Rekluse clutch

**Crisis management** · 1st June 2010, 08:55

I stumbled across a thread in an american site about an old fart (like me, never raced before) starting racing cross countries (something that is on my "to do" list this winter) and as he was riding a 200EXC there was a lot there for me to learn. He is using a Rekluse clutch and claims it is very commonly used in the states in that type of racing but it is something I haven't heard of used here, I know what it is, I'm just unaware of it being used in racing here.
So, is everyone else here using auto clutches and no one has told me or is it an american phenomenon?
Riding the 2 stroke, my obvious interest is in steep uphills as that is one area I am weak in, digging trenches and back flips seems to be my common method of attack, is a Rekluse worth looking at?
Any comments and advice welcome, I'm certainly not rushing out to buy one to try out but I'm interested in others experience.

**guy smiley** · 1st June 2010, 09:05

I've been running a rekluse z start pro for the last couple years and swear by it.
Wouldn't go back

**andy 101** · 1st June 2010, 09:32

I had the z start pro on my rmz450 and it was awsome you get perfect traction on slippery hills can stop while still in gear and cant stall the moter as easey, and you still have a more or less normal manual clutch lever, there is a new one from revloc called the dyna ring but dont know much about them.

**Crisis management** · 1st June 2010, 10:08

Thanks guys, what are they like in sand and Andy, would you run one on your 250?

**andy 101** · 1st June 2010, 12:39

Originally Posted by Crisis management

Thanks guys, what are they like in sand and Andy, would you run one on your 250?

I would not recomend them in sand realy, you need all the drive you can get the rekluse is designed to slip and get traction, there is a slight delay in accelarating out of corners in sand, it comes into its own on snotty slipery mud and rocks, and where you are going to keep stalling a 450f. personally i dont think the 2 srokes really need one. go to www. ktmtalk.com and search rekluse clutchs there is some good info there.

**secondfield** · 1st June 2010, 20:39

Do some research on the Revloc dyna ring product, a few guys run them here in NSW and swear by them. A truck load cheaper than the Rekluse and you can jump start your bike. Takes a few minutes to install and your clutch feel stays the same.

**camchain** · 1st June 2010, 21:17

I've noticed a fair few dudes seem to have them on KTMtalk.com - good place for specific info. Might even pick up a cheap used one?

Mate has a Recluse on his old school 500 4-banger and he's very happy with it. Damn near impossible to stall (even if you tip over and fall off) and super easy in the real snotty stuff. Almost like cheating - it really is that big a difference. He VMXs it as well and seems to get good starts with it.

I'd guess on a stroppy 'lil 200, the slow/gnarly stuff would probably be twice as easy with an auto-clutch. Even in normal riding it just makes for one less thing to deal with. Reckon the only time I'd really miss a clutch is a quick flick to build revs/break traction coming out of a corner or similar situation.

I found it quite weird to ride during my short half hour blast, but I'd say you'd adapt pretty quick. He has removed his rear brake lever and converted his clutch lever to work the rear brake instead. Gave myself a couple of frights trying to stomp on the non-existent brake pedal, but his rear brake operated by hand is pretty neat - heaps more feel than a clumsy boot. Liked this so much I've been pondering how to set up a handlever for rear brake on conventional bike ever since (Maybe a thumb brake lever?).

I always use clutch to change gear and it was hard to mentally overcome the clutchless idea, especially downchanging. Great to be able to have full grip on bar with clutch hand all the time though. I've hit the odd whoop wrong in the middle of a gear-change and hurty handy.

Felt like I had to be very mindful of what gear I was in because it seemed to work fine in a gear too high, but I don't think that would be too good on the clutch. You don't get same perfect feedback on what gear you're in (maybe just me?).

Took mate quite a while to tinker, and get it set up to work exactly how he wanted - eg right amount of slip/drive. A main disadvantage is you can't bump start with auto-clutch, but I can certainly see why folks like them.

**Taz** · 1st June 2010, 21:56

I ran a rekluse on my YZF250 back when I was doing MX and offroad. I found it great. Awesome starts in 2nd gear. Less stalling etc. Reliable and easy to set up. Highly recommended but they are pricey.

**Crisis management** · 2nd June 2010, 08:11

Thanks for the replies guys, Camchain, there is now a rekluse Pro that retains the hand clutch operation and this seems popular with the Yanks, seems like they are more prevalent than I thought here but at the best part of $1000 I'm going to keep on using the lever on the handlebars.

**Reckless** · 2nd June 2010, 09:07

How do they go when your like chugging (using the torque) over a slippery dune or hill? Would they disengage?
But I have the same 2 stroke rider problem of digging trenches ( to much power)! Its so bloody hard on a sand hill (or the big dipper) to give it less power when every instinct is telling you to give it more to keep moving LOL!!!

I only use the clutch 50% of the time comes from my karting days where we never even had a clutch basket in the engine and did hundreds of changes each meeting.
And another question. I always change gear with no power on (karting style)! Can you pull it through under power with a Rekluse or is the power off technique still required????

I like the idea but it seems like cheating LOL!!

BTW Crisis can you post a link to the article I'd like to have a read of it.

**Crisis management** · 2nd June 2010, 09:31

Reckless, as requested.....

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=573245

It is a thread, so requires a bit of reading through but it was interesting to me as I'm busy trying to fend off old age and pretend I can still ride and not come last!

As far as the rekluse goes it's engaged unless revs are low (centrifugal clutch) so no different in gear changes than conventional. It would be interesting to see one on a 200 in the sand but I'm just going to keep practicing feathering the clutch at the moment.

**Reckless** · 2nd June 2010, 09:40

I think any spare money would go into a steering damper for me but if I won lotto I'd love to fit a new bike out with all the bullshit!! LOL!!!

Imagine it!! Brand new 2012 direct injection exc200 with olins damper and forks/shock, Rekluse clutch, pivot pegs, 10 years off the rider, Bloody magic!!!

**CRF119** · 2nd June 2010, 10:04

I dont have one but i have seen one in use when i did the wires with dafford, it works amazingly well you can have a much slower smoother aproch to things. Is handy when you cant get on your bike and you have to push using throttle to help or if you struggle with clutch control.

Personaly i wouldnt speend the money on one tho. Be good in those long enduros when you cant be assed with pulling the clucth in for thousandth time

Ive got pivot peggs they work so well boots last so much longer and you dont even know they are there.