Major negative of ReKluse Clutches

KMC440
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3/9/2016 3:06pm
I had to mine my own ore, smelt it down then I hid on the ship Carpathia .. weird crew on that rotting hulk always lookin for some lights and shit ... got to Guatemala ripped off 20ft of some rubbrr plant themz people got some malaria shit goin on bad ... then made it back to the You Ess of Aye and built my damm bike offa planz my unka doc gave me from his fly DeLorean... i dooz mean F L Y !

Themz how I msde my WEAPON DAY MOTO

dont be needin no spyder on my crank !
3/9/2016 3:08pm
Titan1 wrote:
Yes, to be honest, life expectancy is less than a traditional clutch...especially under race conditions (I'm not fast by any means...a mid pack A rider-off road)...
Yes, to be honest, life expectancy is less than a traditional clutch...especially under race conditions (I'm not fast by any means...a mid pack A rider-off road). For casual trail riding it would probably last forever...but racing tends to be harder on them. This was a fault that ReKluse acknowledged on their Core EXP 2.0...and it seems to be improved on my Core EXP 3.0, I've got probably 50 or 60 hours on my 3.0, and still going strong.

Proper Maintenance improves life expectancy, but even then, I still haven't gotten the life out of them that I could a traditional clutch.
mxpassion wrote:
Yeh I'm a average b class club rider so it doesn't get loadsa grief. I don't mind replacing plates a bit more regular, but can't afford...
Yeh I'm a average b class club rider so it doesn't get loadsa grief. I don't mind replacing plates a bit more regular, but can't afford to be throwing a exp half way through the season. Do you find exp disk wears with the stock plates equally? I change the oils every other ride so shouldn't be too bad in that respect.
Titan1 wrote:
It's not the exp disk that wears...it's usually the clutch plates and/or friction disks that will go first (and can be replaces separate from the exp...
It's not the exp disk that wears...it's usually the clutch plates and/or friction disks that will go first (and can be replaces separate from the exp disk), usually from not maintaining a proper install gap (which you check at the lever)...if that gap gets to small it will burn up the clutch, if its no big it will slip.

I don't know how much you ride (I'm assuming you aren't riding 20-30 hours/week)...but you shouldn't ever have to worry about the exp disk half way through a season (so long as you properly maintain your bike and the install gap).
That's good to know, thanks. I can cope with that, just didn't want to be buying a new exp soon! I only do 60 hours riding per year, so should see me for a while yet.
peelout
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3/9/2016 3:37pm
Rekluse are cool until you're trying to come down a goat trail with your motor off and want to use the gearing for extra help with braking.

while i've never had one on my bike (and probably never will, seems like an unnecessary crutch), i can see why people would want to use one.
3/9/2016 3:43pm
I understand that with the rekluse the bike wont try to go or stall while still engaged in gear, so does that mean that it also completely eliminates any motor braking on a 4 stroke as well? Sounds like just a lazy crutch and would actually hinder my cornering, as I use the motor braking to help slow down without getting on the brakes and set up for the corner beforehand? Never used one before and don't really have any friends who do wither, but all I really ride is moto.

The Shop

Titan1
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3/9/2016 4:15pm Edited Date/Time 3/9/2016 4:26pm
peelout wrote:
Rekluse are cool until you're trying to come down a goat trail with your motor off and want to use the gearing for extra help with...
Rekluse are cool until you're trying to come down a goat trail with your motor off and want to use the gearing for extra help with braking.

while i've never had one on my bike (and probably never will, seems like an unnecessary crutch), i can see why people would want to use one.
On your first point, there is one type of rider that I would not recommend to get a rekluse...the one that rides a modern e-start KTM, that doesn't not have a kick start, and who rides off road. You can't bump/push start a bike with a rekluse...So if your battery dies in the middle of nowhere and you don't have a kick starter...you're screwed! (My little bro DNF'd his first hare and hound on his new KTM 450 factory Edition because of this very issue).

