The world's lightest clutch for motorbikes?
Probably.
Many viewers noticed I am using a Clake One Light clutch again.
I broke my Brembo unit... doh!
The replacement was expensive so for an extra $130 I got the Clake instead.
Riders in our group have been using this clutch for seven years, so here is our long-term
review.
It's completely manufactured in Australia to maintain quality control.
Unlike some lighter clutch options, it does not use extra leverage.
The clutch action remains the same, but you can lighten the 'clutch pull' up to 75%.
As your skills develop, you use the clutch more and more.
Even professional riders can encounter 'arm pump'.
A lighter clutch is often part of the solution.
The Clake One Light clutch is designed for 'one finger' use.
This allows more fingers wrapped around the handlebars for better control.
The lever has a flexible plastic section built in to reduce the chances of breaking the lever.
There are two types of adjustment.
You can adjust the lever in or out - perfect for riders with small hands.
This screw adjusts the 'clutch pull'.
Technically you can reduce the 'pull' down to 75% but I didn't go quite this far.
You need a certain degree of tension to maintain a good feel to the clutch.
Other riders in my group agree.
How does it work?
Black magic and voodoo.
Somehow a mechanism stores energy when the clutch is released so it can be used when
you pull the clutch in.
I don't understand this devilry.
Get your Clake One Light clutch blessed by a priest if you have any concerns.
Why have I gone back to the Clake?
I have used the Midwest lever in recent years.
It's cheaper.
But it only reduces the clutch 'pull' by about 30%.
This is pretty good, but my arthritic fingers are finally demanding more.
Also, the Midwest lever relies on leverage so you really need to be careful with adjustment
to make it work properly.
As always, our reviews focus on the potential negatives.
It's manufactured in Australia so it's expensive.
If you only want to reduce your clutch 'pull' by 15% to 30%, there are cheaper solutions.
See this video.
But if you have medical issues like arthritis and tendonitis, or suffer from chronic arm
pump, this is a great long-term solution.
The Clake can be transferred from motorbike to motorbike.
One of our guys has used his for six years without servicing and it still works perfectly.
Clake provide all the parts required if you want to do your own servicing.
At this price, you need to protect your investment with full handguards.
And make sure they are high quality handguards.
The Clake is a bit bigger so you may need to use a longer bolt and a spacer to push
your handguard out to allow fitment.
On some motorbikes, the clutch cable is not quite long enough to reach the Clake.
It mainly seems to be Beta (or 'Baytuh') models, Clake have an extension piece for these situations.
Very occasionally, your clutch setup may use mineral oil instead of DOT brake fluid.
The Clake uses seals that will only suit one or the other.
If your new motorbike uses a different fluid, your Clake will need to be rebuilt to suit.
Keep pressure washers away from the Clake.
There are more possible entry points if water is under pressure.
A few owners have needed to service the Clake after forcing water into them.
It is waterproof.
But it's similar to chains and wheel bearing seals...
keep the pressure washer at a distance!
If you adjust the Clake to use the maximum 75% assistance, at some point the clutch lever
will not return properly and you need to adjust it accordingly.
Keep in mind it might work properly when cold, then as the oil warms up it can vary.
But generally most owners will settle for around 60% assistance or less, as you usually
want a certain degree of resistance to provide a good 'feel' to the clutch.
I googled around to see if other riders encounter problems with the Clake.
There are a few reports of trouble with bleeding the system.
I never had problems.
Neither did the four riders I know who bought Clakes.
But Clake has done an installation video with some tips.
Do you own a Clake One Light clutch?
Any problems?
Let us know, we always put long-term comments in our pinned first comment with Youtube reviews.