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Racing technology for the road_ Slipper clutch on Apaches, and how it makes riding safer
TVS Community
05 May 2021
TVS Motors is one of the few Indian automobile manufacturers to have a racing effort, which spans decades. And this effort is an all-encompassing one that has included the humblest TVS 50 two-stroke moped to the current flagship - the Apache RR 310.
In fact, the very tagline of the TVS Apache line of motorcycle reads: The bikes that we race are the bikes you ride. Now, why are we harping so much about the racing effort of TVS Motors? Well, simply because it has a direct connection with the topic at hand: Slipper Clutches on TVS Apache motorcycles, and how it makes riding safer!
Born on the race track
TVS Motors developed the slipper clutch for the race track based on the feedback from racers who wanted to carry more speed into the corner.
And when it was finally time to brake, the racers wanted the engine’s help to slow their race bikes down at corners.
They wanted to downshift as hard as possible without locking the rear wheel. The slipper clutch allowed them to do just that: Slow down as fast as possible by downshifting very rapidly.
In motorcycles without a slipper clutch, downshifting hard will usually lock the rear wheel, skidding the bike and the rider. Such rapid downshifting also damages the transmission of the motorcycle, leading to expensive repairs.
How does the slipper clutch solve this?
The slipper clutch is a device that absorbs the massive load generated during rapid downshifting until the engine's speed is the same as the speed of the rear wheel. It does this by disengaging (slipping) the clutch until the engine speed equals wheel speed. Every TVS Apache motorcycle is equipped with this best-in-class feature. Indeed, it was an Apache motorcycle (the RTR 200 4V) that democratized this feature in India, which until then was found only on expensive sports bikes.
The all-new race-tuned RT slipper clutch allows for rapid downshifts that prevent rear wheel hopping allowing for later braking and more precise cornering. The assist function tightly binds the clutch plates during acceleration, to provide enhanced torque carrying capacity with reduced clutch operating force.
How does a slipper clutch make riding safer?
A slipper clutch allows a rider to downshift rapidly, using engine braking to slow down. Engine braking acts as a supplementary braking system on its own, making cornering a lot safer and also slowing down on wet roads a lot safer. Just grabbing brake levers on downhill corners can and will upset the motorcycle’s composure but using engine braking to do the same is a much safer and stabler way of reducing speed. Every trained rider, including those who race motorcycles, routinely uses engine braking to shed speed safely and stabilize the motorcycle, both on the road and track. The all-important slipper clutch allows them to do this safely and without damaging the bike’s transmission.
If someone Downshift without using Clutch, Will it harm the transmission or any other part of the bike?
Vijeesh Viji
08 May 2021
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TVS Community
05 May 2021