And yes, it is a crutch, and maybe even unnecessary (regular clutches work great)...but its an incredibly helpful, energy saving, beautiful, wonderful makes life to much easier unnecessary crutch. Smile
Titan1
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3/9/2016 4:20pm Edited Date/Time 3/9/2016 4:24pm
I understand that with the rekluse the bike wont try to go or stall while still engaged in gear, so does that mean that it also...
I understand that with the rekluse the bike wont try to go or stall while still engaged in gear, so does that mean that it also completely eliminates any motor braking on a 4 stroke as well? Sounds like just a lazy crutch and would actually hinder my cornering, as I use the motor braking to help slow down without getting on the brakes and set up for the corner beforehand? Never used one before and don't really have any friends who do wither, but all I really ride is moto.
I wouldn't say it completely eliminates the engine breaking, but it does reduce it.

I was always taught that when cornering you're supposed to pull in the clutch as soon as you let off the gas, and break with the clutch in (something about making the suspension work better)...so that's how I've always done it, so its never been an issue for me. And I'm not saying that I do it right and you do it wrong, I'm just saying that I can't speak to your concern.

Is it a lazy crutch? I guess you could say that since a rider doesn't have to use the crutch if they don't want to...It's a crutch, no doubt though...and like I told Peely, its even unnecessary (since regular clutches work just fine)...but its an incredibly helpful, energy saving, beautiful, wonderful, makes life to much easier unnecessary crutch. Wink
plowboy
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3/9/2016 4:28pm
hillbilly wrote:
The mountains is where i learned my skills, lots of trails and fireroads. Now,you cant get anywhere near them with a bike.
Billy, you aren't as old as I thought. Back when I started racing the clutch was for starting/stopping. If you used it the way they do now you wouldn't make it one lap without smoking it completely. I believe Howerton was the first to use the clutch for traction/rpm control. I do remember he went through a lot of clutches. I didn't have much money so I never abused that sucker. You can't teach old dogs new tricks so I still don't use it much.
JB 19
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3/9/2016 6:14pm
I've raced moto with the full kit clutch. I just clicked it into 2nd on the line and when the card goes sideways hold clutch in like normal and rev like you normally would and drop the clutch like you normally would.

The big advantage in moto is that there is almost no chance of stalling the bike during a race.

Like other guys said, you could ride a rekluse bike and not know it unless you let the clutch out in gear. It's that seamless.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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3/10/2016 3:09am
I rode the Rekluse for many years, z-start pro and the EXP. when it's adjusted correctly hard to tell you are not on a stock clutch and you get the added benefits.

The only thing I didn't like about the Rekluse was a slipping feel under heavy load, deep sand or loam. This is contributed to the free play being slightly out of adjustment but you dont get that feeling until you are in the scenario.

Since those few slipping moments I went back to a stock clutch on my new bike and after getting used to stock again I'm happy and don't think in going back to the auto clutch. To each is own, some positives outweigh the negatives...
SigPig
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3/10/2016 3:46am
I have a solution for the OP's problem.

Get a trials bike.

My Enduro/Hare Scramble race bike has the core exp in it. I also have a trials bike that I use almost every day after work just playing around in the yard. No skill fade on clutch work. Problem solved.
Tim507
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3/10/2016 8:46am


JM485
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3/10/2016 9:04am
peelout wrote:
Rekluse are cool until you're trying to come down a goat trail with your motor off and want to use the gearing for extra help with...
Rekluse are cool until you're trying to come down a goat trail with your motor off and want to use the gearing for extra help with braking.

while i've never had one on my bike (and probably never will, seems like an unnecessary crutch), i can see why people would want to use one.
Titan1 wrote:
On your first point, there is one type of rider that I would not recommend to get a rekluse...the one that rides a modern e-start KTM...
On your first point, there is one type of rider that I would not recommend to get a rekluse...the one that rides a modern e-start KTM, that doesn't not have a kick start, and who rides off road. You can't bump/push start a bike with a rekluse...So if your battery dies in the middle of nowhere and you don't have a kick starter...you're screwed! (My little bro DNF'd his first hare and hound on his new KTM 450 factory Edition because of this very issue).

