Three Signs Your Dirt Bike Clutch Needs Replacing

Every motocross rider is bound to suffer from a clutch that's on its way out, and there are a selection of signs that indicate its time to replace it. 

In this guide, we cover the three common signs that the clutch on a dirt bike needs replacing.

Burning clutch: A burning clutch is one of the first signs your dirt bike clutch needs replacing. You can usually determine if you're clutch is burning through a strong and strange smell - you'll immediately know when you first smell it, as it's a different smell to anything else your dirt bike produces. At this point, your clutch is most likely still useable, however it's a strong indicator that your clutch needs replacing as soon as possible to avoid further damage and disappointment!

Clutch slipping: A slipping clutch is when your motocross bike remains at the same pace when clicking up gears - the bike will sound normal, however it won't be driving forward. This is a feeling you'll pick up on right away, as it is quite a dramatic decrease in performance. It's a sign your clutch needs replacing immediately, and leaving it could cause further damage.

Poor engagement: Poor engagement at the clutch lever can come in a few different forms, and they all mean your clutch is on its way out. The first is if the clutch has a notchy feel to it - your clutch should feel smooth and responsive, while if your bike creeps forward when the clutch is engaged, this also another sign that you need to replace your clutch. The final indicator of poor clutch engagement is if you've maxed out the clutch cable adjuster, yet the clutch doesn't 'firm' up.

Each of these symptoms may happen at different times, and a good way to prevent any clutch issues is to regularly change your engine oil, as well inspecting the oil - including smelling it for that 'burning clutch' smell we mentioned earlier. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on how the clutch feels at the clutch lever.

Popular clutch components:

• Clutch kits
• Clutch baskets
• Clutch plates
• ​Clutch springs
• Clutch cables
• Clutch levers
• Clutch covers