EFM AUTO CLUTCH---THE COMPLETE STORY

23 Jan 2010 Shipped complete KLX clutch and cover via UPS ($30.26)
1 Feb 2010 Clutch received at EFM.
8 Feb 2010 Shipped from EFM via UPS ($24.39) (Cost for clutch is $625.00)
15 Feb 2010 Received from EFM - Clutch, spacer, gasket and cover with instructions and all KLX clutch parts not used. The clutch basket has been modified, there is no going back
without buying basket and parts from Kawasaki.

16 Feb 2010 Installation of clutch.
Clutch came back as a complete unit, slid it on the shaft with washer and nut. Done!!! Installed spacer using RTV silicone sealant as instructed, replaced gasket (from EFM) and clutch cover. Clutch release shaft has been removed from clutch cover and the hole has been plugged.

RIDING IMPRESSIONS: First off I will say it is different and will take sometime to get used to as I use the clutch continually. Shifting is notchy and neutral is difficult to find with motor running. Both should improve with more ride time. Have not ridden on technical terrain yet, but confidence instilling over obstacles and loose hills (can almost stop and go at will). I will have to ride one gear lower than I normally ride or the clutch slips just a little. I will have to ride with more RPM or speed, but that is OK as I feel more confident already. The bike is just easier to ride. Right now I would have to say this is a smart move.

EFM, Inc.
3101 State Route 14
Rootstown, OH 44272
330-947-1700
www.efmautoclutch.com
Garry Buzzelli

EFM could not have been easier to work with. I talked to Garry several times and he was patient and understanding as I know little about these clutches. Garry invited me to call back any time.

I will do an update if I find things different than I feel now.

Ride Safe!

gary

 

Good stuff Gary, keep us posted.

It will be interesting to see if on balance you find it better.

Even though I don't think its for me. i'm to old to change, I wouldn't mind having a go on a bike with one fitted.

 

Thanks for the rundown. +1 on keep us posted.
In your opinion would it be a good thing for a novice supermoto rider?

 

nice job. i have been debating if i want one of these or not, kinda want to ride on first though. its aint a supermoto thing, more of a technical single track thing.

 

Yeah I was thinking of in not as a supermoto thing but as a make it easier on the gf but she's doin fine.
Gary
You said the clutch release hole is plugged but I recall either seeing on the site or in your first post that there was a manual overide for the EFM Was it not available for the KLX or did you opt out? Or am I smokeing crack???
Cheers Jim

 

Yeh Jim, I thought the manual clutch worked as normal.
If it doesn't then this mod is no good for the trail.
You NEED a clutch.

Oh and I have no opinion on whether or not you are smoking crack.

 

Hey

Just a quick reply to all of you, if you get a chance to test ride an auto clutch do it,
As a divice for novice rider, SM, trail or street this will makes learning very quick and easy, I am a rider couch for dirt and street, I am now telling everybody about the clutch. No there is no way I can see to have a manual override the way the KLX clutch is made. As for trail rides that is where this thing shines. Somebody said they were to old to change, I dont think you are older than I am and will tell you that I have changed and it was easy and way more fun. I cant tell you guys how this things is to ride, I wish you could stop buy for a ride, you would go away with a different view,

gary

 

Any update on the EFM auto clutch mate?

Chatting with a few riders this weekend they reckon the Rekluse is the best thing they got for trail riding. Rekluse isn't available for our bikes from what I understand (unless our clutch is the same as a KX250F 2004-8 model - which i don't think it is), so the EFM is the only real option.

I'm particularly interested in how the clutch has stood up wear wise. And do you mainly use your bike on the blacktop or dirt? Coz I use mine for riding to and from work on tar and not sure the clutch would handle that was well as dirt.

Also, you say you shipped the entire clutch to EFM and they shipped you back the parts they didn't use. Any chance you could elaborate on what they needed so I can just ship those parts?

Any update and info would be great mate!

 

I to am too old and biased to ever consider an auto clutch, I can see where it would come in handy for a new rider but with 40+ years on the back of a bike with a clutch it is a useless mod for me. Now I have a 14 year old son and it might be a different story for him as he still hates to use a clutch.

 

The funny part of the whole automatic clutch thing is that Honda has had the ticket for years as have others in their ATVs. I've not seen, but heard of riders doing ATC200 engines in the old Honda XR200 chassis with really good effects. The starting clutch is the automatic centrifugal clutch like minibikes used, then the shifter had linkage to disengage the regular manual clutch pack when shifting. Problem was the pull start had to be retained since the automatic clutch made it impossible to use a kick starter.

Now Honda has a "sport shifter" on their TRX250 a few years back. They put the automatic centrifugal clutch on the engine with the standard cable release clutch pack to be used for shifting from first to second and so on. The rider can sit in gear at a stop and take off, but uses the clutch lever from there.

This set up would be ideal for most beginners since it eliminates the real problem of clutch use from a stop and on hills.

I have no idea why no company has taken advantage of this simple set up in a motorcycle beyond the pit bikes and ancient step thrus. It just makes sense.