And yes, it is a crutch, and maybe even unnecessary (regular clutches work great)...but its an incredibly helpful, energy saving, beautiful, wonderful makes life to much easier unnecessary crutch. Smile
Peelbro, you say that now but there are a lot of hidden benefits if you know how to use them. When you're in a dry, slick spot, you can let the clutch to slip and make traction for you, as well as eliminate stalling in the really nasty crap. I can't even tell you how nice it is to be able to click the bike into first or second, and just make your way through a rock garden or tight ravine without worrying about covering the clutch every time you tap the brakes or get out of shape. I still use my clutch like normal 90% of the time so I haven't forgoten how to use a regular clutch, but for that other 10% it's a life saver and let's you pull things off that you normally couldn't. For strictly moto I could take it or leave it, but for off-road I couldn't live without it now. Don't even bother trying an endurocross without one, been there done that, not a good plan.Pinch

Titan, from what I understand you can bump start with a Rekluse, but you have to release the cable tension back to that of a regular clutch. After that, you would have to re-adjust it using you finger to check the free play gain, but then you should be good to go. I've never had to do it and my experience is limited to the EXP friction disk only, but it can be done in a pinch.
walleyeguy
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3/10/2016 9:18am
Wonder if Malcolm Stewart is going to have a rekluse after Daytona?
peelout
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3/10/2016 9:33am Edited Date/Time 3/10/2016 9:36am
JM485 wrote:
Peelbro, you say that now but there are a lot of hidden benefits if you know how to use them. When you're in a dry, slick...
Peelbro, you say that now but there are a lot of hidden benefits if you know how to use them. When you're in a dry, slick spot, you can let the clutch to slip and make traction for you, as well as eliminate stalling in the really nasty crap. I can't even tell you how nice it is to be able to click the bike into first or second, and just make your way through a rock garden or tight ravine without worrying about covering the clutch every time you tap the brakes or get out of shape. I still use my clutch like normal 90% of the time so I haven't forgoten how to use a regular clutch, but for that other 10% it's a life saver and let's you pull things off that you normally couldn't. For strictly moto I could take it or leave it, but for off-road I couldn't live without it now. Don't even bother trying an endurocross without one, been there done that, not a good plan.Pinch

Titan, from what I understand you can bump start with a Rekluse, but you have to release the cable tension back to that of a regular clutch. After that, you would have to re-adjust it using you finger to check the free play gain, but then you should be good to go. I've never had to do it and my experience is limited to the EXP friction disk only, but it can be done in a pinch.
electric-start saves my ass more than a granny-clutch ever will Wink

i'll stick with my hydraulic 300cc mountain goat Smile
Titan1
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3/10/2016 9:54am
peelout wrote:
Rekluse are cool until you're trying to come down a goat trail with your motor off and want to use the gearing for extra help with...
Rekluse are cool until you're trying to come down a goat trail with your motor off and want to use the gearing for extra help with braking.

while i've never had one on my bike (and probably never will, seems like an unnecessary crutch), i can see why people would want to use one.
Titan1 wrote:
On your first point, there is one type of rider that I would not recommend to get a rekluse...the one that rides a modern e-start KTM...
On your first point, there is one type of rider that I would not recommend to get a rekluse...the one that rides a modern e-start KTM, that doesn't not have a kick start, and who rides off road. You can't bump/push start a bike with a rekluse...So if your battery dies in the middle of nowhere and you don't have a kick starter...you're screwed! (My little bro DNF'd his first hare and hound on his new KTM 450 factory Edition because of this very issue).

And yes, it is a crutch, and maybe even unnecessary (regular clutches work great)...but its an incredibly helpful, energy saving, beautiful, wonderful makes life to much easier unnecessary crutch. Smile
JM485 wrote:
Peelbro, you say that now but there are a lot of hidden benefits if you know how to use them. When you're in a dry, slick...
Peelbro, you say that now but there are a lot of hidden benefits if you know how to use them. When you're in a dry, slick spot, you can let the clutch to slip and make traction for you, as well as eliminate stalling in the really nasty crap. I can't even tell you how nice it is to be able to click the bike into first or second, and just make your way through a rock garden or tight ravine without worrying about covering the clutch every time you tap the brakes or get out of shape. I still use my clutch like normal 90% of the time so I haven't forgoten how to use a regular clutch, but for that other 10% it's a life saver and let's you pull things off that you normally couldn't. For strictly moto I could take it or leave it, but for off-road I couldn't live without it now. Don't even bother trying an endurocross without one, been there done that, not a good plan.Pinch

