Should You Run A Rekluse Clutch? 

At 55 years old with arthritis in my hands and mild carpel tunnel, I am lucky to be able to hold onto a bike with a manual clutch for more than a few minutes, but with an auto clutch, I can ride for a few hours. On a side note, having arthritis and mild carpel tunnel keeps me from having arm pump since I can't hold on to the bars very tight!

I am 59 going to be 60 this year. Been riding for 47 years never had auto clutch gonna wait untill I am old before I try one. Thanks Meg.👍

I think you should do what works for you. Most people are just riding to have fun. If it helps you ride and have fun then do it. Do what works for you. If you are racing and doing high technical skills, than maybe learning better clutch skills are better for you. The most important thing is to do what works for you. Everyone gets so heated and stubborn when the main goal is for people to have fun and get away from the stress and drama they deal with every day. It seems a lot forget that part. It is a SPORT!!! Enjoy it.

I have been riding, and racing with a Rekluse for a number of years now. Bottom line is that I love it. Megs mentioned a few pros and cons with the auto-clutch, but there are many other pros and a couple more cons. First off, it depends on what bike you have. If you have a smaller two-stroke that needs a jab of the clutch to rev it up out of the turns, then the autoclutch isn't worth it except for the anti-stalling feature. I ride a fuel-injected 450, so I have as much power and torque as I need at any time, no need to slip the clutch to get the revs up. In fact, one feature of the autoclutch is the ability to run a gear higher. When you approach a turn and slow down, you can use the auto-clutch to accelerate out. The autoclutch will do this for hours without complaining or wearing out your left hand and will do it much smoother than a human could. As far as riding technical terrain, it is amazing, up to a point. Run a gear higher and you can always find traction. In the conditions you are riding in your video, the autoclutch is awesome. But the slight delay you mentioned is real, and you have to compensate for it. If you are tempted to ride trials type terrain, the autoclutch is not going to work for you, but for everything up to that, it is awesome. I estimate that the autoclutch removes about 20% of my workload, which during a long race is a huge advantage. If you are riding motocross, the autoclutch is a waste, its not required. There are other benefits too. The first time you get stuck in a mudhole, you will be amazed at how easy it is to get out with an autoclutch. Simply leave the bike running in gear, jump off and give a little gas to help power it out of the hole you just dug. Push the bike (and lift it if required), give it a little power, then jump on again and go. No need to worry about stalling the bike. Or when you get stuck halfway up a hill. Tell me then the autoclutch wont save your butt. OK, now I will talk about the real benefits which you haven't mentioned at all. Four words: Left Hand Rear Brake. When I first installed the Rekluse on my FE450, I left the clutch lever on. After awhile I realized that I never used it and converted the hydraulic clutch to a rear brake. If you think about it, having the rear brake operated by your right foot is stupid. You cant use while your turn right with your leg out. Its tough to use while you are standing. You don't have any feel through your boots. The left hand rear brake fixes all these problems. In fact, I removed the rear brake foot lever, one less thing to get smashed on the trail. I believe this combination of left-hand rear brake and autoclutch is the future. Why? Because it makes riding dirt bike easier and more fun.

Megan, great videos as always. As far as the topic goes: Geezus Clutch, people! Just let others ride how they like. Isn't just getting people outdoors and loving the joy of riding enough?!! Yes.

Great vid Megs, I agree that learning proper clutch control is very important in advancing your skills. In my 50's now I am at the point that I just want to ride and enjoy myself, my last 3 Beta's I've had the Rekluse CX clutch with rear hand brake and absolutely love them. Hill climbs are actually a lot easier for ME with the Rekluse and rear hand brake, I really like it. I guess it all depends on your riding preference and how far you want to try and advance your skills, manual or Rekluse Auto clutch, doesn't matter much to me which one someone prefers, just get out and ride:)

having my rear brake on my left hand (mountain bike style) frees my feet up to keep to keep them planted evenly on the pegs. I'm also able to put my right foot on the ground and use the back brake at the same time. You can also jump off the bike on a steep hill and engage both the front and back brake at the same time.

