Motorcycles are loved around the world for their speedy acceleration and smooth handling. Like cars, motorcycles have a clutch for changing gears. Over time, the gears and other components will wear down, so you’ll need to replace them.
On average, it costs about $600 to have a professional replace your motorcycle clutch. The typical price range is between $300 on the low end to $800 on the high end.
Alternatively, you can buy the clutch parts and replace them yourself. Plates, cables, and springs cost approximately $60, $10, and $15.
These prices are averages and depend on your bike’s make/model, age, and your mechanic’s location.
To help you out with costs, we put together this comprehensive guide on the costs of replacing a motorcycle clutch.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Motorcycle Clutch?
The exact price depends on the particular model, but you can expect to pay approximately $600 on average to replace a motorcycle clutch.
The typical price range is between $300 on the low end to $800 on the higher end. Some models may cost $800+ to repair.
Below is a table showing the average clutch repair costs for various popular motorcycles. Keep in mind that these costs are just average and may change depending on the age of your vehicle and your mechanic’s location.
| Make/Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Harley Davidson Iron 1200 | $300 |
| Honda CB300R | $700 |
| Yamaha YZF-R3 | $250 |
| Triumph Bonneville Speed Twin | $300 |
| Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R | $350 |
| Indian FTR 1200 | $500 |
| Suzuki SV650X | $600 |
| Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 | $800 |
| Royal Enfield Continental GT | $600 |
| Honda CB125SF | $500 |
Generally speaking, clutch replacement costs for a motorcycle are a good deal cheaper than those for a car. Most motorcycles have a manual transmission, although some newer models have an automatic transmission.
Automatic transmissions are typically more expensive to repair than manual transmissions.
Motorcycle Clutch Parts
Most of the time, you won’t have to replace the entire clutch assembly but will only have to replace a specific part. Motorcycle clutches have three major parts:
- Clutch plate
- Clutch cable
- Springs
We will cover the average costs for the various parts.
Clutch Plate
The clutch plate presses hold the gears against the transmission gears so they can spin together. When you engage the clutch, springs move the plate so the clutch comes disconnected from the rest of the drivetrain.
Clutch plates are generally inexpensive. You can find a suitable replacement for about $60 on average. The tropical price range is between $40 on the low end to $100+ on the higher end.
Here is a table showing the costs of various motorcycle clutch plates.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| AHL Motorcycle Clutch Plate Kit | $60 |
| Barnett Performance Products Friction Plate Kit | $130 |
| Road Passion Clutch Friction Plates | $40 |
| Barnett Performance Carbon Fiber Clutch Plate Kit | $215 |
| Kustomacc Clutch Friction Plate Kit | $55 |
| Rivera Primo Clutch Pack w/ Kevlar Friction Plate | $150 |
The material of the clutch plate affects costs. For example, steel clutch plates cost less than plates made from carbon fiber or kevlar. However, carbon fiber plates are more durable and will fail less.
Clutch Cable
The clutch cable pulls on the plate when you engage the clutch and moves the correct gear into place. Clutch cables typically cost $10 to $20, though there are models under $10 and over $40.
You can buy a clutch cable kit with the required connector pins for about $40 on average.
Here is a table showing the cost of various clutch cable products. These prices are averages and subject to change.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Terisass Motorcycle Clutch Cable | $12 |
| Venhill Universal Motorcycle Clutch Cable Kit | $30 |
| GOOFIT Clutch Cable w/ Adjuster | $9 |
| ZZOY Motorcycle Universal Clutch Cable | $15 |
| Venhill U01-1-201 Twin Cam V-Twin Clutch Cable Kit | $48 |
| Motion Pro Armor Coat Clutch Cable | $45 |
| HIAROS Clutch Cable w/ Adjuster | $10 |
The good thing about clutch cables is that they are often universally compatible, so it does not matter what kind of bike you have. Most clutches with universal compatibility come with an adjuster tool so you can change the length to fit your needs.
Springs
Clutch springs are a necessary component because they provide the tension that holds the clutch plates against the transmission.
You can expect to pay about $15 on average for a set of clutch springs. Most modern motorcycles use five clutch springs, so make sure that you get enough.
