Cable Clutch vs. Hydraulic Clutch | MC Garage
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Most motorcycles come with cable-actuated clutches, but some bikes have hydraulic setups. What’s the difference, and is one setup better than the other? We’ll explain in this video from the MC Garage.
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When we talk about hydraulic or cable clutches, we’re just referring to how the clutch is actuated. With a cable clutch, lever force is transferred via a Bowden cable, which has steel wire running within a flexible sheath. With a hydraulic clutch, fluid is used to convey force just like in hydraulic brakes, except instead of a caliper at the other end of the hose, there’s a slave cylinder that acts on the clutch’s pressure plate in the same manner that a cable does.If a cable clutch and hydraulic clutch do the same thing, why would a manufacturer or a rider choose one over the other? Each system has its pros and cons, and we’ll start with the cable clutch since it’s the most common setup.Cables are common for one simple reason: They’re cheap to make and easy to fit. That’s a big plus, whether you’re manufacturing motorcycles or just maintaining your own bike. On the topic of maintenance, cables need a fair amount of it. For starters, you have to adjust the slack frequently to account for clutch wear-let the cable get too loose and you won’t get complete disengagement when you pull the lever. Too little slack and you’re going to get clutch slip and cook your clutch plates. Also, cables need to be lubricated periodically and they’re susceptible to corrosion and breakage, and binding if they’re bent too sharply.
On the other hand you don’t have to worry about messy lube or fraying cables with a hydraulic clutch, and you don’t have to deal with adjusting anything either. That’s because as long as there’s fluid in the reservoir, a hydraulic system will self-adjust as the clutch plates wear, so the engagement point remains the same throughout the life of the clutch. Speaking of engagement, hydraulic clutches are generally easier to modulate and have a lighter, more consistent lever pull since there’s a master cylinder and a slave cylinder amplifying your grip strength.
That’s a lot of pluses for hydraulic actuation, but this is a more expensive setup, both to build initially and to repair later on if a seal fails. And while you don’t have to fuss with cable tension all the time, for those hydraulic systems use brake fluid, you’ll need to replace it every few years.
And what if your bike didn’t come with a hydraulic setup, but you’re convinced it’s what you want? There are evidently enough people looking to cut the cable that Magura has created the Hymec conversion kit. It sounds like a maneuver you’d do to someone who’s choking, but “Hymec” stands for Hydraulic from Mechanical, which is what the kit does-it allows you to convert your cable clutch to hydraulic. It offers all the benefits of a hydraulic setup and it comes fully assembled, pre-bled, and ready to install. And because it uses mineral oil instead of hydroscopic brake fluid, you never have to replace the fluid, so it’s maintenance-free.
So there you have it, a snapshot of the pros and cons of the two kinds of clutch actuation. Combine that with our How a Clutch Works video, our Wet vs. Dry Clutch video, our Slipper Clutches Explained video, and our How to Replace Your Clutch video, and you’re going to be pretty well versed in motorcycle clutches.
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Cable set-up is lighter. But hey if I was concerned with shaving weight I would reduce my doughnut intake
BritishBiker Philippines
Mmmmm doNots ;)
Yeah I've heard it's about a 10th off 1/4 mile time per 5mm reduction in diameter of the donut intake. It's a velocity thing.
@@Pooooooops no it's a calorie thing
Lighter for weight, but lighter for the fingers. And the weight isn't really that big of a difference.
Many people assemble the hydraulic clutch with the wrong slave cylinder so their clutch would be much heavier than their stock mechanical clutch
I bought the cable lube tool and bought the bike with hydraulic clutch :)
Use it wit your throttle cables(or your ExUP or any powervalve, hahaha)
@Ruby Rose. Yes, exactly my thoughts. The only cable there is on the bike :-D
Lmao
@@ruikazane5123 and then its throttle by wire
When you mentioned the Hymec conversion, I imagined a very messy and involved job, but that system looks brilliant!
under normal circumstances, it seems like hydraulic works better. lighter pull and more consistent modulation
From a physics standpoint, they are both mechanical systems. They just use different means to transfer force. Dunno why they call cable mechanical and the hydraulic just that. They are both mechanical, one relies on tension and the other on pressure.
Prolink Suspension Vs. Monoshock Vs. DualShock
prolink is exclusive technology of honda, what do you mean maybe a "linkage suspension".
