Rekluse Core EXP clutch...

Titan1
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Titan1
Edited Date/Time 11/8/2013 9:54pm
Does anyone have any experience with these clutches?

I just put on in my 09 YZ450...but its too cold to break it in...so I'm doing that this weekend in Mesquite the day before a hare scramble.

A couple of questions:

-Any tips on adjusting the free play gain? (is it necessary to do it with the motor cold?)
-How much free play in the clutch lever do you usually run, and do you adjust the free play at the lever?

Any other tips you can give me would be appreciated. I've never used one before, and I'd like to know what to expect.
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bartziokas123 1/23/2013 11:42am
1/23/2013 11:42am
I have a lot of experience with the Rekluse Core EXP. Unfortunately I run it on my KTM's hydraulic clutch so I don't know how to adjust it on a cable clutch, but I'm pretty sure you adjust it at the lever with the cable clutch. You need about 3mm of free play when you rev the bike. The bike does not have to be cold to adjust it. In my experience my Rekluse had to be adjust more often on my four stroke than on my 2 stroke. If you find your bike stalling more than 2 or 3 times in a ride its time to adjust the clutch.

You will love this clutch for technical sections.
Titan1
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Titan1 1/23/2013 11:47am
1/23/2013 11:47am
bartziokas123 wrote:
I have a lot of experience with the Rekluse Core EXP. Unfortunately I run it on my KTM's hydraulic clutch so I don't know how to...
I have a lot of experience with the Rekluse Core EXP. Unfortunately I run it on my KTM's hydraulic clutch so I don't know how to adjust it on a cable clutch, but I'm pretty sure you adjust it at the lever with the cable clutch. You need about 3mm of free play when you rev the bike. The bike does not have to be cold to adjust it. In my experience my Rekluse had to be adjust more often on my four stroke than on my 2 stroke. If you find your bike stalling more than 2 or 3 times in a ride its time to adjust the clutch.

You will love this clutch for technical sections.
Thanks for that feedback.

From reading the users manual, I can adjust the clutch lever free play at the lever...but for the "Free play gain" (which is the 3mm lever movement you talk about when revving the motor in neutral), I wasn't clear if that had to be adjusted on the clutch itself, at the lever or even the in-line cable adjuster...I'll make a call to Rekluse and ask them, I guess.

For $900 my bike better not EVER stall. Smile

Anyway, any major adjustments in riding I need to make with the rekluse? Engine breaking, etc...
bartziokas123 1/23/2013 12:01pm
1/23/2013 12:01pm Edited Date/Time 1/23/2013 12:01pm
Titan1 wrote:
Thanks for that feedback. From reading the users manual, I can adjust the clutch lever free play at the lever...but for the "Free play gain" (which...
Thanks for that feedback.

From reading the users manual, I can adjust the clutch lever free play at the lever...but for the "Free play gain" (which is the 3mm lever movement you talk about when revving the motor in neutral), I wasn't clear if that had to be adjusted on the clutch itself, at the lever or even the in-line cable adjuster...I'll make a call to Rekluse and ask them, I guess.

For $900 my bike better not EVER stall. Smile

Anyway, any major adjustments in riding I need to make with the rekluse? Engine breaking, etc...
I have called Rekluse a bunch of times, they will give you awesome customer support, they are super helpful. I will be surprised if you dont love the clutch. I like mine so much that if they don't make one for the bike i'm thinking about buying I wont buy the bike haha.

I often tell people that the rekluse makes everything easier. If you cant make a hill, you probably still wont make it but if there is a hill that you struggle to get up the rekluse will make that hill easier to get up. Way less effort and work in tight technical areas. You really save energy in these sections.

One thing to watch out for is if you get stuck on a hill. The bike will want to roll down backwards
rbm33
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rbm33 1/23/2013 12:02pm
1/23/2013 12:02pm
as long as you have a little free play in the lever with the throttle cracked open you should be ok.
be sure to check your install gap after you get 20 minutes or so on it.

also, you may want to bump your idle up a bit. mine tends to die when its ideling down as i approach a turn if im in a gear or two to high.

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Titan1
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Titan1 1/23/2013 12:07pm
1/23/2013 12:07pm
Titan1 wrote:
Thanks for that feedback. From reading the users manual, I can adjust the clutch lever free play at the lever...but for the "Free play gain" (which...
Thanks for that feedback.

From reading the users manual, I can adjust the clutch lever free play at the lever...but for the "Free play gain" (which is the 3mm lever movement you talk about when revving the motor in neutral), I wasn't clear if that had to be adjusted on the clutch itself, at the lever or even the in-line cable adjuster...I'll make a call to Rekluse and ask them, I guess.

For $900 my bike better not EVER stall. Smile

Anyway, any major adjustments in riding I need to make with the rekluse? Engine breaking, etc...
bartziokas123 wrote:
I have called Rekluse a bunch of times, they will give you awesome customer support, they are super helpful. I will be surprised if you dont...
I have called Rekluse a bunch of times, they will give you awesome customer support, they are super helpful. I will be surprised if you dont love the clutch. I like mine so much that if they don't make one for the bike i'm thinking about buying I wont buy the bike haha.

