Cable vs Hydraulic Clutch

adams189
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adams189
Just curious on everyone’s thoughts on the two clutches? Have been a cable guy my whole life but interested in switching to a KTM. Are the hydraulic clutches linear or they just on/off?
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Broseph
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Broseph 7/11/2022 9:04am
7/11/2022 9:04am
adams189 wrote:
Just curious on everyone’s thoughts on the two clutches? Have been a cable guy my whole life but interested in switching to a KTM. Are the...
Just curious on everyone’s thoughts on the two clutches? Have been a cable guy my whole life but interested in switching to a KTM. Are the hydraulic clutches linear or they just on/off?
They don’t have quite the progression of a cable clutch. Just kind of a different lever feel altogether, especially with KTM’s diaphragm spring that gets lighter the farther you pull it in. Feels backwards for a while.
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Brad460
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Brad460 7/11/2022 9:08am
7/11/2022 9:08am
I just got a KTM this year and it seems like I’ve been stalling the bike more often in corners, maybe has something to do with less feeling from the hydraulic clutch (versus my previous YZ450)..
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adams189
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adams189 7/11/2022 9:23am
7/11/2022 9:23am
Brad460 wrote:
I just got a KTM this year and it seems like I’ve been stalling the bike more often in corners, maybe has something to do with...
I just got a KTM this year and it seems like I’ve been stalling the bike more often in corners, maybe has something to do with less feeling from the hydraulic clutch (versus my previous YZ450)..
How are you liking the switch overall?
Moto520
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Moto520 7/11/2022 9:30am
7/11/2022 9:30am
i like the Kawasaki clutch feel over the KTM clutch. If you do get the KTM and have issues with modulation....try the Rekluse Torque drive kit.
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SmokinJoe439 7/11/2022 9:38am
7/11/2022 9:38am
Had a 06 yz125 n yz250 and nothing but cable clutches. Got some 21 ktm's 2 years ago and it wasn't any kind of huge transition for me. I like it more hand doesn't get as tired using it.
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Dirt.Squirt
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Dirt.Squirt 7/11/2022 9:47am
7/11/2022 9:47am Edited Date/Time 7/11/2022 9:47am
Never could get used to hydraulic. Felt like a light switch to me but it sure had a buttery smooth pull
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Deadric
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Deadric 7/11/2022 10:01am
7/11/2022 10:01am
Used cable clutch for 11 years before getting a KTM 2 years ago. Outside of the hydraulic clutching being a lot smoother they dont feel all that different to me.
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tek14
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tek14 7/11/2022 10:09am
7/11/2022 10:09am
Hydro clutch like KTM is superior but im ok with good cable like Yamaha has. If it was option I would go Hydro with Yamaha also.
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mtl
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mtl 7/11/2022 10:14am
7/11/2022 10:14am
Hydro clutch is rad. Have been putting the Magura bolt-on on all my bikes since 2010.
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rjg
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rjg 7/11/2022 10:30am
7/11/2022 10:30am
Its no big deal. My opinion is, if you cant adapt to either you are a useless rider that shouldn't be riding a motorcycle since there are bigger issues that you will have to adapt to during your riding life.
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Jeremy Macduff 7/11/2022 10:42am
7/11/2022 10:42am
FWIW, Ricky Carmichael is on record saying he very much preferred a cable clutch over hydraulic. I imagine this is because he was on two-strokes for most of his career.
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Mr. Afterbar
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Mr. Afterbar 7/11/2022 10:53am
7/11/2022 10:53am
Jeremy Macduff wrote:
FWIW, Ricky Carmichael is on record saying he very much preferred a cable clutch over hydraulic. I imagine this is because he was on two-strokes for...
FWIW, Ricky Carmichael is on record saying he very much preferred a cable clutch over hydraulic. I imagine this is because he was on two-strokes for most of his career.
Tomac doesn't like hydraulic clutches either.
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crt32
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crt32 7/11/2022 11:28am
7/11/2022 11:28am
I've used both. I think the hydro clutch taught me not to abuse the clutch as much like I would a cable clutch...idk why. In arenacross I like the hydro clutch better because it doesn't gain play like a cable clutch. Gaining tons of play at the wrong time is a PIA as you're going into a turn. You'll get used to whichever one you're using after a few rides.
kb228
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kb228 7/11/2022 11:44am
7/11/2022 11:44am
The hydraulic clutch on my kx450 feels like a cable clutch in regards to feathering but the pull itself feels like a front brake. Others have noted the KTM one is very on/off.
Richy
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Richy 7/11/2022 11:52am
7/11/2022 11:52am
I've heard the Kawi version is nice, as kb228 said, I'm dying to try a new KX 250 in general.