Meh. We don't need a video on these. They're just different ways of transmitting force into your shock.
dualshock is playstation controller
@Daniel bhahahahaha, you made my day bruh
Well, I guess dual-shock suspension system offers a more comfortable ride (Custom bikes) and single-shock systems can produce more stability, especially at high speeds (e.g. MotoGP, World SuperBike)....
That hydraulic lever mod is quite interesting.
Sadly, it is not available for my '17 CB500F yet.
You can order a different one on the wast internet or simply on ebay. I had one from ebay on my last bike, no problem, easy pull and worked perfect for over 2 years (sold the bike so i don't know how it lasted after 2 years)
The conversion costed me $28 so definitely worth the money if you can find the same one or something in that class
there is a lot, a lot of universal hydraulic clutch set that can be applied to almost any bike. these type of kit doesn't really need specific to each bike afterall, because they're attached to a handle bar which is have a universal size for all bike, not like footpeg for example, which is specific for each bike.
why would you want that on the cb500? that bike has one of the easiest clutch pulls ive ever experienced. i mean its so easy that the first time i pulled it, i smacked it into the grip and looked down to make sure its connected with the engine
I have and had bikes with both. I have had a clutch cable end come off and had a slave cylinder seal spring a leak (at 97,000 miles and 40 years of age). In the end, neither were overly difficult to replace, and both required removing stuff to do so. As far as cheaper to repair... I question that. A Master or Slave cylinder rebuild kit costs around the same as a cable, and can take just a few minutes to do if the bore or piston isn't screwed up. I have a preference for Hydraulic, but I also flush/bleed the system at the start of every riding season.
I love your videos dude. It helps me learn a lot about bikes
Thanks!
That's the idea! Glad you're enjoying and learning from MC Garage.
I've had plenty of failures with both kinds. That Magura conversion looks sweet as hell!
can aprillia rsv4 clutch cable be upgrade to use with magura hydraulic kits ?.. im tired of clutch cable breaking and have to lube it regularly during winter.
I switched to a hydraulic clutch when upgrading the brake master cylinder on my KTM Duke 390 12K miles ago. I used Frando components from Taiwan and it really works well. I used to have to adjust my clutch mid-ride because the engagement point would change as the engine heated-up and then again when it was cold but not any more : )
This is exactly how I feel after upgraded to the hydraulic one !!!!
That Hymec system is nice. However, it is only available for very few bikes and it is EXTREMELY expensive for what it is :-(
I recently converted my bikes clutch to hydraulic using the Magura kit. It reduced effort, improved feel, and control,, plus it self adjusts. It only took a few minutes to install.
no one ever talks about the downsides of hydraulic, they unbleed when your bike falls over, your fluid needs to be changed and checked and topped off, seals in masters and slaves go bad, hoses go bad, lines leak, fittings break, etc etc, its more complex less reliable and more expensive, when your smash your handlebars down in the dirt on your adventure ride would you rather have a fragile master cylinder and a fragile banjo fitting or a simple robust cable? Yes ive tried magura setups and they suck too, bleeding thick mineral oil is a literal nightmare.
When I heard you say "Speaking of engagement...", I thought that was going to be a segue to a personal comment. =)
All dirt bikes should have been hydraulic actuated by nowadays... Mud, dirt, water, and then add some cable lube will amount to a pile of crap. The pull is just better... Oo
I have heard that you shouldnt lube your clutch cable, the teflon layer will then get damaged and after that you HAVE to lube it periodically, I guess lube will also attract dirt which means you then also have to lube it to keep it going. Only cables I have lubed where getting worse quick and I have never lubed any new cable and they are just as good as day one.
because teflon is a solid lubrication
put any other lube in will wash away these teflon
Most lubes are bad for plastic. Maybe there are PTFE ones which wont damage the sleeve. I have tried different silicone spray lubes, but those have a strong solvent that damages plastic and rubber.
It would be good finding something that works well.
I rode a HD road glide the other day and I couldn’t get used to the hydraulic clutch because the catch zone was way far out and my fingers barely caught on at the end so I was more likely to drop the clutch and spin a wheelie...jk but if HD stock clutch could of at least offered a way to modulate the distance I would of have been happier with my small hand and fingers
That BM'er Enduro is fucking HOT.
