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Rekluse z-Start
Clutch FAQ |
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What is the z-Start Automatic Clutch?
The z-Start Clutch is a retrofit automatic clutch. It works using centrifugal
force to automatically and smoothly engage the clutch just by using the
throttle. The z-Start manages the clutch function so the rider can focus on
riding and having more fun.
How difficult is the z-Start to install?
For most people will need 1 to 2 hours to read through the manually
completely and carefully install the z-Start. After the first installation, most
people can install a z-Start in less than 30 minutes.
What is included with the z-Start Clutch?
The main portion of the z-Start is the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly
consists of a lower assembly that bolts directly to the bike’s center clutch.
The ball-ramp pressure plate with balls and a top plate then mounts to he lower
assembly. The z-Start Clutch includes a throw-out assembly to allow the
auto-clutch to be disengaged. There also a set of steel drive plates to enable
adjustment of the clutch pack height. There is usually a thicker gasket to
provide some additional clearance for the z-Start. Everything except basic tools
and two sets of feeler gauges are provided in the kit to complete the
installation.
What is the z-Start made from?
The z-Start Clutch is made from the highest quality billet 6061-T6 aluminum and
billet 4140 steel, precision CNC machined to tolerances of .001" (that's one
one-thousandth of an inch).
How does the z-Start Clutch work?
The z-Start Clutch is a centrifugal clutch that uses ball bearings to engage the
clutch. The clutch provides a pressure plate with ball ramps. At idle the balls
are at the bottom of the ramps and the pressure plate is disengaged. As the
rider increases RPM, the balls move out the ramps, push on the Rekluse top plate
and force the pressure plate into the clutch pack engaging the clutch. As RPM’s
build, the balls continue to move out fully engaging the clutch. When engine
RPM’s are reduced the balls drop back down the ramps and the clutch disengages.
The take-off is smooth as if you had perfectly feathered the clutch every time.
The disengagement is quick eliminating any stalls.
At what RPM does the z-Start Clutch engage?
The z-Start is fully adjustable so the rider can set the RPM engagement point.
Springs are used to provide back pressure to the clutch and disengage it at
idle. It takes a certain amount of force to overcome the spring and engage the
clutch. By changing springs and spring compression rates, the rider can easily
set the RPM engagement point.
For example, a light spring can be easily overcome at a low RPM so the balls
generate enough force to compress the spring and engage the clutch. This
provides a hard engagement at a low RPM which is ideal for enduro riding. A
heavy spring requires more force to compress so it takes higher RPM to compress
the spring and engage the clutch. This provides a soft engagement with some
clutch slip which is ideal for track riding, allowing riders to brake slide into
corners and accelerate out of them faster with better traction control.
Does the z-Start require me to modify my existing clutch
parts?
No. The z-Start Clutch simply replaces your stock pressure plate. No need to
take apart the right side of your engine to get the whole clutch out. No need to
send your parts away for permanent modification or to modify your existing
clutch parts. With the Rekluse z-Start Clutch, you can always return any bike to
a stock configuration.
Can I still use my stock clutch lever to override the
z-Start engagement?
The z-Start Clutch is provided in a fully automatic mode. The z-Start Clutch on
cable clutch bikes can be operated in a semi-automatic mode by adding the
Rekluse Perch Adjuster. With the Rekluse Perch Adjuster, the clutch lever can be
retained to override the auto-clutch just like the stock clutch lever does.
Hydraulic clutch bikes, like a KTM, do not need to add a Rekluse Perch Adjuster
and can be configured in either fully automatic or semi-automatic mode.
What is the Rekluse Perch Adjuster?
The Rekluse Perch Adjuster is a device which mounts inline with the clutch cable
and mounts into the stock clutch perch. The Rekluse Perch Adjuster provides two
main benefits. Installing the Rekluse Perch Adjuster allows the rider to retain
the clutch lever and provides the ability to override the z-Start Clutch.
Additionally, the Rekluse Perch Adjuster allows the rider to adjust the
engagement point of the z-Start Clutch. Two spring options are provided to allow
for different engagement points. The Rekluse Perch Adjuster is also threaded to
allow additional spring compression and therefore further engagement adjustment.
How difficult is the z-Start Clutch to install?
Riders who regularly perform maintenance on their clutch components can easily
install a z-Start Clutch. Most people will spend 1 to 2 hours to read through
the manual completely and carefully install the z-Start. After the first
installation, subsequent installations after can be completed in 30 minutes to
an hour.
Does the z-Start Clutch require me to modify my existing
clutch parts?