Titan, from what I understand you can bump start with a Rekluse, but you have to release the cable tension back to that of a regular clutch. After that, you would have to re-adjust it using you finger to check the free play gain, but then you should be good to go. I've never had to do it and my experience is limited to the EXP friction disk only, but it can be done in a pinch.
That's good to know...I was under the impression it had to be done under the clutch cover...by eliminating the install gap. All my bikes have kick starts, so I've never had to do it before. lol

And I second your first paragraph completely (though I've never tried endurocross).
Titan1
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3/10/2016 9:56am
JM485 wrote:
Peelbro, you say that now but there are a lot of hidden benefits if you know how to use them. When you're in a dry, slick...
Peelbro, you say that now but there are a lot of hidden benefits if you know how to use them. When you're in a dry, slick spot, you can let the clutch to slip and make traction for you, as well as eliminate stalling in the really nasty crap. I can't even tell you how nice it is to be able to click the bike into first or second, and just make your way through a rock garden or tight ravine without worrying about covering the clutch every time you tap the brakes or get out of shape. I still use my clutch like normal 90% of the time so I haven't forgoten how to use a regular clutch, but for that other 10% it's a life saver and let's you pull things off that you normally couldn't. For strictly moto I could take it or leave it, but for off-road I couldn't live without it now. Don't even bother trying an endurocross without one, been there done that, not a good plan.Pinch

Titan, from what I understand you can bump start with a Rekluse, but you have to release the cable tension back to that of a regular clutch. After that, you would have to re-adjust it using you finger to check the free play gain, but then you should be good to go. I've never had to do it and my experience is limited to the EXP friction disk only, but it can be done in a pinch.
peelout wrote:
electric-start saves my ass more than a granny-clutch ever will Wink

i'll stick with my hydraulic 300cc mountain goat Smile
Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!...calling it a granny-clutch is going way to far bro. Way to far. Evil Dry Unsure Wink
GoonSquad250x
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3/10/2016 12:29pm
I've been using the Z-Start the last 3 years in my yz450f. It is my favorite mod to have on my Offroad bikes. There's so many benefits to having one. That's why all the top off-road racers use them. Once you actually try it & get used to using it, it's hard to go back. It's the same price or cheaper than aftermarket suspension & a lot of guys feel they HAVE to have that crutch on every bike they get. Same logic IMHO.

I recently bought a 350exc from Mountain Motorsports Ga to do a bike build with. Rekluse was happy to sponsor the build & I am very grateful for that. Austin was the gentlemen that helped me & I can't say enough good things about him & the company. They always answer the phone & help with any setup questions. I just got mine in & will be installing it tomorrow!

Thanks Rekluse!!!Woohoo




resetjet
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3/10/2016 2:02pm
peelout wrote:
Rekluse are cool until you're trying to come down a goat trail with your motor off and want to use the gearing for extra help with...
Rekluse are cool until you're trying to come down a goat trail with your motor off and want to use the gearing for extra help with braking.

while i've never had one on my bike (and probably never will, seems like an unnecessary crutch), i can see why people would want to use one.
Rekluse is engaged so long as motor is just above idle. About 1100 rpm for a 2 stroke. Therefore engine braking remains in almost all cases. The only way to lose it is to pull in clutch and allow engine to spool to idle. It has never happened to me. I guess if you were to pull in clutch and coast for a bit, but i dont see that happening often. If that happens, you can pull clutch rev throttle and reengage, but it is not natural to do so. If i was riding goat trails i would want a rekluse on the way up thats for sure. Great in nasty stuff at preventing that stall and the resulting tip over. U can bump start the exp and cable bikes. Also take battery out of a good bike and hold upside down on dead battery. U can tip bikes on side stand back to back and use a running bike to drive the other one. I dont think it is any good for moto, but offroad in the nasties, its worth its weight in gold. (It almost costs that much)

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