I definetely recommend the magura kit to anyone doing enduro/off road technical stuff. Not only is it easier to pull, but when your clutch overheats when using it, for example to climb a very technical section, it continuesly auto-adjusts and you get always all the travel you have.
For us normies in cars, a cable clutch pedal moves as freely as the accelerator, and makes you wonder why any manufacturer thought hydraulic clutches in a manual road car was a good idea.
Feather-weight feel.
Hydraulic is better
In my experience cable is more reliable however I appreciate having hydraulic in my motorcycle. Makes the driving easier specially ok city where clutch is used often.
How about explain about lowering links used to lower motorcycle,it's cons and pros
this right here lowering links, i would love pros and cons how they work wicked suggestion rider for life
Good suggestion, we'll put it on the list.
Ari Henning great
It's how about explaining lowering links,my bad on the typing,damn it
Rider For Life lowering a motorcycle... only two possible pros, looks if you're into the lowered look and rider fitment for the vertically challenged riders. The rest are all cons.... it cost money to lower a bike, reduces performance, and reduces safety. You'll scrape parts on the pavement much sooner in corners with a lowered bike thus making it easier to wreck.
I've owned bikes with both types of clutch lever system and always prefer the 'feel' of a cable. The engagement point is easier to find and it's easier to modulate right at that point in my opinion. But everyone is different I suppose!
Awesome video as always! And Ari my front brakes are stiff as wood. There's no braking effect for a quarter of the play and you really have to press hard because there's so much resistance after this point. There's absolutely no feedback. What's wrong with it and how can I fix this?
You bled and put new brake fluid in?
What pads are you running? Are they in good shape? Are you using a cheapo aftermarket brake lever?
Get a girlfriend
Take your calipers off, pump the breaks to check the piston action. If they don’t come out smoothly and evenly pump them out and clean / regrease the piston and seal. Bleed them all the way through with fresh fluid and install new (quality) pads. Your brakes should work like new.
😄 what? A motorcycle mechanic girlfriend??
Can you make a video about disk and drum brakes
This dude does curls before every video, lol, but great videos!
Honda CB1000R hydraulic clutch! 👍
can u make a video on Choosing the chain sprocket setup????
types of chain???
Pulling off scenario.
Cable clutch = easy does it. There we go....
Hydrolic clutch = easy does it. WOOOOOOOOH MOMMA!
Hahaha yup
To think again my nearly 10 years old bike never been sent for servicing the brake oil. it shows that hydraulic clutch is also reliable compared to cables.
A cable clutch can as easily be "amplified" as a hydraulic clutch. The reason it is harder to pull is because it has more friction. This is also why a cable clutch is slightly easier to hold than to pull
I've had the clutch cable break on me once, and getting home was a nightmare with the stop start traffic as I'd have to push along with my feet to get some momentum before shifting to first.
I installed a magura hydraulic clutch on my klr650. One of the best upgrades ever.
please make videos on Royal Enfield Motorcycles like classic, interceptor etc.
$300 for the kit. That's nuts. You can build your own for $80. O'Reilly can make custom hydraulic hoses for you.
Electronic clutches would be even better...
Every failure I've had over the years is with hydraulic clutches give me a simple cable any day.
Banditmanuk agree 200%
How? I've had a hydraulic on my 09 zx14 and never had an issue.
Dan DanDanDan i wish it was the same for me. Mine in my sd1290 keeps sucking air in.
valebliz Check for seals at both ends, if that fails, master cylinder or slave cylinder is to blame.
Not on a enduro bike though.
My 2018 Road King had a hydraulic clutch. I hated it. The friction zone was weird, and the grip was brutal. My new Harley has a cable clutch and I'm a happier man.
What is the model of BMW in this video?
Hey, can you do a video about counter-steering? I saw this: th-cam.com/video/VVE79XT8-Mg/w-d-xo.html and was like I NEED TO KNOW WHAT THIS IS, I DON'T WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO ME! But the only video that was really useful to me was this: th-cam.com/video/PgUOOwnZcDU/w-d-xo.html . I understand now what counter-steering is but the amount of videos trying to explain it and failing miserably (in my opinion) to do so leave a void that you, the guys at MC Garage can easily fix for a HUGE amount of people out there! I'm sure many guys like me, who haven't even bought their first bike yet but are gathering all the information waiting for that sweet first bike to come will appreciate a video about Counter-Steering! :D
as a former motorcycle mechanic ive pulled a lot of different clutches and i call that easy pull statement with the hydraulic clutch BS!