I often tell people that the rekluse makes everything easier. If you cant make a hill, you probably still wont make it but if there is a hill that you struggle to get up the rekluse will make that hill easier to get up. Way less effort and work in tight technical areas. You really save energy in these sections.

One thing to watch out for is if you get stuck on a hill. The bike will want to roll down backwards
The energy savings is what I'm most interested in...I don't have illusion that its going to make me a better/faster rider, but if it can prevent my bike from stalling and save me some energy here and there over the course of a race, my results are sure to improve, and that is what I'm after.
7I3N
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7I3N 1/23/2013 1:59pm
1/23/2013 1:59pm
There are a few things you will need to get used to, but you will pretty quick. The first one is having to blip the throttle a little at times going downhill to engage the clutch so you will have engine braking.

I’ve had mine for a while and they rarely need adjustment down on the pressure plate after the first break in ride. But I have found that when you are adjusting the pressure plate preload, loosening the pressure plate bolts (the ones on the main clutch springs) makes it a lot easier to loosen the center adjuster on the pressure plate.

You my also want to play with your idle speed a little to make the engagement transition a little smoother.

The only time I stall my bike anymore is if I accidentally hit the rear brake lever with the throttle slightly cracked.
Titan1
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Titan1 1/23/2013 2:44pm
1/23/2013 2:44pm
7I3N wrote:
There are a few things you will need to get used to, but you will pretty quick. The first one is having to blip the throttle...
There are a few things you will need to get used to, but you will pretty quick. The first one is having to blip the throttle a little at times going downhill to engage the clutch so you will have engine braking.

I’ve had mine for a while and they rarely need adjustment down on the pressure plate after the first break in ride. But I have found that when you are adjusting the pressure plate preload, loosening the pressure plate bolts (the ones on the main clutch springs) makes it a lot easier to loosen the center adjuster on the pressure plate.

You my also want to play with your idle speed a little to make the engagement transition a little smoother.

The only time I stall my bike anymore is if I accidentally hit the rear brake lever with the throttle slightly cracked.
Thanks 713N and RBM33! Good stuff right there.

I will look at the idle speed.

One other question, is it any easier to start the bike in gear with this clutch? With my traditional clutches I could never consistently start my bikes in gear...so for the dead engine starts at desert races, just to be safe, I'd always start in neutral...now, if I could consistently start in gear, that would be a huge advantage in a race....
7I3N
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7I3N 1/23/2013 2:57pm
1/23/2013 2:57pm
It you don't pull the clutch lever in, it is about the same as a conventional clutch for starting, but if you pull the lever in it starts a little easier. Not as easy as in neutral, but close. That's what I do for dead engine starts; in gear and pull the lever in.
Titan1
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Titan1 1/23/2013 3:00pm
1/23/2013 3:00pm
7I3N wrote:
It you don't pull the clutch lever in, it is about the same as a conventional clutch for starting, but if you pull the lever in...
It you don't pull the clutch lever in, it is about the same as a conventional clutch for starting, but if you pull the lever in it starts a little easier. Not as easy as in neutral, but close. That's what I do for dead engine starts; in gear and pull the lever in.
I'll give it a try.

