Gents, settle a debate if you will. Watching MotoGP, WSBK and AMA Superbike this weekend, the discussion came up regarding slipper clutches. It appears as the riders are entering a braking zone, and begin burping the throttle as they downshift the bike, the clutch lever stays in until they let it out slowly to feel the rear tyre slide and deaccelerate the bike. That appears normal until one considers the tremendous RPM change and it's application to the rear tyre. Ok. But wheres' the wheel hop under so much deacceleration?

Is it the slipper clutch that allows this transfer from 6th to 2nd w/o the hop? I have an 05' Gsxr, and I believe that it was 06' that they came with this set-up? I must be on the ball when I go into a braking situation and downshifting. Guess it's time for an upgrade! A tech explanation would be appreciated. Watching Rossi and Mladin, etc "back em' in" is exciting to watch and I can't wait til Indy!

Thanks!

It is indeed the slipper clutch that allows the rider to bang down a few gears without worrying about wheel hop.

http://www.yoyodyneti.com/motorcycle_slipper_clutch_operat.htm

That is correct on both counts. The 06-07 600-1000 GSX-r's have a ramp-style slipper clutch. I can drop my K7 750 from 6th to 2nd without having to match revs, worry about wheelhop or engine braking...I don't, but I could.

Slipper clutches are for people who don't know how to down shift.and I'll bet you have a gear indicator on your bike to tell you what gear your in.

The GSXR's come stock with a semi-slipper clutch. It helps with an aggresive downshift for saftey. Its no where near anything like a motogp Slipper Clutch or aftermarket ones. Stay away from the Yoyodine and Hinson slipper Clutch. Only go with STM Italia Slipper Clutch its the best upgrade next to steering stabalizers and brake lines. The STM Slipper clutch has full adjustablility for more slip or more engine braeking.

To the person who said slipper clutches are for people who cant downshift .. sounds like someone cant afford one and is an occasional trackday rider. I for one can downshift properly but choose the STM Slipper Clutch for any of my track bikes because its worth every penny. I set mine up for more heavy Engine breaking from higher revs and still blip the throttle before entry. Thats just my riding style but having it will save your ass. I bought extra STM springs to play with the set up on my old track bike 2006 CBR600RR .. I could downshift from 5th at 14k rpms to second and dump the clutch with no wheel hop. I wouldnt reccomend doing that because of the wear on your clutch plates and STM's Primary and Secondary springs but will easily save your a ton of time on each lap.

Again stock slipper clutches are not adjustable and stay away from yoydine and Hinson. Only get STM if your planning on upgrading. Slipper Clutches are not for everyone , meaning some occasional track day riders might not need it but when you outride your stock suspension and dot tires then this is a must. I for one will never ride any of street or track bikes without one but thats just me and I probably will have a short life span.

Ohh yeah for the haters Ive been Suzuki, Honda ,Kawasaki, Yamaha and Ducati certified for over 8 years and have been racing for the last 15 years.