As a technical component, the clutch on a motocross bike, is indispensable in extreme competition, since it plays a vital role in driving the motorcycle forwards. The principle is basically similar to that found in a car. Without the clutch, it would be impossible to start the bike, stop it and change gear easily. When the rider wants to set off, he has to declutch and select a gear. The moment the rider releases the clutch and opens the throttle, what’s known as torque is transmited to the rear wheel as engine power via the gearbox and the motocross rider can set off. When the clutch lever is pulled in again, for example, to vary the torque to suit the rider’s style and change to a higher gear, the flow of power can be stopped without the motorcycle dying. Simply put, the clutch ensures that the rider can take full advantage of the bike’s performance without experiencing any problems and that neither the gearbox nor the engine is damaged as he does so.

But how does the clutch actually work? The clutch unit consists of a housing with a clutch basket which is fitted with a set of discs, consisting of a series of clutch plates with friction linings and steel discs arranged in turn, which is why people often refer to the lamellar clutch as a multi-plate clutch. These discs are then forced against one another by a pressure plate and several clutch springs. There’s a rod connected to the clutch lever to release the clutch which the rider actuates when he wants to select a gear and briefly disconnect the engine from the gearbox. The advantages of the lamella, multi-plate clutch are that the rider can change gear easily in extreme conditions, plus, it can absorb and transmit more power.