I just installed the AWESOME Rekluse auto-clutch in the CRF. I'll post a review after a full day in the deep sand at Nocona MX. There will be my spodley opinion and yes, a fast guy will test it, if it survives Billy Frank, it's gotta be good stuff.
Installation should be a snap for those who actually work on their own bikes... as some of you know, when I moved I lost my factory mechanic Rich Rohrich, who never let me near my bikes with a tool in my hand. While I wasn't really confident with my instruction following, I'm happy to report the clutch is in and it actually works! A couple laps around my test track (back yard) later... VERY COOL :aj: . More on that later.
I always thought the auto-clutch to be mostly a woods rider option until our very own AJ Waggoner installed one in a CRF250R for a Service Honda customer. After a day on the track with it, it seems this hardcore MX'er likes it :)
AJ's comments:
I think to myself, "Self, maybe now I won't be afraid of mid-air rear brake-stabs anymore!" And then reality sets in, "You are never in the air long enough anyway". But hey, think about it.
I did get to try a couple starts from my imaginary starting gate; 2nd gear. Front brake. Enough throttle to take the slack out. Rear just about to break loose. LAUNCH! No way am I that good with a manual clutch.
As mentioned, we'll be at Nocona tomorrow to put it through it's paces and will post the ride report here. Stay tuned.
Installation should be a snap for those who actually work on their own bikes... as some of you know, when I moved I lost my factory mechanic Rich Rohrich, who never let me near my bikes with a tool in my hand. While I wasn't really confident with my instruction following, I'm happy to report the clutch is in and it actually works! A couple laps around my test track (back yard) later... VERY COOL :aj: . More on that later.
I always thought the auto-clutch to be mostly a woods rider option until our very own AJ Waggoner installed one in a CRF250R for a Service Honda customer. After a day on the track with it, it seems this hardcore MX'er likes it :)
AJ's comments:
story-
- built a chicago guy with no right foot/lower leg a new 04 CR250 this week. He wanted to shift with his right foot, but
also wanted to be sure he still had a rear brake. So I made a linkage billet system, and shifter to shift him on the right then put a Magura hydraulic clutch master cylinder on the left bar to be his rear brake lever.
Next up is what to do with his clutch, so I told him lets try the auto clutches available. After looking them over at the dealer show i was pretty impressed with the Rekluse unit.
It uses the stock oem clutch plates and Honda basket..
and only replaces the stock pressure plate and springs.
so when he sells the bike he can simply take my linkage/bearings for shifter off, the Magura unit off and brake line.. and reinstall the oem pressure plate and sporing and be back to the regular CR250.
Anyway, tested it out to adjust it properly; the customer wanted me to put a good ride on it, as he hasn't ridden since 1979.
Dewds and Dudettes!
i knew the unit looked well made, and knew that it would work.
But had reservations about 'feel" and engagement points, slippage from a corner or on a jump face, free wheeling into a corner when it disengaged...
etc
etc etc
It works flawlessly! You never feel it engage, ever.
You never feel it disengage, ever!
.... you can not possibly brake hard enough or fast enough to stall it if you adjust it properly. The weird part being you cant feel it kick out, yet you can blast in third gear...grab all the brakes to a stop and it will just sit there and idle.
if you cant tell i'm impressed... well I AM.
I cant imagine anyone not liking the unit..
It isn't hard to get used to at all -as it operates like you cornered or took off perfectly every time. You can dig a 4 inch rut thru a corner without even thinking about cornering or applying the clutch.
I ordered one as soon as I got back from testing it ..LOL
I think to myself, "Self, maybe now I won't be afraid of mid-air rear brake-stabs anymore!" And then reality sets in, "You are never in the air long enough anyway". But hey, think about it.
I did get to try a couple starts from my imaginary starting gate; 2nd gear. Front brake. Enough throttle to take the slack out. Rear just about to break loose. LAUNCH! No way am I that good with a manual clutch.
As mentioned, we'll be at Nocona tomorrow to put it through it's paces and will post the ride report here. Stay tuned.
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