First thing I noticed is how inclusive you have been in your comments about the use or non-use of the auto-clutch. Thank you for your amazing video and sharing your experience. I agree that unless there are some attenuating circumstances, one should learn to master the clutch. As a newer rider, I did consider this clutch but then decided that it was more important to learn to use it properly versus taking a shortcut.

Hi Meg, I enjoyed listening to your commentary, well balanced. I fall into the started late category, began riding 11 years ago when i was 55 years old, in 2017 i upgraded from CRM 250 to a 08 WRR, which had a recluse fitted. This piece of equipment allows me to keep up with my group of riding mates who are bunch of younger, and much younger blokes. For me I will never be Jarvis, it hurts to much when i fall. Next Mod is a clake LHRB and clutch combo. Cheers

As someone who has had a rekluse in a couple bikes in the past, I agree with Meg 100%. Last 2 bikes have been manual clutch and after a couple years of working hard to actually learn how to really use the clutch, I can say I’m pretty decent at it now. The only reason I’ll ever run a rekluse again would be because of injury

the answer is yes, it is amazing. So amazing that the concept of riding without one now seems just ridiculous...like driving a car without anti-lock breaks or windshield wipers...it def makes your hand LESS tired not more tired.

Stumbled on this video and wanted to comment even though it's 3 yrs old. I have been riding since I was 5 years old, and let's just say I'm older than Meg. I never thought about an auto clutch but one day I was with a friend that had one on a KTM 250 XCW. We switched bikes and I didn't want to ever give his bike back to him. I am a clutch abuser, love the clutch, and I use it to do just about every maneuver. But the auto clutch just turned the bike into a serious threat machine! For you that talk about free wheeling down a hill you get stuck on, if you're a seasoned rider that does not happen. You simply have the bike running and give it some gas, which puts torque on the rear tire. You really can't stall out the bike so there is no worry there. And, if you have to just lay the bike down on the hill. Anyway, If you like the auto clutch then go for it, if you don't then stay away from it. Fast forwarding I now ride with a new buddy that has one and this guy is firkin great rider. To this day I've not installed one but dang, with electric bikes coming out because of the same situation, not worry about clutch, why not give it a go. I want to embrace all riders and all different rider set up. We hit trails that only 1% of riders can ride, and there are serious consequences if you screw up. Lots of exposure and I have almost got my bike in a stalling position due to the gnar...with an auto clutch Im safer. Anyway, I might just have to give one a go and now they have the 4.0 out which is better than the 3.0 that was out when this vide hit the tube. Braaaap

Thanks for a very balanced evaluation of the pros and cons of the Rekluse Meg. I offer only one comment - all of us older riders learned on the manual clutch but with age comes frailty which can be helped with an auto clutch. Now in my 70s I find it helps a lot as I still ride a very aggressive bike. By the way, I rode with you during Griz 2016, the first of that adventure series I believe.

Yes !!!!!!! By all means buy one and use it ! I am a retired Pro level racer and I believe it is faster and smoother than a std clutch especially combined with a left hand rear brake . The precision in braking control and line selection is a huge advantage.

Awesome video Megs, super helpful. Have always heard so much about them and could never quite work out whether it was for me or not, but you have framed and explained this perfectly!

Great explanation of what the Rekluse clutch does, and why you may or may not want it! I personally am a pro-Rekluse person, but I completely agree with your assessment of who should or shouldn't use one. Running hare scrambles, my clutch hand couldn't handle 2.5 - 3 hours of constant clutching, in difficult terrain. The one thing I ended up doing, is adding a left hand rear brake to my bike, so I can still access my rear brake, even in very difficult terrain. Love your videos! Keep up the good work.

Megan that was absolutely the best advice to everyone. Great information!

Your're right about the lag on a recluse, but I do love it when I'm feeling lazy but still want to get out there. The rest of the time I ride my standard bike, it does keep you on your toes more.

Great single track video and discussion on Rekluse auto clutch, thanks for share Megs.

Very well put Megs, I basically agree with you completely! I do run a rekluse autoclutch, but I also spent the majority of my riding life doing so without one so I have a very good mastering of the clutch. When I ride, I pretty much ignore that the autoclutch is there and ride like it isn't, it's mostly useful for me in long Hare Scramble races where my clutch hand is getting tired and I'm able to give it a break in sections.