As for Austrians, I actually like the Magura on my girlfriends old 150sx and the Magura I had on my tc250 much better than the Brembo on my current 350, it was still pretty light but there was a better feel / progression to the stroke, felt much less on/off.
wrc777
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wrc777 7/11/2022 12:11pm
7/11/2022 12:11pm
Not all cable clutches are created equally. The 22 CRF250R is an on/off switch compared to any KTM/Brembo I have ridden. Kawasaki hydraulics seem easier to pull in than the KTM but the KX250 seems to burn up clutches so maybe KTM has a better spring spec and that higher pull is necessary to not burn up plates.
Tracktor
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Tracktor 7/11/2022 12:18pm
7/11/2022 12:18pm Edited Date/Time 7/11/2022 12:20pm
We have two CRF250R's one cable one with Magura Hydraulic. Hydro is smoother but not as easy to modulate as previously mentioned. My 250 B level son prefers the cable clutch over the hydro. I run the hydro as I need as much help with arm pump as possible since I rarely have time to ride.......I wouldn't buy a hydro again for this application though.
Rickyisms 7/11/2022 12:29pm
7/11/2022 12:29pm
It wasn’t a ton to get used to for me, and nowadays I don’t mind them at all. My KTMs have both been bullet proof clutch wise from the lever all the way to the internals. Both of my KTM clutch systems have over 200 hours on them with a simple fluid change every now and then, have yet to replace any seals or clutch lines. I probably would’ve been through a decent amount of cables on a Japanese bike because the 125s get so much clutch work.

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Zycki11
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Zycki11 7/11/2022 1:10pm
7/11/2022 1:10pm
Cable feels better for me. Hydraulic is ok just because of a light pull but the modulation isn’t as nice. Then again, Yamahas cable pull is very nice unlike a Honda. Also, If a rock hits your master on the hydro your dead on the spot. I have had that happen and it sucked
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Yeti831
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Yeti831 7/11/2022 3:45pm
7/11/2022 3:45pm
On KTMs, I personally don’t care for it but Brembo does offer masters with different piston sizes.

On the Honda and Kawi, I honestly love it.
moto162
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moto162 7/11/2022 7:39pm
7/11/2022 7:39pm
They are both good and work just fine. I prefer the feel of a cable but after a ride or 2 a hydro does thexsame thing as well. Only bike that i feel needs a hydro clutch is a mini or 125 that's were a hydro really shines is the self adjusting otherwise a cable is just fine. Also a lot cheaper to deal with. Was not fun replacing the whole unit becasue a rock caught the MC and put a hole in it and dirt some how got in down the line and into the slave. Not fucking cool or cheap the first or second time. I know that's as rare as the government doing something in our best intrest or a snowballs chance in hell but cables don't do that.
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Leeham
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Leeham 7/11/2022 7:47pm
7/11/2022 7:47pm
Did not care for my 17 or buddies 21 KTM 250 2 stroke hydro clutch.
Hated my 19 Honda 250 cable and did not like the 22 Honda 250.
Love my 21 YZ250F cable. Never lubed it in 2 years since ive owned it and only just now got a little gritty feeling. 5 min lube and good as new.
I did like the 22.5 KTM 250 FE. Felt pretty good, still abrupt feel to me.
Bruce372
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Bruce372 7/11/2022 8:28pm
7/11/2022 8:28pm
So only suzuki and Yamaha sell bikes with cable clutched now? If needing a cable is a show stopper, really does limit options.
Dirty Points 7/12/2022 10:45am
7/12/2022 10:45am Edited Date/Time 7/12/2022 10:50am
Bruce372 wrote:
So only suzuki and Yamaha sell bikes with cable clutched now? If needing a cable is a show stopper, really does limit options.
For 2022, Honda still sells the previous gen cable clutch model, if that is the buyer's main criteria.
sandman768
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sandman768 7/12/2022 11:15am
7/12/2022 11:15am
Love my Hydro clutch on my KtM”s…. I”m a clutch guy…. No issues with a properly working cable clutch, but … self modulation, bulletproof hydro…. No worn out cable, perch, lever ect. I have only had to bleed a hydro clutch 1 time in 5 years of owning them….I have embraced electric start also….
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lumpy790
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lumpy790 7/12/2022 11:20am
7/12/2022 11:20am
Why do you think they put those big knobs an cable clutches? With internal Heat expansion and contraction you have to adjust it.

Hydraulic clutch is self adjusting so its always working the same at the end of the race as it did at the start of the race.
JK BRO
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JK BRO 7/12/2022 11:26am
7/12/2022 11:26am
Electronic>Hydraulic>Cable

Hydraulics are preferred for modulation. Think brakes in high end applications, they don't use cables to stop F1 cars.

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LungButter
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LungButter 7/12/2022 2:41pm
7/12/2022 2:41pm
Jeremy Macduff wrote:
FWIW, Ricky Carmichael is on record saying he very much preferred a cable clutch over hydraulic. I imagine this is because he was on two-strokes for...
FWIW, Ricky Carmichael is on record saying he very much preferred a cable clutch over hydraulic. I imagine this is because he was on two-strokes for most of his career.
I always base my decisions on bike set up based on what worked for the greatest racer of all time, it's very relevant to me and my riding for sure.
FGR01
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FGR01 7/12/2022 3:16pm
7/12/2022 3:16pm
I prefer Hydro. Aint got no time to be cleaning and lubing cables. Also, many cable clutches just pull too damn hard and cause fatigue.

Related note, I think about 90% of Austrian bike owners don't realize their bikes have selectable spring preload adjustment for the clutch.
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wrc777
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wrc777 7/12/2022 3:49pm
7/12/2022 3:49pm
FGR01 wrote:
I prefer Hydro. Aint got no time to be cleaning and lubing cables. Also, many cable clutches just pull too damn hard and cause fatigue. Related...
I prefer Hydro. Aint got no time to be cleaning and lubing cables. Also, many cable clutches just pull too damn hard and cause fatigue.

Related note, I think about 90% of Austrian bike owners don't realize their bikes have selectable spring preload adjustment for the clutch.
Probably closer to 99%
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