Rekluse Core EXP 3.0 Clutch Kit

One of the reasons my KLX110 is such a blast to ride, is because I can just get on and rip the throttle. There's no clutch to worry about, no stalling, and it just makes the bike that much easier and even more fun to ride. The Rekluse EXP 3.0 Clutch brings the best parts of that centrifugal clutch design to my CR250, while retaining all the familiar performance characteristics that I'm used to from my OEM clutch. I'd been hearing a ton of buzz about Rekluse's auto-clutches, while seeing more and more riders from GNCC to even Supercross and motocross running them, and swearing by them. If those guys are using them and are all smiles, it's more than worth a look at it for myself and my diehard 2002 CR250, which sees its share of tight singletrack trails and weekly trips to the MX track.

Rekluse EXP 3.0 Clutch Features:

• Prevents Stalling: Innovative EXP disk design incorporates updated wedge weights to prevent your machine from clutch related stalls.
• Higher Durability: Improved design reduces friction and heat build­ up so your components last longer.
• Power to the Ground: A properly set up Core EXP delivers constant power without slip, providing high performance and traction control exclusive to the Auto­-Clutch.
• Better Lever Feel: Capable of manual override at all times with a lever that feels just like stock, but won’t be subject to clutch fade like traditional clutches.
• MSRP $899.99 (2002-2007 CR250R).

First Impressions

When I opened my package from Rekluse, I was impressed to see the familiar components, and some new ones I had never seen before in any of my past clutch installations. Inside the box was an inner hub, pressure plate, clutch plates, springs, EXP 3.0 disc, clutch cover, and other miscellaneous hardware.

Installation/Break-In

The installation was surprisingly simple and only took me about 45 minutes in my first attempt. I think if I had to do it again now, I could easily get it done within 20 minutes. There are online tutorials provided by Rekluse, but I wanted to install using the provided directions only. The written directions and pictures were straightforward and they covered every step of the install clearly. Two things that had me a bit confused was the fact that the kit includes everything you need except OEM friction clutch plates, and the gasket they provide for the Rekluse clutch cover is not a pre-shaped one-piece gasket. Instead Rekluse includes a long piece of rubber gasket rope that has to be trimmed and places in the gasket seat of the cover. I used some light grease to keep the gasket located while placing the cover on the bike.

I was initially intimidated with the adjustment and tuning of the clutch, but found that the directions were spot on. Once I properly set the "install gap", the clutch free-play was exactly as the manual suggested it should be. Once the adjustment was done, I followed the easy break-in guide they provide, which consisted of a few runs down the street from a dead stop in the first three gears. I was instantly amazed and full of smiles after the first hand experience of letting the clutch out from a stop and not having the bike stall on me. This break-in process took about 15 minutes.

On the Track

My first outing with the Rekluse clutch was on some super tight singletrack out at Hollister Hills. Honestly, it took me almost all day to get used to not floating my clutch finger on the clutch lever while navigating over rocks and roots at low rpms. Engagement was not as firm as some of the clutches I've ran in the past, but it was definitely positive and confidence inspiring during engagement. The clutch is absolutely a must have if you're a trail rider for a few main reasons. You don't ever have to worry about stalling again, which is incredible on tight trails and was especially helpful when getting over obstacles where slipping the clutch would be necessary if I didn't have the Rekluse. The only downside that I found annoying was the fact that I could no longer bump start my bike on the trail.

The benefits on the track were not as blatant but still very appreciated. When coming out of tight 180 degree bowl corners or deep rutted turns, the 3.0 EXP would allow for smoother power delivery which helped me maintain ideal traction out of these tricky corners. When exiting a corner with the Rekluse, it was a little unusual at first in regards to how the power delivery took a few milliseconds more than you might experience when you dab the clutch on a traditional clutch. As I got used to this, I found myself proactively rolling the throttle on a little bit earlier and this helped to not only get the power delivered when I wanted it, but it also helped smooth out the power delivery versus the sporadic power that you get when feathering a traditional clutch. About 20 minutes into riding on the track, this became second nature and I didn't have to think about it anymore. Also the fact that I wasn't floating my clutch fingers the whole time helped myself a ton in the endurance department. This translated to less arm pump for this weekend warrior, which is always a win! Not stalling into sharp banked corners under heaving braking was a plus, but I don't personally seem to have that issue often with my two stroke. I still found myself giving the clutch lever a stab here-and-there when I wanted just a little bit harder hit out of a corner, but it wasn't always necessary.

Long-Term Durability

I've had over ten rides on the clutch and have taken the clutch cover off once so far to reset the "install gap", to ensure the clutch was properly adjusted after full break-in and a couple rides. So far the clutch hasn't shown any signs of fade or lack of engagement since first installed. One thing that did occur was my idle would spike a bit after a couple motos, but with a little clutch cable adjustment and idle adjustment, it has gone away and hasn't occurred again. I'm still getting used to not having to use my clutch in corners and on tight singletrack but am loving it so far!

Last Words

Rekluse has really brought an interesting product to the market, and if you're a trail rider and love it when it's technical and tight, then I would think this clutch is a definite must for you! If you're a track rider, I wouldn't personally consider the Rekluse a "must have", but I would suggest at least trying one out before disregarding it. If I had my choice between some other aftermarket clutch options and a Rekluse for the track, I would pick the Rekluse simply because it helps me in exiting corners more consistently and allows me to ride a faster pace longer since I've found myself to be a victim of arm pump in the last few years. All in all, Rekluse has a quality product and you should try out their EXP 3.0 if you get the chance.

Vital MX Rating

Check out Rekluse.com to see their full line-up of clutches.

About the Test Rider:

Shelby Paget - is a ginger that has been rockin' two wheels since he was three years old. Growing up riding singletrack and trails in the hills of NorCal with his brother and Dad until he got his first taste of the Motocross Racing scene at 14. He's been hooked ever since! Whether he's working on looking better than he really is for the camera or doing cartwheels down the straights, he's always looking forward to getting back on two wheels whenever he gets the chance. This 5'11", 150 pound ginger will be riding as long as he has a wrist to twist!