I totally agree, when I first started I wanted one and now that I’ve got more seat time, I really wouldn’t want to ride with it. To each their own, but it really did all add up with practice

Well said Megan!! Rekluse autoclutches shouldn’t be as decisive as they seem to be... there’s plenty of reasons to use one and plenty of reasons to not use one. If I road only a few times a year, or road some truly grueling enduros to the point of exhaustion, I might consider one. Instead I found that at my skill level the auto clutch was holding me back. Thanks so much for your videos. 🤘

Totally agree with you on this one Megs. I've seen people crash and get pinned under the bike after stalling on a hill and having the bike roll backwards on them. For pre-existing conditions like carpel tunnel sure but for most riders it's not beneficial.

Megs when I was 50 yrs old I put a Reklus in my bike and I was totally sold. However 2 thing always bothered me. 1st if you don’t make it up a steep incline your going to go uncontrollably backwards very fast and that is not just scary it’s dangerous. 2nd an auto clutch dumbed me down as a an extreme enduro rider. I realized I could never jump on a bike with standard clutch and ride well. Because the auto clutch just wasn’t working right on my 2019 Husky TE 300 I, I decided to go back to manual clutch and it is the best decision I could make. I’m now 60 and having the time of my life learning to use a regular clutch again and it’s allowing me to do things I would never attempt with auto clutch

Great job covering the pros and cons of an auto clutch, couldn’t agree more!

Well said Meg, the only thing I'd add is to take your manual clutch to the next level. I recently went from a radius Rekluse to a core manual Rekluse and it's SO smooth.

I was thinking about getting one as suggested by a friend that has one. I'm a new older rider, but your words make sooo much sense. Taking the time to learn with a regular clutch (though a little more of a challenge) sounds like the better way to improve your skills. Thank you dear. You just saved me a ton of money, and hopefully with practice, It will just come to me. I've got to admit too, being able to roll backwards while still in gear doesn't sound like a very good idea either. Love you, and your channel.

I don’t normally comment, however on this I thought I would. Using the rekluse clutch is still a useable clutch. You can do everything you still do with the normal clutch, just without stalling the bike. I find it gives you more time to think an act in certain situations 👍

Hi meg great info love your stuff iv been riding for 50 years all in the dirt with no auto clutch except for the last 6 years I now have a rekluse auto clutch its taken some time to get used to but I love that thing I also have a left hand rear brake which I recon is the best thing stops rollback on hills and fantastic for brake sliding into very tight corners ,keeping the front safe too im 68 and with this setup I can still ride quick and feel safe not stalling or washing out its definitely extended my riding life and enjoyment also my recluse has a very light lever feel I think because its the type that has the steel balls not wedges cheers Pete

Last year was my first year of riding at 46, I loved all your points about learning to use the clutch properly and the technique that goes with it. I'm looking forward to learning and the tricks. I know I'm not going to be a pro rider, it's about myself and having fun and learning a new hobby that I wish I had discovered many years ago. Maybe when I'm in my 60s or later I will look into one, but right now, learning the clutch is for me. Great video! Cheers

Agreed 100%. Something worth mentioning is how resistant modern TPI bikes are to stalling and make the Rekluse a waste of money. Modern bikes are SO GOOD!

The biggest problem I have had in regards to the clutch is....understanding it’s correct use. Growing up, the clutch was for shifting. That’s it. Nothing else. It should last forever. If you used it for anything else you were "hard on stuff" or "didnt appreciate the things you had". I’ve been a licensed motorcycle rider for 25 years and am just now getting back to dirtbikes. I’ve been racing offroad for about 12 years and plan to race xc in 2021...on a 2stroke. I too choose not to run an autoclutch but they are a great option for some situations. I just realized while you were describing the operation of it, that it is exactly like a cvt but uses disks instead of a belt. Love the content.

Thanks for your comments they are spot on. I have been riding since I was 8 years old and I am now 56. I have two boys I have taught to ride and I always told them clutch and throttle control are the two most important things you must master when riding a dirt bike. That being said, I had the opportunity to pre-run on a friends bike before racing in the Baja 500 a few years back and he had a Rekluse clutch in his bike. I had always felt that an auto clutch was for lazy riders and I was not interested at all. I was very shocked at how well it worked and after pre-running a 160 mile section of the race course I found myself really liking it. I have since installed Rekluse clutches in two of my Bikes a Beta 300 2-stroke and a Yamaha WR450. I did learn very fast while riding the Beta in Moab and getting stuck on some rock ledges and step ups that the bike will roll backwards while in gear. Just something you have to be prepared for. Overall I will take it either way with or with out an auto clutch just what ever it takes to get you out there to ride. That's the most important thing.

