmission. You see, the only job of a transmission is to transfer the power of the engine to the wheels. The clutch is a critical component of this assembly. Hence, you must immediately get it checked if you experience this issue. Early detection can save you a lot of hassle and money.
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Pulsating Vibration in Clutch Lever
While the aforementioned occurrences are great to know about the condition of the clutch, a specific and strong vibration in the gear lever is a definite symptom of a major issue with the clutch plate. In fact, it is also a sign of some other issue with the entire setup and not just the clutch plate. Hence, you must take the vibration in the gear lever seriously.
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Harsh Sound
There is also another prominent way to know that something is not normal with the clutch assembly, the sound. Generally, the clutch assembly is mounted either on the right side or the left side of the engine. If you hear a weird noise from that side of the engine, you can assume that the clutch assembly needs a checkup. That will ensure early detection of any issue that would crop up later on. Remember that the earlier you detect and diagnose an issue with the clutch of your bike, the more likely it is to fix it without burning a hole through your pocket.
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Authors’ Note
You must make sure that the clutch of your bike always has some free play. Many people make the mistake of tightening the clutch lever thinking that it is loose. However, that play is necessary. If you tighten the gear lever too much, it could lead to a situation where the clutch lever remains slightly pressed all the time. Hence, the clutch plate will always remain close to the pressure plate and might even cause friction. We hope that these points will ensure that you take great care of the maintenance of your motorcycle. This starts from the way you ride the bike. The clutch is meant to last the life of a bike. But it depends on driving mannerisms. Remember, prevention is always better than cure!
