Slipper Clutch Technology Explained In Detail

Most of the auto enthusiasts might understand how the slipper technology is relevant to the motorcycles, but how does it work, what are its uses and advantages, here is the slipper technology explained in detail.

What is slipper clutch technology?

When you are riding at a higher speed and while cornering, you brake hard and shift to lower gears, this could be disastrous in some situation where the wheel might be spinning faster than the engine speed. This could lead to friction in the clutch and ultimately damage the clutch, gearbox and most of all putting you at risk.

To avoid such instances, the slipper clutch technology was introduced. The slipper clutch technology allows the clutch to partially slip until the engine speed matches to your speed.

In a normal clutch, the engine braking force is sent to the rear wheel through a chain drive or shaft drive which is the root cause for the rear wheel to shake, jump or lose traction. The slipper clutch avoids the rear wheel to lose traction while hard braking and downshifting.

How does the slipper clutch technology work?

The normal clutch connects the crankshaft to the gearbox and transfers torque to the rear wheel. The simple and standard clutch is a package of a series of spring-loaded steel plates which is covered with friction material just like brake pads.

This is similar to the slipper clutch as well, but unlike the standard clutch, it will disengage once it matches enough back torque and absorbs this load in the opposite direction. This allows enough back torque to transfer away from the gearbox, which is just enough to create common ground between opposing forces of the motor and the rear wheel.

Advantages Of Slipper Clutch

• Slipper clutch technology reduces sudden forces inside the gearbox and hence reduces the wear and tear of the gearbox.
• It reduces the pressure on the suspension by absorbing engine braking force which leads to a comfortable ride especially while cornering.
• The slipper clutch can prevent rear wheel lockup in case of engine or gearbox failure.
• Reduces the rider's effort to keep the bike from sliding and can concentrate on other aspects of riding like the braking or body posture.



Disadvantages of Slipper Clutch

There is hardly any disadvantages to the slipper clutch technology, but few aspects which needs attention.

• The slipper clutch is expensive compared to conventional clutch on bikes.
• Sometimes engine braking is required to get the bike to come to a standstill which will go against the technology of slipper clutch on bikes.
• If the slipper clutch is not installed correctly, it might not give the desired results according to requirements.



Who needs a slipper clutch?

While most of the higher displacement bikes are equipped with the slipper clutch as the speeds are much higher compared to some of the lower capacity engine bikes. With the recent spurt in launches of performance oriented bikes in the India, the slipper clutch technology is a welcome.



Currently, the KTM 390 Duke and the RC feature the slipper clutch technology. As many bike manufacturers are entering the sports bike or the middle weight bike category, the slipper clutch technology will be a good add to the performance bikes.



Usually, the gearbox and the engine take the beating and absorball the torture that you throw at the bike, here, the slipper clutch technology will take care of it. This will lead to lower wear and tear ultimately leading to better performance and maintenance.



Also Read: Ride-by-Wire Technology Explained