Really glad I saw this video and found your channel. Great inspiration to be the best I can be and not just look to tech to solve technique. Excited to explore the rest of your videos. Thanks!

Agree with you 100% one of the fun parts of riding is learning the clutch Like a sports car with an automatic

I agree with you. I had a rekluse on a 500EXC it came with the bike when I purchased it. The biggest downside is the freewheeling in technical descents. Very nerve wracking, yeah I could have put on a hand brake. Sold the bike and don't want another rekluse.

great review, thanks Megan! Very balanced and informative!

Thoughtful content, but IMHO a Rekluse is no less of a “crutch” than good suspension, brakes, chassis, engines, FI etc. I’ve been riding for 50 years and feel I know how to use a clutch by any mortal measure, but will Rekluse in every off road bike I own. If you think Rekluae is a crutch or cheat, you should ride some vintage off-road bikes instead of anything sold in the past 40 years.

Well well well, you nailed it Meghan. I spent the first 5 years of my trail riding with a WR450 and a Rekluse. It was a good time and I did get to go where I might not have otherwise gone. There were definite advantages ( like the left hand rear brake- Amazing!)..... but I always knew that I was developing bad habits and not learning other ones that are critical to any kind of technical riding. Now I own a TE 300 with the stock clutch. After 40 hours of riding that, I finally feel like I’m back to where I was comfort wise with the Rekluse. Those bad habits are HARD to break. It would have been better to learn the right way from the beginning. I have to say that I agree 100% with your assessment.

I really enjoy your channel everything you said about the rekluse is true I have one on my te300 and I love it im not in my 30,s anymore im 59 have had a kidney transplant it made my life so much easier now if I Was young and healthy I wouldn't want one but works for me please keep up the good work your videos are helping me to get faster in the woods ive also put stegs pegs on my bike and they have really helped me to get back in the habit of standing a lot more thank you for all you do

You make such good points. Well thought out and simple. Just good stuff 👍

Megs, I always like your very well done videos. Im 53 and have terrible hearing. And when I was racing I had a hard time hearing my bike. Especially when other bikes were around on passes or tight turns. Its kept my stalling and dumps and restarts more manageable. Most kids in my class are in their 20s. It kinda evens the playing field. But you make a even tempered arguement. Keep up the great work. Your an inspiration to so many girls out there.

Sound advice Megs, thanks! Stefanie is watching your vids. She's progressed from a KLX140G to a KLX230 over the past two years and just picked up a 2020 Husqvarna FE350 with a GET ECU, etc. She road a small amount in her teens, but then backed off to riding double on my XR350R with me until recently. Now, 22 years later, she's real excited about the challenges dirt biking brings. I might be one of the happiest men in the world right now. I have my best friend, my wife, wanting to ride with me! We're not hard core, but Potash road and Shafer switchbacks are beyond what I ever thought she'd do, and she did them with relative ease, and asking for more more!

Just came back to riding and found this. Really nice having someone teach me the things I need help with. Watching this video I wasn't thinking about the clutch, I was just thinking how fast Meg is going threw the forest. I hope to catch up to speed.

Excellent advice! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Meg, I think you hit it exactly right. I had a Rekluse and it caused more dangerous situations than it solved, mostly due to the bike free-wheeling when I wanted it anchored. I really missed the fine clutch control, so I went back to a manual clutch. When I did like the Rekluse was when I was completely gassed and in survival mode. Too bad the Rekluse doesn't retain the normal clutch feel and have an on/off mode - then it would be a must have! Oh, and bump starting is definitely complicated by the Rekluse too. Thanks for the great vids and it is so inspirational seeing you overcome your height disadvantage. I struggle at times even at 5'10" but you have taken all my excuses away!

Excellent video. Thank you Megs.

