Feathering the clutch while rolling on the throttle is one of the most challenging aspects of learning to ride for women. Finding that “sweet spot,” also known as the friction zone, where the rider has full control over the speed of a motorcycle, is a learned skill that only gets better with practice over time. Sadly, some riders simply can’t master it and choose to give up, never to ride again.
Wouldnt it be nice to not have to pull in the clutch lever at all when shifting gears and rolling on the throttle? Well you can with this innovative product we discovered.
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I first introduced you to Rekluse back in 2015, when the company reps figured that women riders would benefit from their Auto-Clutch that allows a rider to shift gears without pulling in the clutch lever. We posted this intro story on Rekluse but never actually reviewed the product. Now we have a review from a woman rider who tested it out.
A few months ago, a Women Riders Now reader from Helena, Montana, contacted me after reading my story on Rekluse and wondered how it worked. She was having a hard time feathering the clutch while rolling on the throttle on inclines in the mountains where she lives. I told her I’d get her a Rekluse clutch to install in her motorcycle if she would review it for us.
Meet Marlene Coogler. She started riding in 2014 on a Buell Blast and then traded up to this 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200. As a new rider Marlene says stopping and starting on the many steep hills where she lives in the mountains is a bit challenging. Shes stalled the bike a few times, and has even tipped over.
Here’s what the Rekluse clutch components look like. A mechanic will replace your stock clutch with these.
Jeff Wuerl, owner of Jeffs Cycle Service in Helena, Montana, installed the Rekluse clutch on Marlenes motorcycle.
All the difference happens behind the derby cover on the left side of your motorcycle where the clutch plates are located.
Watch Marlene demonstrate how she uses the Rekluse clutch system.
To reiterate what’s in the video, here’s what you can do with a Rekluse CoreEXP 3.0 Auto Clutch:
• Come to a complete stop in gear without holding in the clutch.
• Accelerate without touching the clutch lever; just twist the throttle and go.
• Since shifting gears is all part of the essence of riding a motorcycle, the Rekluse Clutch lets you still do that. This is not an automatic transmission. You still get the satisfaction of shifting, but you don’t have to engage the clutch.
Benefits
• Riders with small or weak hands who struggle with the clutch lever-pull will appreciate that you don’t need to use the clutch at all when riding.
• Riders still new at mastering when to pull in the clutch relative to rolling on the throttle have one less thing to worry about. They can practice using the clutch and make mistakes as the bike won’t stall out if the lever is not engaged.
• Clutch hand is less fatigued, especially in stop-and-go traffic, because you’ll not need to use it.
• When braking suddenly, you’re not engaging the clutch so you can focus on safety.
• Never stall the motorcycle again! The motorcycle idles without the clutch engaged and when in gear.
• Improves your slow speed maneuverability because you’re not dealing with the clutch and fear of stalling.
• Rekluse promotes that you have one less thing to think about when riding. A rep gave me this example: when you’re riding through the twisties where you’re constantly upshifting and downshifting, you can focus on braking and throttle control since you won’t need to know when to engage the clutch.
Feathering the clutch to find that sweet spot will no longer be an issue with the Rekluse clutch installed, which means you can spend more time enjoying the ride.
The price of the Rekluse Clutch Core EXP 3.0 model that Marlene had installed in her motorcycle is $799. The product is made in the U.S., and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee. A Rekluse rep tell us a customer can install the product in his or her motorcycle and ride with it for 30 days. If he or she doesnt like it, the clutch can be returned for a full refund. Of course the rider will still have to pay for the cost of installation (and for taking it out of the motorcycle) so be mindful of that.
There is a Rekluse Clutch to fit a wide variety of motorcycle manufacturers and models. Visit Rekluse.com.
I found this article on the Rekluse clutch and I had high hopes for it. I had zero confidence that I could actually ride on the open road and I wanted to ride with all my heart. So, my husband had found my dream bike—a denim black Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883. We had the Rekluse clutch installed and it’s the best thing ever! I still use my clutch to shift, because I still want to practice that skill. I can concentrate on riding safely without worrying about the clutch (that I honestly never mastered) and the absolute joy of riding! Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback. It’s wonderful that this product has allowed so many people to find this product which helps them continue riding and enjoy the ride even better. Ride safely!
My boyfriend installed this on my Harley-Davidson Sportster Low and it’s been a Godsend! I went through a rider’s course last year and rode a motorcycle (not my own) for the first time and failed because I just couldn’t find that “sweet spot.” I constantly stalled. Frustrating as that may have been, and believe me, I tried—this is the best option for me. Definitely recommend it to anyone.