Below is a table showing the average cost for various motorcycle clutch springs.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Barnett Clutch Springs | $17 |
| Uxcell Brake and Clutch Pedal Springs | $8 |
| CLEO High-Performance Clutch Springs | $7 |
| EBC Brakes CSK197 Clutch Spring Kit | $13 |
| Hongyu High-Performance Clutch Springs | $14 |
| Ducati Clutch Pressure Plate Springs | $25 |
| Henson Hi-Temp Clutch Spring Kit | $75 |
Factors that Affect Motorcycle Clutch Repair Costs
Manual or automatic
Generally speaking, most motorcycles use a manual transmission, but there is a growing market for bikes with automatic transmission.
Typically, manual transmissions are cheaper to repair than automatic transmissions because they have simpler parts.
Extent of damage
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may only have to replace a single component, such as the pressure plate or clutch handle.
However, if your parts are old and worn down, then you will have to replace all the parts of the clutch assembly.
Make/model
As is always the case, the make and model of your bike will affect repair costs.
Luxury and high-performance brands such as BMW, Harley, or Kawasaki may have special parts or require specialized labor services to repair.
Age of your bike
Generally speaking, the older your bike is, the cheaper it will be to repair the clutch.
If you have a particularly old, classic model that has been discontinued, then it may be hard to find the appropriate replacement parts.
What Does a Motorcycle Clutch Do?
Just like a car, motorcycles have a transmission that connects the engine to the main drive train.
The clutch works to disconnect the engine from the drivetrain so the bike can switch gears, idle at a standstill, and slow down. Without the clutch, you would not get the smooth acceleration that makes for a comfortable ride.
Signs of a Bad Motorcycle Clutch
Here are some of the most common signs of a broken motorcycle clutch.
Grinding or Clicking Sound
The most obvious sign of a bad motorcycle clutch is a grinding or clicking noise coming from the transmission box.
As the pieces of the clutch wear out, the pieces will start to grind against one another since there is not enough friction to engage the plate.
Decreased Mileage
Another common symptom of a broken clutch is decreased mileage. If your engine keeps revving at a high RPM, the engine has to work harder and gets less power overall.
So if you notice decreased fuel economy, a broken clutch is likely the culprit.
Difficulty Engaging Clutch
As your clutch wears down, the parts may become stuck and harder to engage. If you notice difficulty engaging your clutch, then take your bike to a mechanic to diagnose the problem.
Poor Acceleration
Normally, the clutch works to provide smooth acceleration as it changes gears in tandem with speeding up.
If you notice sluggish acceleration, or hear a grinding, clicking noise when accelerating, then your clutch is likely broken.
Failing to Get in Gear
Normally, your motorcycle should shift into the appropriate gears as you accelerate. If you notice that your bike can’t get into gear, then the problem is likely with your clutch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a motorcycle clutch?
It will cost approximately $600 on average to fully replace your motorcycle clutch from a professional mechanic. Alternatively, you can buy the parts for about $100 and replace the clutch assembly by yourself.
Can I repair a motorcycle clutch?
It depends on the extent of the damages. If the pressure plate is slightly warped, you may be able to weld the piece back into the proper shape.
However, if the parts are too worn down, then you will likely have to replace the entire clutch assembly.
How often should I replace my motorcycle clutch?
Most motorcycle clutches are rated to last between 20,000 to 60,000 miles, or about once every 3 to 4 years. If you fail to properly maintain your bike, then you may have to change it earlier.
Can I replace a motorcycle clutch on my own?
Yes, you can replace clutch components on your own but we would not recommend changing it unless you have experience working on cars.
Clutch components need to be aligned properly and it’s relatively easy to fasten a plate out of place.
Can I ride on a bad motorcycle clutch?
You can, but it is not recommended. Your bike will still start with a broken clutch, but you will have difficulty accelerating and changing gears.
A broken clutch can make you lose control of your bike and cause other damages, so it’s in your best interest to get a broken clutch replaced as quickly as possible.
Final Words
Your clutch is an incredibly important part of your motorcycle’s drivetrain and creates the smooth acceleration that bikes are loved for.
If you have a broken clutch, you should try to get it fixed as quickly as possible before it causes other issues. As always, make sure to get quotes from several mechanics so you can get the best possible price for repairs.