In Mesquite this weekend it is a live engine start....so I've got until the Rhino Rally at the end of February to get the thing dialed.
Harry Backmon 11/8/2013 6:31am
11/8/2013 6:31am
I put one in my YZ250 yesterday. I haven't ridden on it yet. The tips above are helpful. I didn't have to do any adjustments after installation. I put it in, started the bike and I had the required amount of free play gain.
ridge
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ridge 11/8/2013 7:02am
11/8/2013 7:02am
You are going to love this clutch! Once you learn not to touch your lever, you'll get through the technical stuff much better, especially loose, rocky (or rutted) uphills.
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 11/8/2013 7:36am
11/8/2013 7:36am
I've had my Rekluse in for a few weeks, but this weekend will be my first race with it. Can't wait as I've only trail ridden a little so far...
Harry Backmon 11/8/2013 8:15am
11/8/2013 8:15am
EastFlorida wrote:
I've had my Rekluse in for a few weeks, but this weekend will be my first race with it. Can't wait as I've only trail ridden...
I've had my Rekluse in for a few weeks, but this weekend will be my first race with it. Can't wait as I've only trail ridden a little so far...
How do you like it so far?
lilbulld
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lilbulld 11/8/2013 8:30am
11/8/2013 8:30am
From my personal experience you should keep it within the range stated in the manual, but you can further adjust it once you ride the bike a little bit to your liking. Also as it states in the manual, it will take some time after break in to get it right where you like it. I have had all three versions in 08 & 09 Yz450's, & can say the only plug & play version for me was the EXP 2.0, & i actually prefer it over the other two for the 450 especially. The Core EXP was very finicky for me & could never really get it to my liking, not to mention the inconvenience in taking everything back apart to adjust. The Pro is great in that it adds a little weight & softens the hit of the 450, but the downside is no compression braking at all & blowing through some berms/ turns here & there with the heavier bike. The only version that I have never had the bike stall in any situation is the EXP 2.0, but that is on a bike that really does not need require much clutch use, so the extreme heavy lever feel was not an issue & still had some compression braking which I like. I also had the EXP 2.0 on an RM250, it was great in that bike too which also has a hard bottom end hit so the clutch lever wasnt an issue there either. You really cant beat the EXP 2.0, yeah the other versions maybe a little better here and there, but for less than half the price, you get better traction & absolutely no stalling, & about a 15 minute install.. Rekluse customer service is excellent as well, if you cant get it where you want it they will work with you non stop to help, or let you return or exchange it inside that 30 day period, I've actually had them go a little outside the 30 day period before. Good luck with it, & just know it will be rideable from day one once adjusted, but that Core EXP will take a little time to get adjusted perfect to your liking.
Tracktor
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Tracktor 11/8/2013 10:00am
11/8/2013 10:00am
I am running the EXP 2.0 in my 2012 CRF250. I am a vetb Mxer. I picked it up because they are so damn cheap I figured if I didn't like it I wasn't out much. It took some time to get used to. I almost never ride any trails but happened to go on a trail ride over the summer. It would have been a real bitch without the Rekluse in. I did notice stalling after a few hours of tight trails and needed to adjust the throw. You set the play with the cable adjuster and leave a range on the perch for fine tuning. I decided top take it off for comparison about a month ago and absolutely hated riding without it. I lost drive out of corners and was mis-timing everything. Back in it went and it will stay. I will be buying one when I upgrade bikes for sure. I was going to upgrade to the Core but so far haven't seen a need?.....................................
Tokyo_Tiddler 11/8/2013 11:10am
11/8/2013 11:10am
rbm33 wrote:
as long as you have a little free play in the lever with the throttle cracked open you should be ok. be sure to check your...
as long as you have a little free play in the lever with the throttle cracked open you should be ok.
be sure to check your install gap after you get 20 minutes or so on it.

also, you may want to bump your idle up a bit. mine tends to die when its ideling down as i approach a turn if im in a gear or two to high.
I was thinking about getting one, but I dont get it, I thought one of the key advantages was to prevent stalling in slow corners. I am a life long 2-stroke MXer but just bought a 2012 CRF450 to ride now and then. I dont like the fact that it stalls a lot in slow corners, the engine braking when I close the throttle a bit in corners, and when landing from a jump without the throttle wide open such as when landing right before a tight corner.. it takes more arm strength to hold yourself back where as a 2-stroke would be effortless.

How does engine braking compare to a 2-stroker?.. even less than a 2 stroke?

mike
rbm33
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rbm33 11/8/2013 12:02pm
11/8/2013 12:02pm
rbm33 wrote:
as long as you have a little free play in the lever with the throttle cracked open you should be ok. be sure to check your...
as long as you have a little free play in the lever with the throttle cracked open you should be ok.
be sure to check your install gap after you get 20 minutes or so on it.

also, you may want to bump your idle up a bit. mine tends to die when its ideling down as i approach a turn if im in a gear or two to high.
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
I was thinking about getting one, but I dont get it, I thought one of the key advantages was to prevent stalling in slow corners. I...
I was thinking about getting one, but I dont get it, I thought one of the key advantages was to prevent stalling in slow corners. I am a life long 2-stroke MXer but just bought a 2012 CRF450 to ride now and then. I dont like the fact that it stalls a lot in slow corners, the engine braking when I close the throttle a bit in corners, and when landing from a jump without the throttle wide open such as when landing right before a tight corner.. it takes more arm strength to hold yourself back where as a 2-stroke would be effortless.

How does engine braking compare to a 2-stroker?.. even less than a 2 stroke?

mike
it doesnt exactly stal in the sense that your used to stalling. and, i would never really have issues in motocross killing my 4 stroke with the auto clutch installed, the troulbe i would have would be in a hare scrambles where i would be lugging it up a long rocky hill in a gear higher than i should probably be in to keep the rear tire from spinning and when i get to the top and let off the throttle it would idle down and die before i was back on the throttle.
Titan1
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Titan1 11/8/2013 12:24pm
11/8/2013 12:24pm
As a follow up (after racing a full season on it)...I LOVE this clutch. Besides suspension revalve/springs, this is the best money I've ever spent on my bike. No, I don't ride any faster...but, I don't stall my bike any more (I can't even add up how much time I've spent kicking my bike over), and I save a ton of energy...so my results have improved.

And after I did that first race back in January, I did have to adjust the install gap...and I haven't touched it since. Free play gain is exactly where it should be.

I'd recommend this clutch (the Core EXP 2.0) to anyone and everyone...It's a great product!

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