I installed (yes, by myself) a Rekluse clutch as soon as I purchased my 2018 Indian Scout. I love it! I can’t say enough good things about it. Seattle is quite hilly and a prior left hand surgery left me wanting to protect what I have left.The customer service from Rekluse is top notch—and I wasn’t made to feel that I was an idiot woman for installing my own clutch.By the way, the most mechanical thing I’d done on any vehicle was install a license platw bracket. The Rekluse installation videos online gave me enough confidence to DIY it.
We purchased a Harley-Davidson with the Roadsmith trike kit on it. The previous owner had ALS and had the automatic clutch installed. Expensive lesson learned: use the proper oil and change it more often. The principle of this device is it has to slip, causing the oil to wear out quicker. It was failing on a trip, but got it home and to our mechanic. We changed the bike back to the regular clutch and had the easy pull installed for about $36.Also, as mentioned, you can’t park in gear and expect it to hold the bike from rolling. I used to carry a mini bungee and wrap it around the front brake lever, as the rear parking brake would not hold on any incline. I do miss being able to have it in gear at a light and not have to hold the clutch in though.
I started riding at age once my children were grown. I found a women’s motorcycle club (Spokes-Women, MC) and rode all over this beautiful country for 15 years. Took off a couple of years to care for my mother, but developed arthritis in my clutch hand. I haven’t ridden in about six years but just couldn’t give up my bike. If this product works for me, I will be ecstatic!
I have had a Rekluse clutch on my Harley TriGlide for more than two years. I love it! It is important to realize that putting your bike in gear when you park no longer has any meaning—you are essentially in neutral. I depend on my emergency brake.
Rekluse sent me a clutch for my 2016 Indian Scout after I was hit on my 2015 Scout and suffered nerve damage in my left hand. They were so generous in helping me and their customer service is top notch. I would not be able to ride without this clutch. You will not be disappointed in this!
Cool product. Honda did this back in the day with the Honda Trail z50 I learned to ride on. My sister learned that way too, before moving on to riding bikes with a clutch.
I found this article on the Rekluse clutch and I had high hopes for it. I had zero confidence that I could actually ride on the open road and I wanted to ride with all my heart. So, my husband had found my dream bike—a denim black Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883. We had the Rekluse clutch installed and it’s the best thing ever! I still use my clutch to shift, because I still want to practice that skill. I can concentrate on riding safely without worrying about the clutch (that I honestly never mastered) and the absolute joy of riding! Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback. It’s wonderful that this product has allowed so many people to find this product which helps them continue riding and enjoy the ride even better. Ride safely!
My boyfriend installed this on my Harley-Davidson Sportster Low and it’s been a Godsend! I went through a rider’s course last year and rode a motorcycle (not my own) for the first time and failed because I just couldn’t find that “sweet spot.” I constantly stalled. Frustrating as that may have been, and believe me, I tried—this is the best option for me. Definitely recommend it to anyone.
I installed (yes, by myself) a Rekluse clutch as soon as I purchased my 2018 Indian Scout. I love it! I can’t say enough good things about it. Seattle is quite hilly and a prior left hand surgery left me wanting to protect what I have left.The customer service from Rekluse is top notch—and I wasn’t made to feel that I was an idiot woman for installing my own clutch.By the way, the most mechanical thing I’d done on any vehicle was install a license platw bracket. The Rekluse installation videos online gave me enough confidence to DIY it.
That’s awesome, Kersten! You Go Girl! Thanks for the great feedback. Glad you are continuing the ride safely.
We purchased a Harley-Davidson with the Roadsmith trike kit on it. The previous owner had ALS and had the automatic clutch installed. Expensive lesson learned: use the proper oil and change it more often. The principle of this device is it has to slip, causing the oil to wear out quicker. It was failing on a trip, but got it home and to our mechanic. We changed the bike back to the regular clutch and had the easy pull installed for about $36.Also, as mentioned, you can’t park in gear and expect it to hold the bike from rolling. I used to carry a mini bungee and wrap it around the front brake lever, as the rear parking brake would not hold on any incline. I do miss being able to have it in gear at a light and not have to hold the clutch in though.
I started riding at age once my children were grown. I found a women’s motorcycle club (Spokes-Women, MC) and rode all over this beautiful country for 15 years. Took off a couple of years to care for my mother, but developed arthritis in my clutch hand. I haven’t ridden in about six years but just couldn’t give up my bike. If this product works for me, I will be ecstatic!
I have had a Rekluse clutch on my Harley TriGlide for more than two years. I love it! It is important to realize that putting your bike in gear when you park no longer has any meaning—you are essentially in neutral. I depend on my emergency brake.
Rekluse sent me a clutch for my 2016 Indian Scout after I was hit on my 2015 Scout and suffered nerve damage in my left hand. They were so generous in helping me and their customer service is top notch. I would not be able to ride without this clutch. You will not be disappointed in this!
Cool product. Honda did this back in the day with the Honda Trail z50 I learned to ride on. My sister learned that way too, before moving on to riding bikes with a clutch.