In recent years, hydraulic clutches have been gaining massive popularity among motorcyclists around the world. While cable clutches are still more common in motorbikes, more and more bikers are opting for hydraulic clutches with every passing year. Many, however, are still unsure about how exactly a hydraulic clutch operates and what advantages it can offer a motorcyclist.
When we talk about a hydraulic clutch, we are essentially referring to the system by which the clutch is actuated. Instead of wires and cables, a hydraulic clutch uses a special fluid as a means to convey force. This fluid is stored in a ‘reservoir’ attached to the clutch perch on the motorbike.
For the best results, the biker must ensure that there is always sufficient quantities of this fluid in the reservoir. Any depletion in the quantity of the fluid can affect the performance of the hydraulic clutch system, and the bike as a whole.
Advantages of the Hydraulic Clutch
Hydraulic clutches are favored because they are more durable and easier to maintain. The motorcyclist doesn’t need to worry about fraying cables and regular lubrication of the clutch lever. Not having to fuss with cable adjustment and maintenance all the time can save a motorcyclist a significant amount of time and effort, that can now be spent actually riding the vehicle rather than maintaining it.
Moreover, when using a hydraulic clutch lever, the motorcyclist doesn’t have to worry about adjusting anything either. As long as the reservoir contains fluid, the hydraulic system has been designed to self-adjust in order to compensate for wear and tear of the clutch lever. This will ensure that, throughout the life of the hydraulic clutch, the engagement point remains the same.
Another major advantage of a hydraulic clutch is that it is typically easier to modulate than the cable version. Moreover, it offers a lever-pull that is both lighter and more consistent than that of cable actuated clutches. This is because the grip strength in the case of a hydraulic clutch is amplified by both a master cylinder and a slave cylinder installed within the hydraulic system of the motorbike.
Despite the advantages, the fact remains that the hydraulic clutch system can be somewhat more expensive to install and maintain. Moreover, repairing a hydraulic clutch will typically be harder than repairing a cable actuated clutch system, simply because the latter is more common and hence more mechanics are trained in the repair of cable clutches.
Proper Maintenance of a Hydraulic Clutch
Now that we have established the importance of proper care and maintenance in the case of hydraulic clutches, it is time to understand the ways in which such maintenance can be performed. Some simple steps you can take to properly maintain the hydraulic clutch system on your motorbike and enhance its longevity have been mentioned below.
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Changing the Oil
The oil or fluid that enables the hydraulic clutch system to operate needs to be changed from time to time. Bike owners must set a routine and follow it religiously when it comes to replacing the hydraulic fluid for the proper functioning of the vehicle. You will know that the fluid needs to be changed when the additives have been consumed or the base has degenerated through heavy usage. Therefore, you should keep an eye out for these signs to avoid changing the oil too frequently.
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Using High-Quality Fluid
In order to function optimally, a hydraulic clutch system requires high-quality hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid plays an important role in the clutch system, keeping all the components properly lubricated so that the response time is quick and operations as efficient as possible. Cheap, low-quality oil can compromise this intricate system if the viscosity of the fluid is incompatible with the optimal system temperature. Therefore, premium hydraulic fluid should always be used for motorbikes having this system.
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Changing the Filter
The hydraulic oil filter is another important component of the clutch system. It has a specified capacity to hold dust particles and other elements that might hamper the functioning of the system. Therefore, this filter needs to be checked from time to time and if the maximum capacity has been reached, then it must be changed as soon as possible, to prevent the dirty oil from reaching various essential components of the hydraulic clutch system.
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Repairing Tiny Leaks
If there are any tiny leaks in the hydraulic clutch system of the motorbike, then they should never be ignored as they can lead to severe damage in the long term. If the leaks are not immediately repaired, then a significant portion of the fluid will leak out over time. This will hamper the proper functioning of the clutch, as a result of which the biker may experience problems when shifting or engaging gears during a ride. This is quite dangerous and the bike should be examined (and repaired) immediately.
In Conclusion
Mentioned above are some of the major advantages associated with a hydraulic clutch system, as well as certain maintenance tips to help bikers get the most out of their vehicle. Aftermarket hydraulic clutches should always be procured from a reputed and trusted manufacturer that is known for using high-quality materials for every product.
