SuterClutch FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why should I use a slipper clutch? A slipper clutch offers better running characteristics and smoothness across the entire range. No more rear wheel hopping, easier controllable slides and a smoother, more precise response (with offroad bikes smoother braking phase, especially down hill and on heavy bumps) result in improved stability during braking, a better steering behaviour and hence faster lap times. In racing – On- und Offroad – nowadays a slipper clutch (especially the SuterClutch) is considered by professional biker around the world as one of the most crucial Powerparts. TOP

My new bike ex-factory already has a slipper clutch in it. I guess I don't need any SuterClutch? Wrong. Indeed more and more bike manufacturers originally integrate in their motorbikes a slipper clutch but there are substantial differences between such a clutch and a SuterClutch: On the one hand through a new and revolutionary mechanism only the pressure plate is being lifted. As the inner clutch basket is not moved axially by the plates under power, it is virtually frictionless in operation, unlike competitors’ products. The result is a much smoother, more precise response across the entire range, giving riders improved speed and greater road safety. On the other hand the SuterClutch is precision machined from T-6 aircraft quality aluminum and comes with a special Teflon-coating. This leads to a wear resistance which other (and of course cheaper produced) slipper clutches can only compensate with bigger wall thicknesses and hence more weight. Of course any other part inside a SuterClutch as springs etc. are being manufactured only out of top-quality materials. The new 6-Screw SuterClutch version furthermore – through its ingenious design– can be fitted without any special installation tools. The pressure plate is installed using 6 bolts, allowing easy access for maintenance. Therefore the SuterClutch can be installed in no time even by an unexperienced rider. And: no more costs for any special tools as it is the case with many competitors’ product. Last but not least all our models are being tested by pro riders and improved and refined according to their feedback. Hence as a SuterClutch customer you can be sure to combine long-lasting experience with the newest technology available. You receive a clutch which is designed and adapted to the specific characteristics of the resp. bike. TOP

Can the SuterClutch be adjusted to different riding styles? Yes, this clutch can be adjusted to the relative track conditions, tire choice, gear ratio, power delivery etc. The factory setting for the anti hopping effect has been determined by professional riders during extensive testing and serves as the basic setting. Changing the small anti hopping spring the anti hopping effect can be optimally adapted to you needs. The stronger the anti-hopping spring is, the harder the engine braking effect will be. For Motocross we recommend the softest spring with the code XXX. This spring is included in the delivery of all off-road models. Depending on the clutch additional anti hopping springs are included in the delivery resp. can be ordered separately from our online shop. TOP

My Bike has been tuned to have more power. Can I still install a SuterClutch? Basically our clutches are designed for the resp. production engine and its power-output and torque progression. However the SuterClutch can of course be used for bikes with more power and torque if you pay attention to following points: - If a slight increase in power has been shown due to the exchange of the exhaust system or even only of the muffler, our clutch can be installed in the original delivered state. The SuterClutch can transmit this remote additional load without any problems. - If your engine has been tuned thoroughly and has considerably more power as the standard version, better you get in touch with us. We then can prepare for you an appropriate spring-setup which copes with the additional power delivery you state. - Generally, the higher the engine power is, the harder must the main spring be. TOP

What about Off-road or Motocross? Is the SuterClutch there of any use? The SuterClutch works excellent in off-road. The main advantage is a much smoother braking phase, especially down hill and on heavy bumps resulting in better lap times. As this slipper clutch reduces the engine braking, for 2-stroke pilots who are thinking of moving to a 4-stroke bike the SuterClutch is a must. Enduro riders appreciate the possibility to decelerate hard even in the most demanding situations and on rough ground. This slipper clutch ensures that the rear wheel turns evenly over different soil conditions and keeps the line. The SuterClutch is being used by pro riders in the MX-1 down to the local amateur riders. TOP