the lightest clutch pulls are well maintained cable clutches. the heaviest are badly maintained ones. so if your clutch is somehow hard to pull, lube the cable. if that doesnt help, replace it. for most bikes thats around 30 bucks and done in 5 to 10 minutes. cable maintenance is really easy and only rarely you need tools or get your fingers dirty.
hydraulic clutches on the other hand... especially the magura ones are often troublesome and if they fail and youre out in the middle of nowhere, good luck if you dont have the right tools/replacement parts with you.
ive never pulled a hydraulic clutch that i would consider an easy pull. also i find that hydraulic clutches are less transparent and give less feedback so i really dont see a reason why you would want a hydraulic clutch. am i missing something?
I hate hydraulic clutch. They constantly have problems, constantly slip, heavy, ugly, and there no good unbreakable levers for hydraulic
Had a goldwing that the slave cylinder failed. Fluid in master kept dropping. Turns out it was going into the engine and mixing with oil. Not good. I am glad my new Versys1000 comes with a cable.
Another cool video to learn about bike mechanic... I love MC Garage! :)
Thanks a lot for your work!
Why make it more complicated than it needs to be? I'll take cable on anytime. Any day anytime. Much simpler.
Great video bro. Plain, simple explanations. Thank u!
Hydraulic is much harder to modulate than cable. That is why it is much more popular for applications, like dirt bikes, where clutch modulation is important.
The link for the website is wrong, here is the correct link, just go to bottom of page and download pdf.
www.magura.com/en/components/powersports/hydraulicclutchsystems/productdetailpage/?p=1853
The hydraulic clutch on my Ducatic monster literally destroyed my forearm, my tendons are making this weird grinding sensation on the top of my wrist. Anyone got recommendations for a fix leave a comment, I dont need it to be the lightest pull ever but it feels like its like 25 pound atm.
Any conversion kit to go to cable? Found out the hard way that hydraulic can not be adjusted closer to the handlebars on the clutch side even after buying aftermarket levers. 😢
There is no advantage to a hydraulic clutch, it’s just another trick to ensure you have to spend more money and buy parts/fluid.
Why hydraulic clutch makes the bike “jump” when you try to accelerate hard whith the bike stopped, like on a drag race, and the cable don’t?
I just transitioned from an SV650 (hydraulic clutch) to a Z900RS (cable clutch) and to be honest...it's been tricky getting used to it lol. Can anybody answer if it's normal to kinda feel the cables working / doing their job, when you pull in the clutch lever ?! lol. I know that sounds crazy but, I never felt that on my SV650. The Z900 is brand new by the way, 2022... Sometimes I just feel the cables, and it kinda bothers me lol.
Hi guys big fan of the channel! Would be nice to have a video about different configurations of parallel twins, regarding the crankshaft angle, 360°, 180°, 270° how does that work? Thanks and keep the videos coming, they're awesome!
Why the clutch automatically applied little bit while throttling. It can absorb while 4 & 5 gears. It will release the clutch lever while stop throttling.
Can someone direct me to a conversion kit that will fit a 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 400? Can't seem to find one anywhere!
He looks like TheSmithPlays and Captain America mixed
KTM 65sx has a hyrdo clutch there's no excuse for large cc road bikes having a cable clutch
Well gee. One is cable actuated and the other is hydraulic. Any questions? Lol...
Why would Harley go backwards to save money for them selves instead of the Customers.
i am using a stunt puller...used by of off-roaders...it is cheap and practical...easy to maintain...
Hydro clutches feel numb and add weight.
Sounds like you haven't tried one in a while. Definitely agree that some older hydro clutches lacked feel and were heavy, but for the most part modern setups are excellent. Why else would they be preferred by trials and trail riders?
What do Diavels use? I just pulled one and it felt better than boob. It definitely wasnt cable but there was no master cylinder either. Are there electronic clutches?
Once forty exclusive inspection onion bias destruction close demonstrate rhythm.
Ari, do you randomly have Norwegian ansestors? Your last name sounds suuuuuper Norwegian
What about klx 150?.. Did magura make one for it?..
Guess you never used a Harley hydraulic clutch. Those are painful in stop and go traffic.