No. The z-Start Clutch simply replaces your stock pressure plate. No need to
take apart the right side of your engine to get the whole clutch out. No need to
send your parts away for permanent modification or to modify your existing
clutch parts. Rekluse always provides the ability to return any bike to a stock
configuration.
Will the z-Start Clutch wear my clutch plates faster?
That depends on how you use or abuse the z-Start Clutch. With the z-Start
Clutch, you will find that you are able to ride smoothly in one or even two
gears higher than you normally ride. However, riding uphill, in 4th gear at
10mph for extended period of times will cause significant clutch slipping,
accelerate clutch plate wear and possibly damage your engine. When riding with
any automatic clutch, it is important to select the right gear for the
situation. In general, it is safe to ride one gear higher than the riding
conditions dictate for short periods of time. That being said, when used
properly the z-Start Clutch should allow for clutch plate life equal to or
better than a stock clutch.
What kind of maintenance does the z-Start Clutch require?
The z-Start Clutch is designed to work with a specific ‘installed gap”. The
installed gap is the distance between the pressure plate and clutch pack when
the bike is off. The installed gap is based on the distance that the balls rise
in the ball ramps as the pressure plate is engaged. Id the installed gap is too
small, the pressure plate is too close and will cause the bike to drag at idle.
If the installed gap is too large, the pressure plate cannot fully clamp the
clutch pack and the clutch will slip excessively.
In order for proper operation and to maintain the life of the clutch pack, the
installed gap must be kept in the prescribed range. Initially, the installed gap
must be checked after breaking in the z-Start Clutch for twenty minutes. As
clutch wear occurs, the installed gap needs to be checked at regular intervals.
Rekluse ends riders check the installed gap after every 25 hours of riding.
How much weight does the z-Start Clutch add to my bike?
Installing the z-Start Clutch adds less than 6 ounces of rotating mass in the
clutch. Keep in mind that the clutch spins at approximately 1/3 engine speed so
flywheel effect of the z-Start is minimal.
Is it for me? I'm new to dirt bike riding. How can the
z-Start Clutch help me?
Riding with the z-Start Clutch removes the frustrations of clutch control and
stalling that many new riders face. Working the clutch smoothly, especially at
lower speeds or on hills is challenging for experienced riders. The z-Start
Clutch manages the clutch operation perfectly so you can just focus on the fun
of the ride!
I'm a pro-level motocross and supermoto racer. How can the
z-Start Clutch help me?
With proper tuning of the z-Start Clutch for track conditions, most riders will
be consistently faster off the starting line with a "roll-on" start than by
"feathering" the clutch off the line. The z-Start Clutch allows the rider to
forget about the clutch lever for most racing situations and focus on the track
in front of the rider. Without the need to reach for the clutch lever during
braking, over jumps and out of corners, fatigue is greatly reduced and control
is improved. With a high engagement point, corner exit speed is typically better
because the z-Start "feathers" the clutch perfectly every time. The z-Start is
virtually stall proof and even after a crash, most bikes can be picked up and
ridden away quickly without fear of stalling.
I race cross-country events. How can the z-Start Clutch
help me?
In technical trail sections, the z-Start Clutch really shines. Forget about the
using the clutch lever to negotiate slow, technical sections and focus
completely on the trail in front of you without fear of stalling and precise
control of speed and power to the ground. For technical hill climbing, the
z-Start Clutch allows you to back off the throttle to negotiate obstacles and
then reaccelerate without fear of stalling the engine or "looping-out". Most
riders can attack corners more aggressively by brake sliding into the corner and
then accelerating without the need for delicate clutch work or a gear shift;
reducing physical and mental fatigue on the rider. The z-Start Clutch is
virtually stall proof and even after a crash, most bikes can be picked up and
ridden away quickly without fear of stalling.
I'm an experienced trail rider. How can the z-Start help
me?
Riding with the z-Start Clutch makes every ride more enjoyable. Without the need
to manipulate the clutch lever, the rider has less fatigue and the bike is
considerably more forgiving in almost all situations. The z-Start Clutch can
reduce the stress and anxiety of traversing technical sections of trail or
difficult hill climbs. The z-Start Clutch adds trials-bike like control to
motocross bikes and trail bikes alike; allowing the rider to take a whole new
approach to sections of trail most riders struggle through.
What if I have problems? What kind of warranty does the
z-Start Clutch come with?
The z-Start Clutch is backed by a 1-year warranty from defects in material or
workmanship on all Rekluse manufactured parts. The z-Start Clutch also includes
a 30-day money back guarantee. If for any reason you are unhappy with how the
z-Start Clutch performs in the first 30 days of use, simply contact Rekluse or
our dealer for a return authorization and we will gladly refund your purchase. |
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