Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Automatic clutch Automatic clutch
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: La Huertecilla, Trabuco, Spain
Posts: 18
Automatic clutch
For off-roaders fitting an auto-clutch as a replacement part for the OEM basket is a mod I SERIOUSLY ADVISE.

Several sources now offer replacement units and although expensive, these units a extremely worthwhile foor travelling off-road; it reduces fatique, gets rid of the clutch lever and makes is possible to fit the brake pedal to the handlebars, freeing your rhs leg for balancing.
Because of the auto-clutch the engine becomes unstallable. A GREAT advantage on even an e-start bike but a must on a kick-started bike.

A big motto for off-roading is keeping it simple; this is making things a lot simpler!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Nov 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
Huh, do I get this right? An automatic clutch for a motorbike?
Never seen it, never heard about it, can't imagin how it works.
So please some extra info. Where do you find it? Pictures? How does it work?


------------------
http://users.pandora.be/pieter.maes2/
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Nov 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Warszawa, POLAND
Posts: 115
Like automatic washer or something? Great for big american cruiser not offroad bike. I can't image how use it in hard terrain?! But it sound's very, very interesting! Please contact!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: La Huertecilla, Trabuco, Spain
Posts: 18
There are several solutions and I opted for the RevLoc. More info on this on www.revloc.com per exemple.
The subject itself is more than extensively covered on www.husaberg.org under keyword 'revloc'.
To sum it up:
it's always 'free' unless the rising revs force a row of balls to the outside on their ramp, pushing the plates together.
Smoother then I ever could and I once won a big-twin class sprint championship....
In tight stuff it is a great help and makes it possible to climb rocky hills that you would never think of tackling, but the biggest advantage by far is that it is A LOT safer in dangrous mountainous country.
I also opted for the handoperated brake and thus can use both legs for balancing.
The downside is that it's expensive, but it is more than worth the expense. I'd rather buy last years bike at a discount and add the auto-clutch than have the newest bike without it.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Nov 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 84
I believe there are atleast 3 current model year bikes with semi-automatic gearboxes. KTM is one of them...I saw a TV show about them. There is even a 4stroke snowmachine available now too

Steve
__________________
--1982 GS(X)400EZ--
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: La Huertecilla, Trabuco, Spain
Posts: 18
No Steve, at least not on 250 cc + bikes. Only Canondale offers it as an option. All others are aftermarket. KTM for sure is after market. The only automatics they do are kids-bikes.
ATV/Quads is another matter though, as are motorscooters. These come almost exclusively at least semi-automatic. That's why it is sóó strange. The technology is available and even in production within the same companies! The japanese four and Rotax van supply a 4-stroke bike engine with semi- or full automatic off the shelve!! Polaris even has engines with CV trannies that would fit into a bike like a glove without a glitch.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Nov 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 84
That's really strange that they aren't available because I didn't dream the television show. Perhaps they are upcoming bikes or they failed to say all of them were aftermarket...but I saw it about a year ago.

So, the clutches go for 1000$US with plates and fibres. That's a heck of a lot but it should get cheaper as they grow in production. I hope it becomes common so that more people start riding.

Steve
__________________
--1982 GS(X)400EZ--
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: La Huertecilla, Trabuco, Spain
Posts: 18
Automatic end semi-automatics on bikes are VERY rare. Guzzi was a pioneer with a 2-speed and torque converter. Honda had a CB400A and there where a few more.
Off-road there are only two examples: the seventies Rokon and the eighties Husqvarna. That's all I'm afraid and it completely beats me why. Or rather I know why, it's a macho thing with the buyers, but I don't understand it. It's easily even worth the $1000 extra! I'd rather buy last years bike with a discount and add the clutch then get the latest model, what, rather a séveral years late model!!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:33.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top