Centrifugal Centrifigal Clutch Life Span

Porkchop

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Hi all ! I'm curious about the life span of the clutches on the small engines used on friction build kits. I'm using the Harbor Freight auger engine on my BMP kit. I've had it for 2 weeks now, so I'm by no means an expert. I know weight, hils and other factors are to be considered. Clutches and drums for these things are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace anyway. Just curious. Thanks !
 
Hey PC,

I have NEVER replaced a clutch or drum. They both look great whenever I R&R an engine.:geek:

They might wear out prematurely if you had a bad habit of trying to climb hills withpout pedalling at all.

FWIW, clutch drums are not that easy to remove from a friction roller in Staton kits. Might be just as hard with BMP kits.:cry:
 
Like I said, I was just curious. When I was a kid and had mini bikes, seems like we were always having clutch problems with those things. And yes, you're right about the ease of replacing them on the friction drives that we have. 10-15 minutes maybe, if that long. And inexpensive too.
Thanks !
 
The small bicycle motor clutches last longer because they use lined-pads (similar to brake pads) and don't get as hot, and also have a better bushing. These clutches can handle slippage, and lock up smoothly for nice takeoff.

A go-kart or minibike clutch is metal-on-metal with metal shoes and a bronze bushing, and require constant lubrication for the bushing to last and so the clutch engagement doesn't get too "grabby". Longest I've had one last so far is ~ 6 months.
 
I think it also depends on how much you slip the clutch. It is harder on a clutch taking off from a stop. I always pedaled my bike up to about 10mph then hit the throttle, when I looked at my clutch after 180 miles there was hardly any wear. The easier you are on it the longer it will last.
 
I think it also depends on how much you slip the clutch. It is harder on a clutch taking off from a stop. I always pedaled my bike up to about 10mph then hit the throttle, when I looked at my clutch after 180 miles there was hardly any wear. The easier you are on it the longer it will last.

True.dat

If you live in the city, with typical paved roads, you can pedal to start, and it's easy on the clutch.

If you are like me, and live in the boondocks, with terrible rocky-dirt and pothole-paved roads, the clutch gets slipped ALL the time. (that's the reason to keep the clutch lubed) I'm also NOT very easy on my bike either. Also, I take mine in grass, dirt, and off-road as well which adds to the wear.

If you keep your bike on the street, and pedal often at slow speeds, your clutch will last longer.
 
Just treat your clutch right, and it will last many months. Over a year if you go low miles. It's all about your terrain, riding style, and HP.
 
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