Slipper Clutch Eliminator Pros and Cons

Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

A slipper clutch is a specialized clutch used on motorcycles and performance vehicles to prevent wheel hop during aggressive downshifting.

The slipper clutch allows the clutch to slip during deceleration, preventing the rear wheel from locking up. This results in better vehicle stability and control.

How a Slipper Clutch Works

A slipper clutch contains ramps and wedges between the clutch hub and pressure plate. During deceleration, the ramps force the pressure plate away from the clutch plates. This allows the clutch to slip, disengaging the engine from the transmission. The amount of ramp angle controls the slip rate.

Without a slipper clutch, aggressive downshifting transfers the engine’s power instantly to the rear wheel. This can cause the rear tire to lock up and hop or chatter, leading to a loss of control. The slips enabled by the slipper clutch prevent drive train shock and rear wheel lockup.

Benefits of a Slipper Clutch

• Improves stability by preventing rear wheel lockup during downshifting
• Allows aggressive downshifting without upsetting the chassis
• Reduces stress on engine and transmission components
• Provides smoother, more controlled deceleration
• Extends clutch life by reducing wear
• Enables faster corner entry speeds for improved lap times

So in summary, slipper clutches allow spirited downshifting while maintaining vehicle composure and control. This makes them highly desirable for performance motorcycles and race vehicles.

What is a Slipper Clutch Eliminator?

A slipper clutch eliminator is a replacement clutch kit that removes the slipper mechanism from the stock clutch. This creates a full lockup clutch with no slip capability. The goal of a slipper clutch eliminator is to improve acceleration performance by increasing power transfer to the rear wheel.

How a Slipper Clutch Eliminator Works

Slipper clutch eliminators use solid clutch plates instead of ramped or wedged plates. This creates a direct, non-slipping connection between the clutch hub and pressure plate. With no built-in slip, the rear wheel receives instant power on acceleration and during downshifts.

Some eliminator kits replace the clutch plates and springs while reusing the stock clutch basket. Others provide a complete racing clutch kit with billet lightweight clutch components. In all cases, the ramps or wedges are removed or replaced to create a full lockup clutch.

Benefits of a Slipper Clutch Eliminator

The main benefits of a slipper clutch eliminator include:

• Faster acceleration due to increased power transfer
• Improved back wheel traction during hard launches
• More responsive power delivery when downshifting
• Higher top speed potential
• Increased friction for improved feel and control

So for riders focused on acceleration, speed, and improved lap times, a slipper eliminator can provide performance advantages over a stock slipper clutch.

Pros of Using a Slipper Clutch Eliminator

Switching to a slipper clutch eliminator provides some key advantages for performance-oriented riding.

Increased Acceleration

With no slipping action, all engine power is instantly sent to the rear wheel upon releasing the clutch lever. This equals faster acceleration off the line and stronger drive out of corners. Slipper eliminators are popular with drag racers looking for improved launches.

Improved Shifting

The positive engagement of an eliminator kit also improves throttle response and smoothness when downshifting. Instead of slipping and re-engaging, the clutch locks up instantly for precise rev-matching.

More Power to the Rear Wheel

Stock slipper clutches are designed to limit power during deceleration to prevent wheel hop. Eliminators remove this limitation, allowing full engine power to reach the rear wheel at all times.

So for riders focused on acceleration, an eliminator can provide a real performance advantage compared to a stock slipper clutch.

Cons of Using a Slipper Clutch Eliminator

However, removing the slipper mechanism does have some drawbacks to consider.

Harsher Downshifts

The smooth, controlled deceleration of a slipper clutch is replaced with more abrupt, harsh downshifts. The rear wheel hops and chirps when rev-matching without a slipper clutch. This can upset the chassis and traction during aggressive downshifting.

Increased Engine Braking

Slipper clutches minimize engine braking forces during deceleration. An eliminator locks the rear wheel to the engine, increasing engine braking. While desired by some riders, excessive engine braking can be tiring and make corner entries more difficult.

More Clutch Wear

The slipping action of a slipper clutch reduces clutch wear during aggressive downshifting. An eliminator kit removes this protection, resulting in increased friction and more rapid clutch wear over time.

So riders who value composed corner entry, chassis stability, and clutch life may want to think twice before eliminating their slipper.

In summary, slipper clutch eliminators provide increased acceleration and rear wheel power transfer for many sportbikes and race vehicles. However, the tradeoffs come in the form of harsher downshifting, increased engine braking, and higher clutch wear over time.

Riders should carefully consider their riding style and priorities before deciding if a slipper eliminator is the right choice for their machine. For those focused on acceleration above all else, the benefits may outweigh the downsides.

FAQs About Slipper Clutch Eliminator Pros and Cons

What is the main benefit of a slipper clutch eliminator?

The main benefit is increased acceleration and power transfer to the rear wheel due to the full lockup design.

Do slipper clutch eliminators allow for smoother downshifts?

No, eliminators usually cause harsher, more abrupt downshifts compared to a slipper clutch.

Will an eliminator kit work with my stock clutch plates?

Some eliminators reuse stock clutch components, but many require installing new plates and springs. Check specifications carefully.

Can I put a slipper eliminator on any motorcycle?

Eliminators are only recommended for performance machines. Using one on a street bike is not advised.

Do eliminators improve clutch feel and control?

The increased friction can provide improved feel and response in some cases. However, the harsh downshifting effects counter this benefit.

Conclusion

Slipper clutch eliminators offer measurable performance benefits under hard acceleration by removing the clutch’s slip mechanism. The increased power transfer improves launches and drives. However, eliminators also introduce harsher downshifting, greater engine braking, and accelerated clutch wear.

Riders need to decide if the acceleration gains warrant the tradeoffs for their bike and riding style. Eliminators excel at the drag strip but may be too extreme for the street or track. With a little analysis of needs vs drawbacks, riders can make an informed choice if eliminating their slipper is worthwhile.