My hand starts shaking now when holding in the clutch lever when shifting and I wondered if having the clutch lever adjust so the clutch lever was closer to the hand grip would help or is there something that you know of that I can use to help me depress the clutch lever in and hold it in and then release it while shifting making it easier for me to shift.
What is the diff. Between liquid ang oil cooled engine boss may you feature this thanks..
These vids are not for amateurs, the jargon used simply can't be taken by beginners
NEVER lubricate BMW cables!!!🕊️
Do you have a brother that has a TH-cam channel ATHLEANX
I didn't even know a hydraulically-actuated clutch was a thing.
Hard break in vs soft break in. Are you scared? If you're scared just say you're scared.
Hi I have Kawasaki Z800 it’s the clutch is very hard when i grip it can that help if fitting
Can I put mineral oil in my Ducati 996 hydraulic clutch system ?
No link for the himech
Can a video ... Of installation of cable to a hydraulic clutch...
I feel like the hydralic clutch system is safer overall because if it was failing, you would most likely notice a leak somewhere before it would go out. With a cable clutch system, a weak spot would be harder to notice in my opinion, and as soon as that weak point breaks, you can't use clutch lever.
I've had a throttle cable break on me before while I was riding. Though it likely could have been prevented by lubing, I didn't notice anything signs of the cable about to fail moments before it happened. Fortunately it didn't happen while I was going straight and was able to pull over immediately. A clutch cable breaking probably wouldn't be as dangerous because you wouldn't use it while turning, but it could certainly throw you off.
Great informative video as usual. Keep on making them please.
Give me hydraulic anyday, just gives a better feel.
can i install it on 125 cc honda stunner FI , i need a product like this one , to fit in my stunner, as its cluth is very hard .
Should I install Hydrolic clutch in cable clutch motorcycle? Will it risky for machine clutch function?
No link I find 🥲
Wanna know about that circular thing filled with something on handle on sports bike...
So pros and cons only pertaining to maintenance? Are there any other pros and construction not related to maintenance?
Do you know what would be the cause of the lever not fully engaging the clutch? One of my bikes had a hydraulic clutch and I've bled it 100 times but when i turn on the bike, hold the lever and go into first the bike jumps forward and dies, its feels like the clutch is not in all the way in, even though the lever is fully pressed down. Any ideas?
When I hear hydro clutch I always remember Ducati's clear clutch cover. Idk why 😅
Holy cow they make that conversion kit for my 2009 CBF 600. This video might just have cost me 350 bucks... That bike destroys my left hand in heavy city traffic...
is there one for the the BAJAJ DOMINAR 400 ?
Thanks again!
Never stop making these videos
I have a 2013 HONDA CB 1100 with 950 miles only. But whenever I put first gear on it makes a loud shifting noice like( Thakkk) but all other gears are shift smoothly and there is no problem to turning it back into neautral. Please advice if its normal or something is going on with it
Shit! You just showed a Z650, the little brother of my Z900. That means if that bike has your standard clutch, my has one too. That also means I have to adjust it, and history has told me that I'm not a very good maintainece person in knowing when to do these things you mentioned in the video!
Shit!
Poop!
CABLE CLUTCH AND THROTTLE PLS
Hey could you guys do a quick vid on how to properly tie down a motorcycle on a three rail trailer? Two buddies and I are taking a week long trip at the end of May and want to take our bikes with us but we don't want to damage the suspension while trailering them. The bikes are a 97 KLR 650, an 05 FZ6, and an 06 F4I
I have osteoarthritis issues in my wrist/thumb area and was wondering if anyone could advise if converting my bikes to hydraulic clutch system would be easier and lighter in operation?
Cheers... Interesting video.
My 1985 Honda VF500F came factory with a hydraulic clutch. I had never seen one in person before. I was pretty confused when I saw 2 brake fluid reservoirs
I have hydraulic on my TL1000R and cable for my zx6r. I loooove my hydraulic clutch!
Best clutch I've ever used was a hydraulic on a 07 cbr1000. Ive owned a cbr600 f41 and a 11 gsxr 750. I've rode gsxr 600s, r6s and a s1000rr. Would definitely take the cbr1000 just on smoothness out of all of those bikes.
I have a 2004 Fjr1300 and have a stiff clutch pull. Even after flushing the hydraulic clutch I did not notice any difference. Is there anything else I should do? Someone mentioned soaking the clutch plate in oil.