Will the SuterClutch fit right in? Is there anything to be payed attention to? The SuterClutch can be installed in no time even by an unexperienced rider. The function of the clutch is however directly connected to the plate package thickness. One has therefore to take care to check the measurement of the package according to the enclosed user manual. All installation steps are therein explained clearly and illustrated accordingly. Further you can find in this manual a guide for troubleshooting should something not work as it should. TOP

What special tools do I need for the mounting? Though an ingenious design the new 6-Screw SuterClutch version can be fitted without any special installation tools! The pressure plate is installed using 6 bolts, allowing easy access for maintenance. Instead the older SuterClutch versions contain all assembly tools needed. Hence: no more costs for any special tools as it is the case with many competitors’ product. TOP

Is the clutch plate package enclosed in the delivery? This is not necessary as the SuterClutch uses the original plate package. TOP

Are the clutch plates lining going to wear off faster? Yes. As the clutch operates a lot more the lining is going to wear off faster. Hence the plates should be controlled more often. Having a softer setup the wear is even a bit higher. TOP

Does the clutch need much maintenance? No; but if the clutch is being overstrained some maintenance will be necessary. In normal use the wear of the pressure plate is negligible. However if the clutch is used strongly all the time the mechanism and the condition of the plates should be controlled more often. TOP

Do I need to use some special engine oil? No. Just use the engine oil the manufacturer of your bike recommends. Because of the stronger use of the clutch package through the anti hopping effect you will have however more abrasion and debris in the oil. Therefore when using a slipper clutch the oil has to be changed more often than prescribed by the bike maker. TOP

What benefit do I get from the steel inlays? The clutch version with the exchangeable steel ramp inserts is mainly intended for race teams. Even in rough constant race use the ball ramps are not going to wear out. Further through the exchangeable inlays (with different ramp angles ranging from 30° to 45°) the anti-hopping effect can be set up even more precisely according to track conditions, tire mixture and rider preference. For example: The more steep the ball ramp is set up the much softer anti hopping springs can be used. TOP

What's the difference between the circlips and the new 6-Screw clutch version? The main difference between these models is the way the in which the pressure plate is held in place. As the name describes it, with the Circlip version the pressure plate is fixed with a circlip and with the 6-Bolt version with 6 special M5 bolts. The mechanism for disengaging is however on both models the same. Advantages of the Circlip Version: The pressure plate can be swiftly removed & less components are involved. Disadvantage: The circlip version needs a special tool for the spring to be installed (included in delivery). Advantages of the 6-Bolt Version: The clutch can be installed without any special installation tool. The response behavior on the clutch lever is more precise as no circlip clearance has to be compensated and the pressure plate can be build more rigid. Additionally the oil feed on this clutch version has been optimized. TOP

Why do the latest SuterClutches have this grey green color? Newly diverse SuterClutch models are provided with a novel uniform coating which gives a less colorful appearance but makes them even stronger and more wear resistant. Still the gray green color gives a cool look and gradually all SuterClutch models will get it. TOP

My clutch shows abrasion marks inside the pressure plate. Is that normal? Correctly installed clutch package These abrasion marks (not visible from the outside) occur at all SuterClutch models which do not yet have the new grey green coating. This is normal and does not affect the functionality at all as long as the facing has not been grinded in more than 0.2mm. For the material underneath (as in all SuterClutch models) consists of high-end T-6 aircraft quality aluminum which can resist the occurring pressure a long time. However if the pressure plate is worn out more than 0.2mm it should be replaced. If the clutch package of the Kawasaki KX- und CRF models is not installed in right order The clutch packages of the Kawasaki KX- und CRF models feature different friction disks. There is a difference between the two outer disks and the inner disks. If you fit those in wrong order, the pressure - and the back plate will wear out very fast. Please make sure that the order of the disks is according to the original bike manual (not as might be seen in the SuterClutch User Manual) when installing. Abnormal wear on the pressure plate with misplaced friction discs of the clutch package TOP