How Exactly Does a Slipper Clutch Work on Motorcycle?

There are different types of slipper clutches available, however, the most common type is the ramp-type slipper clutch, which is the variety used in most of the motorcycles we use on the street. A slipper clutch assembly has ramps built into the inner basket as well as the pressure plate. These ramps have the ability to allow for a sliding or slipping motion in the direction of the rotation of the wheel.

Now, with this kind of an arrangement, under heavy deceleration caused by a sloppy downshift, or shifting a gear more than intended, the rear wheel won’t be able to over rev the engine. Instead, the ramps designed within the basket and the pressure plate would slide, or slip over each other, pushing the pressure plate away from the clutch, release the frictional pressure that keeps the clutch pack together, thus allowing for a limited free movement of the rear wheel and avoiding engine over-revving, rear wheel locking or hop.

This ‘slipping’ function within the clutch assembly allows a rider to downshift more aggressively, even brake late and enter a corner without the worry of going into a wild slide or rear wheel hop. In essence, a slipper clutch would do the same action as pressing the clutch with finesse and rev matching like a seasoned rider, without you having to bother about it at all.

How Exactly Does a Slipper Clutch Work on Motorcycle?

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