Hi All , What are the advantages /disadvantages of slipper clutches ?If any How do they work ? Are they reliable ? Are they relevant to road use ? Best makes ? Just interested , Thanks in advance.
Hi Chase, Basically boils down to prevention of rear wheel lock on sudden or multiple down-changes of gears which is a fact of life with (many) v-twins. Work by limiting 'back-torque' essentially by using a ramp (to effect disengagement of the clutch plates) or spring tension (to allow a certain amount of 'slip'). Majority are reliable but often the alloy clutch basket is the weak point ('notching' of the slots). Are they relevant to road use? I'd say not - yes for track use (from someone who has used them on road bikes). I've used Ducati Performance, Fast By Ferracci and Sigma units. I'd say Sigma were the best put together but expensive (you get what you pay for). They all need regular checking for wear as the 'slipper' action is reliant on them being adjusted correctly. Hope this helps. Em.
Second that . If you have a poor down change it removes a potentially dangerous rear wheel lock up as well.
If you're conciously worried about the rear pattering around on down changes wether on road or track then it's a worth while investment as slipper clutch will prevent it (as explained above). If however you've never really noticed a problem enough for it to be on your mind when down changing then it's a waste of money.
Charging onto a roundabout, with loadsa change downs. Keeps bike settled as you tip it in. Rear doesnt step out. Although to be fair I shouldnt be riding like that on the road. But we do, dont we..
I had my first experience of a slipper clutch when I bought my 998s last year with one on it. Never ridden a bike with one before and never really seen the point - I've only ever fucked up my down-shifts once on my last 998 coming into a roundabout with a little too much enthusiasm - scared the life out of me when the back wheel came out - but we all know how we are supposed to be respecting these bikes! Anyway, it was my own fault. Didn't lose it as I remembered what my left hand was for just in time :redface:! I must say - a slipper clutch is a right laugh to play with and take liberties that I've never done before on any Ducati I've owned, but I am considering replacing it for an original clutch set-up eventually!
I've just reverted back to my standard clutch on my 1198s,the slipper clutch was a pain in the arse,having to have it stripped and cleaned out every 600miles as it kept making a loud grouching noise,it's a must on the track but for the road,it's an over kill.
My stm evo slipper clutch is the best ducati clutch I have ever had . I have had Ducatis since 1988 . My clutch will go 3k miles without being touched and it goes to the nurburgring at least once a year. The original clutches I have used are rubbish in comparison . You pay for what you get . Buy a cheap clutch and have endless trouble with it . Buy a good one and it will last and serve you well .
clean after 600m? The one in my 916, an STM, hasn't been touched for 5k. (haven't ridden 916 for 10mnths, i hope it works now I've tempted fate)