I agree! This year I was hoping for more clutch control and while I have more room for improvement it is such a rewarding feeling “getting it”. A great job at explaining both sides. I can see podcasts in your future :))

Great video, Megs! Not knowing much about auto-clutches, I learned a lot here, both pro and con, so thank you for that! Gotta say tho, just as impressed with your well thought-out, organized presentation as anything! Keep on with the great instruction, I always learn something and try to apply it even tho I'm on the larger dual sports! Ride safe!

Brilliant video, very well explained, couldn't agree more. Please continue to make these videos, they're excellent! 👍👍👍

This video convinced me I need a rekluse clutch! Thanks Megs!

I agree with you 100% on your words I can’t see myself using a rekluse Take a way all the fun. Great video 🔝 thx

That trail was sweet! I think the best explanation of a rekluse function ever. Note: rekluse also makes a manual clutch that uses more plates more oil flow and less heat . I enjoy you videos. Thank you

Solid opinion, and one that I share. Well done.

Love your vids. So well said.

Meg, Thank you for mentioning the arm injury! I have an injury from Afghanistan that has weakened the strength in my left hand. This has really hindered my riding experience, especially when I ride with my 11 year old who wants to go further and longer. I have made the decision to throw in the rekluse with hopes that it will provide me with that assistance. Thanks for the video and enjoy Southern Oregon!

I've thought about one for years now. At 60, and riding tight trails, I'll keep thinking. 😂 So far, I enjoy the technique of using my clutch. Maybe when I'm old...

Lots of great comments! I find In every sport or endeavor, every piece of equipment or part is a "tool" to leverage performance to whatever "level" someone chooses to aspire too. The law of diminishing returns is ever present due to physics or skill....especially when your riding 9 on a 10 scale. Enjoyed the sync of the flowy ride and the sweet engine control....you were dialed in!! :)

What I think is...you are a super cool individual megs, and not only is your teaching super helpful, but the manner in which you teach is exemplary..and rare. Thank you!

Well said & 100% agree. I just started riding this year and was tempted to get an auto clutch. Glad I didn’t because the struggle is even more rewarding. However, to each their own, as it makes perfect sense for some to use an auto clutch.

This is my exact take on the rekluse auto clutch thanks for the great video keep it up 👍🏽

Meg, great advice, balanced point of view logical and balanced. Thank you.

Very well reasoned analysis. Appreciate your honest opinion!

Thank you for this. It brought up a bunch of thoughts. I learned to ride when I was young, and a Rekluse wasn't even a thing yet... Learning clutch control was the only way I could ride. That being said, now I have Rekluse's on 3 of my bikes and love it! I still have all the control I need when I want it, but can relax and let the auto clutch do it's thing most of the time. Rekluse+left hand rear brake=Trail ride life hack. =D

Great vid! Explained very well👍👍

Super interesting Megan. I have about a year of enduro riding, and had one fall that could be avoided if I had a Rekluse clutch. But I will better learn how to master my clutch and think this will be much better in the long run. Thanks for your class.

I really like your info, analysis and channel Meg

Picking a touchy subject - now that's brave! Like any mod there's good and bad points, often there's no real right or wrong answer.

👍🏻👍🏻. Great review!! Thank you.

Excellent analysis, Megan! ✊✊

When I learned about auto clutches, my thought process was "I hate falling, so anything I can do to prevent a fall is money well spent" however, I didn't consider what you said about not being able to use the engine to brake the bike, but it makes sense. More than a handfull of times, I've been stalled on a hill off my bike and needed to slip it into 1st gear to keep it from rolling backwards while the bike was off. That gives me time to get on the bike so I can then hold the rear brake. Like you, i'm a short lightweight rider. I was convinced I would benefit from a rekluse auto clutch but this video has completely changed my mind. Thank you for your honest review!

Very well explained Meg.

Excellent commentary. I agree 100%. The clutch is an awesome control and learning how to use it is essential for anyone aspiring to be a good rider. I have always stayed with a manual clutch. Come to Colorado and let’s ride!!

You are 100% right. Thank you.

Preach! No replacement for practice!!

