What is the clutch? The clutch is the system that makes it possible to link the shaft of a vehicle's gear change to the movement of the engine . Clutches are present in a multitude of machines, from machine tools, sports machines and also in automotive machinery, such as cars and motorcycles.

Advantages and disadvantages according to types of motorcycle clutches


Within this group, we will focus on motorcycles where we can see two types of motorcycle clutches  : the multi- disc clutch in oil bath and the multi-disc dry clutch. Both one and the other control the power from the engine to the rear wheel. While in the previous article we talked about how to check the motorcycle clutch , this time we will see all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of clutch .

Dry clutch

The dry clutch is slightly larger than the one in an oil bath. Another characteristic is the fact that it is more polluting since the gas released during its operation is not released into the atmosphere. In addition, these clutches are more visible, because their cooling is by air, unlike wet clutches that have an oil cooling system .

Types of motorcycle clutches

What is the clutch? The clutch is the system that makes it possible to link the shaft of a vehicle's gear change to the movement of the engine . Clutches are present in a multitude of machines, from machine tools, sports machines and also in automotive machinery, such as cars and motorcycles.


Advantages and disadvantages according to types of motorcycle clutches



Within this group, we will focus on motorcycles where we can see two types of motorcycle clutches  : the multi- disc clutch in oil bath and the multi-disc dry clutch. Both one and the other control the power from the engine to the rear wheel. While in the previous article we talked about how to check the motorcycle clutch , this time we will see all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of clutch .

Dry clutch

The dry clutch is slightly larger than the one in an oil bath. Another characteristic is the fact that it is more polluting since the gas released during its operation is not released into the atmosphere. In addition, these clutches are more visible, because their cooling is by air, unlike wet clutches that have an oil cooling system .


Advantages of the dry clutch

  • It can be left completely uncovered so that it expels the particles detached due to the wear produced by its use.
  • Its maintenance is much cheaper since its handling, manufacture, and installation is less expensive.
  • When going uncovered, this type of clutches works at a lower temperature.
  • This type of clutch has nothing to do with engine oil, therefore, it is an element that offers us less concern.
  • Dry clutches have very high friction, therefore we have a better transmission. This is one of the reasons why they equip it in many high-performance motorcycles.
  • These types of motorcycle clutches use fewer discs, which are smaller in size and weight.

Disadvantages of the dry clutch

  • Dry clutches, because they are uncovered, present very annoying noises during operation.
  • Although the operating temperature is lower for being uncovered, these types of clutches get less hot. This cooling is less at low speeds, therefore its durability can be affected.
  • Another fact to take into account is the abrupt sensation that it produces, that is, it does not have a progressive sensation, a factor that many drivers do not like.

Wet clutch in oil bath

This type of clutch is somewhat smaller than the dry clutch and is almost fully implemented in almost all motorcycles on the market. Its construction is based on the fact that the discs are submerged in the engine oil, so the whole set is much more hidden.

Advantages of the oil bath clutch

  • This type of clutch, being inside the engine, produces almost no noise, although something is always appreciated.
  • It has greater durability when it is cooled by the engine oil.
  • It has a more progressive operation so that the sensations it transmits when driving are smoother and more pleasant.

Disadvantages of the oil bath clutch

  • When cooled by the engine oil, it mixes with wear particles due to friction and thus fouls the oil.
  • Being inside the engine, its handling and maintenance are much more expensive as well as its spare parts.
  • When bathed in motor oil, the discs that form it work at higher temperatures. If we add to this the fact of being closed, we obtain an even greater increase in temperature.
  • Being bathed in engine oil, forces us to have to monitor parameters such as viscosity, density, etc ... to prevent the clutch from slipping.



If we look at competition motorcycles, of any modality, we see that they mount dry clutches, but why, if this type of clutches occupies more space in the engine? Very easy, because there are no mechanical losses and durability matters little, since it is changed every two or three races.

Also comment that there is a third type of motorcycle clutches, which are called centrifugal clutches that are equipped almost entirely by scooters and automatic motorcycles.