Slipper Clutch

[MonsterMadMarty]

Slipper clutches - Please forgive the silly question!

What are the advantages?

Are there any down sides?

Do they take the same clutch plates as a standard clutch?

Cheers 

[koko64]

Pretty sure there are threads on this worth searching iirc.

[stopintime]

What are the advantages?
----- safer downshifts before/in corners, because it slips a little instead of completely/slightly locking the rear wheel. Many riders manage without, but it's nice to get help sometimes. Bragging rights...

Are there any down sides?
----- the degree of slip can/must be dialed in for your use - requires some testing and work - number of and thickness of plates, number and stiffness of springs - not very different than a stock clutch, but I hear they might be more sensitive to changes and might require follow up during their life span. Maybe a little shorter lifespan because of the slipping. Price.

Do they take the same clutch plates as a standard clutch?
----- not quite sure, but I believe there are slipper clutches that use stock or standard aftermarket plates and some that must have specific plates. Your forum search, sponsor search and google work will clearify.

[brad black]

generally those who don't like them will call those who do wankers or call into question their ability vs their ambitions.

generally those who fit them and do a lot of track or fast road riding will call it one the best mods they made.  mostly in terms of one less thing to think about/screw up in the mental side of the game.  i have a customer who fitted one to his 999 for this reason, after having run off the road once due to a misjudged/confused down change going into a corner.  he's in his 60's, raced 500gp internationally in the late 70's/early 80's, iom, etc, and is generally at the pointy end of anything he still races.  from manx 500 to mv 1000.  so one else thing to think about benefits most equally.

i personally dislike he click you get in the lever when letting the clutch out that comes with some of them.

[EEL]

The ATPC in my S2R 800 has been absolutely awesome. I cant say enough good things about it. That said, I think it operates somewhat different than a traditional slipper clutch.

If someone could explain how its different I would be greatly appreciative

I don't think I could go back now that I've used it. Its kind of like suspension. Once you dial it in and get it set properly, you sit back an wonder how you managed without it in the past.

[Speeddog]

Most slipper clutches rely only on the pressure plate spring force to transmit power, and use a ramp system to unload the plates to promote slippage on overrun.

One brand (forget which) had one that was what I call a 'locker', it relied on the pressure plate spring force to control the slippage on overrun, and had a 'reverse' ramp system that pinched the plates tighter to transmit power.
It consequently had a very low lever effort.
I never rode a bike with one of those, I'd imagine it would be grabby.

The APTC has a two-way 'ramp', so it pinches the plates tighter to transmit power, and unloads the plates to promote slippage on overrun.
So, it can have fairly light springs, and consequently light lever effort.