I didn't put a REKLUSE in my bikes until 2017. I have mine adjusted to where the bike creeps. I still ride as if its not there but if its a long race or ride and you get tired it can be an asset. I can still Stall and the bike holds. I think its PARAMOUNT to learn to Master the clutch Before you switch. I don't have one in the trials bike though. Very well thought out review and absolutely Love the fact that your Riding instead of sitting in a chair! Thanks!

I race hare scrambles and am a decent 58 year old "B" racer. I run a Rekluse because when racing for 2 hours, I get extremely fatigued. I ride the bike like normal, but rely on the Rekluse toward the end of the race when tired. A Rekluse and 300 2-stroke or 350 4-stroke is the best "old guys" combo IMO!

I've been running a z start original version on a 01 300 exc and have many years experience on bikes and tough trails. I can't argue your points of the downfalls of a recluse...forgot one...can't bump start either, but...the traction control effect is a tough thing to argue against...less trail damage, easier negotiating switchbacks, less shifting, prolonged life of drive train parts. I had 10 years run time on a supersprox chain and sprocket set, only to change them out because couldn't adjust any farther due to chain stretch. The rear sprocket is still fine! Yes it's a crutch for learning, but can be very useful in the right hands.

That was very well stated. The only bike I am about using a rekluse clutch for is a DTX flat-track bike. In the event of gearbox or other catastrophic failure on the rear wheel at speed while in those sliding turns, it prevents it from locking up and resulting wall impact that has killed and put notable riders into lifelong paralysis.

I turned 59 years old today. I put a rekluse on my 2018 501 severs months after purchase. First Time ever! Been riding since I was 13, raced flat track for a while when I was younger and have rode single track for years. I am not the worlds best rider nor am I the master of the clutch, but I can ride with folks much younger than I and this auto clutch makes it more enjoyable. I get some of you think it is a crutch an maybe it is. But if it keeps me riding for 20 plus more years I will purchase a dozen of these babies! I ride all over the states, some narly crap, steep terrain in the dessert, and it gives me confidence that I can can still rip.

Great video and explanation 👍 You are very well spoken , knowledgeable and appear to be an excellent rider 🤙. Be safe , stay healthy 🌞

Thank you for talking about this particular topic..My husband has been riding for over 20 years amd bought me an old Honda 100 a year and half ago to learn and had no trouble with it and I recently I just bought A Suzuki rm250 and have been having trouble with stalling BIG TIME lol and he wanted to put a recluse clutch on my bike as I was getting so frustrated and not having fun anymore trying to get going again after stalling but I want to learn to learn to stop stalling on my own without as you say 'a bandaid ' to make to make it easier.I really want to say a heartfelt 'THANK YOU ' to you personally for all the video you take the time to make for us to learn from.. They have invaluable to me as im learning and getting more confident on my new bike and I think your an amazing role model for young and older woman that ride .Sending love from Ashcroft BC

Thanks for this clip, it’s very informative. I grew up riding clutch and then didn’t ride for over two decades (I know! Silly me! Was raising my sons so $ went to them riding) I started back up riding 3 years ago at age 42 riding first a 230 crf & then a 180 Yamaha rt, both full clutching & then a good friend let me try his 2010 450 klx with rekluse & I fell in love with the bike so he sold it to me! I wasn’t used to that rekluse or a 450 lol so trial & error & here I am, riding this big bike & loving it except for the rekluse. Ya, I like the rekluse for super slow tight single track but now that I’m getting better at handling this beast of a bike, steep hill climbs & not making them to the top bites, like, literally lol. No clutch & no back hand brake have left me at a 3/4 hill climb stall out with my huge 450 kawi free shooting backwards & that’s not great times I tell ya;) lol. I love my ride but if I had the ability to have a hand back break in this bike, I’d love that rekluse more;) I’m bummed I’ve gotten used to the rekluse now as I’m sure I’ll have to learn full clutch all over again argh but I’m thinking of upgrading to a ktm 350 or kx 250 with full clutching as after riding rekluse & full clutch both, I’d say no rekluse for me as well. It’s what I’ve got atm so I’ll keep trying those hill climbs but my next bike will have full clutch as I believe the clutch is necessary for better control. I also broke my right hand in the first year riding this rekluse going down a steep hill as there’s not much hold back with rekluse & it feels like a sled with having to use brakes plus throttle. A big rock & my front tire going sideways and no clutch to stall the bike left me punching the ground with bark busters on & breaking my right hand so my bike wouldn’t launch over the cliff:( ya, I saved my bike before I saved myself lol & I’d do it again too haha! Sigh re-learning yet again at age 45 with a foot disability as well but booyahhh where there’s a will, there’s a way. Thanks for you vids & inspiration 💥

Excellent and insightful advice.

