Rekluse TorqDrive Clutch Pack Review

The Rekluse TorqDrive Manual Clutch Pack is the Idaho-based company's newest product in its vast lineup of components. Well known for its auto clutches in the off-road world, Rekluse has steadily made its way into the Supercross and motocross arena and, in 2018, the brand won all three Monster Energy AMA Supercross titles with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's Jason Anderson winning the 450 class title, Monster Energy/Yamalube/Star/Yamaha Racing's Aaron Plessinger capturing the 250 West Region championship, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's Zach Osborne taking the 250 East Region title.

The 2018 Yamaha YZ450F was my Long Haul bike last season and, while it proved to live up to Yamaha's high durability standards, I noticed the clutch was wearing out and needed to be changed at around the 30-hour mark. To be able to run a stock clutch in a bike for 30 hours while preparing for the opening rounds of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Nationals is very impressive. When searching for a replacement clutch, I opted for Rekluse's TorqDrive Manual Clutch Pack. It has thinner friction discs than stock, which allows more discs to fit in your stock clutch basket. This is intended to help decrease clutch slip and increase clutch life.

Prior to installation, I soaked the clutch fibers in a gallon Ziploc bag filled with the engine oil I planned to use, as I would with any replacement clutch. Rekluse recommends soaking the fibers for at least five minutes and to make sure to get both sides covered in oil. I personally prefer to soak mine for around four hours, but this is just my personal preference. Upon installation, I noticed the TorqDrive Manual Clutch Pack uses basket sleeves, which are taps and sleeves that slip into your clutch basket and are designed to reduce the wear of your clutch basket, thus allowing for longer clutch component life. This is a very nice feature as inner and outer hubs are expensive. If you plan on using stock parts, I recommend this clutch just for the fact alone that the clutch tabs will assist in extending the life of your clutch components, and that doesn't even include the performance gains offered with this Rekluse system.

Once I hit the track with the TorqDrive clutch pack installed, it took about one to two hours to break in, which is pretty normal. I’ve never been a fan of the way a brand-new clutch feels, regardless of the brand. I always prefer a clutch that has at least two days, or two engine hours, of riding on it to get it to feel the way I like. At about the end of the second day of riding with the Rekluse, it was just about perfect. After the clutch broke in, I changed the oil as well. For reference, I weigh about 165 pounds and race in the pro class. Most racers at the pro level tend to use the clutch quite often, mainly to control the bike and in an effort to keep the front wheel down while accelerating, like on the exit of a corner.

Most of the time during motos, especially in the summer, I can feel when the clutch starts to overheat and fade toward the end of a practice session or race due to excessive use and heat. However, such was not the case with the Rekluse installed. I raced with it at the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross opener at Hangtown and the following weekend at round 2 at Glen Helen Raceway. At both races, it stayed consistent throughout the entire day, never slipping or losing feel at the lever.

RELATED: Racing The 2018 Glen Helen National

All in all, the Rekluse TorqDrive Manual Clutch Pack provided improved lever feel and didn’t fade under excessive use during long motos in warm weather. At a retail price of $349 for cable-actuated clutches, $279 for hydraulic CSS clutches, and $249 for hydraulic DDS clutches, the Rekluse TorqDrive clutch pack is an excellent aftermarket component that serves as a great OEM replacement, provides better performance, and increases clutch life.

Contact: rekluse.com; (208) 426-0659