Well put , totally agree on ur brake down .... i thought about getting due to broken hands and so on , but im still able to comfortably cover the clutch ... so will leave that to a later date lol ... 10/10 megs on this one ....

awesome topic!! I have been riding a few years (street) this was my first season riding trails on a full size bike (CRF250x) with a Rekluse clutch. I can tell it defiantly makes the more technical area harder because of the "lag" WHEN I USE the clutch. another huge issue I come across often is the bike rolls on hills!! I'm short on the 250X so it helps some and really doesnt help when youre on a hill climb and need to turn around. Good luck trying to bump start that B too haha. Thanks Meg xoxo, because of this video, ill take mine out and get better at the basics! YOU ROCK!!

Try this: It locks ground speed to engine RPM. Scary puttin' over some steep technical, *at low RPM,* knowing that it the engine does stall OR you close off the throttle completely, the bike will roll backwards.

Totally agree with you, impatient groups are pushing it on newbies just so they can keep up. Hand clutch is infinitely adjustable as you are using it.... while recluse is preset by the stiffness of the springs. They actually can't even compare.....In tight and technical stuff - old clutch will always win.

I have them on my Bikes, but I mainly use it as a tool as no stall if I make a mistake. I still use my clutch as if the Rekluse dont exist,I also have L-hand rear brake that I love when sliding into a right turn or going down a hill and not needing to adjust my foot for braking also helps when you are racing and a bottle neck traffic jam and you just idle in gear.Other than that I ride the bike as intended and have the luxury of no stall. Yes its a crutch, but I Love it as I am a top 5, C rider. Everyone has their own opinions on it and this was mine!!. By the way love your videos,very helpful tips!!!.

Yes I agree with 100% but I didn’t hear one more thing that’s also very valuable about the standard clutch: push starting. Obviously the electric start is amazing but compared to the Rekluse, you don’t have to adjust your clutch to push start your bike, and then adjust it back while your bike is waiting for you to work on it again.

Good vid. Never ran a Rekluse. Not to say its a crutch, but fundamentals play a role in operational control and in developing hand strength. And being able to avoid arm pump is all about exercising your fingers and hands when riding. A dirt bike is probably the most enjoyable exercise machine an individual can operate.

Recluse on my 450 husqvarna is magic for me, put it in third and can do 70 percent of a cross country in one gear. I also have a clake left hand brake that makes life even easier. I'm 70.

Thanks For the great insight on the auto clutch. Everything you said makes sense. If I buy my sons 09" kx250f, I'm putting one on it along with a different throttle cam and kickstand. I can operate a clutch just fine, but I only ride a couple of times per year. I just want to have fun while trail riding and think these mods would make it more enjoyable for me. I also invite ideas on how to make this bike a little more mild and quieter for trail riding. Thanks for the video. The view over your bars is very inspiring. Great content!

Nah. Hinson steel basket & hub, steels & fibers (instead of aluminum) and an easy-pull clutch device with a Terminator clutch cable. Durable & long lasting, adds a little stall resistance (flywheel effect), and light 1-finger operation. Excellent for the CR500 in the woods.

Unique and compelling content.

Great info. I think you nailed both sides pretty well.

lost my mind! good to know how to ride, with a clutch, and great riders know how to use a clutch. I ride a rekluse, brake levers up on the bars. love it, and really enjoy riding it in the mountains.

I taught my kids the clutch controls speed. Not the brakes and not the gas. Lean to control your speed with your clutch and the rest will follow. Of course this is a low speed advice but this is where you learn the foundation.

We used the Rekluse auto in our 2 Honda 450x bikes in the 24 hours of Glen Helen a few years back. Winning of course, and few years in a row. If you've done that race you'll know why the electric start, Rekluse and stand alone battery powered LED headlight are the choice combo. But, I don't use one on my own bike.

Great video, makes a lot of sense, I love my clutch I would never use an auto clutch!