Rekluse Clutch

[Strohkr]

I have arthritis in my left hand that makes it hard to hold in the clutch during stop and go traffic and while waiting in line for entrance into events.

I've been considering installing a Rekluse Clutch to make it easier for me in these situations.

I've tried just putting it in N but half the time I can't find N and those times that I can it's a constant merry-go-round with N (in/out, in/out. in/out etc., etc)

I don't know of anyone that has installed a Rekluse in their Tri-Glide (or touring bike) so I have no idea how well it works, if it even does, and it it's worth the money (they are NOT cheap).

I have read that it can cause slippage at highway speeds when trying to pass (don't need that problem).

Anyone out there in Trikeland have any pro or cons on installing a Rekluse Clutch in a Tri-Glide?

Suggestions/comments are welcome!!!!

Thanks.

 

[rhino 2]

I have arthritis in my left hand that makes it hard to hold in the clutch during stop and go traffic and while waiting in line for entrance into events.

I've been considering installing a Rekluse Clutch to make it easier for me in these situations.

I've tried just putting it in N but half the time I can't find N and those times that I can it's a constant merry-go-round with N (in/out, in/out. in/out etc., etc)

I don't know of anyone that has installed a Rekluse in their Tri-Glide (or touring bike) so I have no idea how well it works, if it even does, and it it's worth the money (they are NOT cheap).

I have read that it can cause slippage at highway speeds when trying to pass (don't need that problem).

Anyone out there in Trikeland have any pro or cons on installing a Rekluse Clutch in a Tri-Glide?

Suggestions/comments are welcome!!!!

Thanks.

There are a few riders on Trike Talk that have the Rekluse clutch maybe one of them will chime in…

 

[nokkon wud]

Welp...

Mine is in the shop as I type getting a Rekluse and easy pull clutch installed. Hope to have it back in a week or so.

I had surgery in December and had a plate and rods installed in my left wrist and hand. I am unable to pull the clutch even a bit 6 months later.

I'm hoping the easy pull with the correct cable and routeing [ I have a 6"over cable that is not routed right after a handle bar install] will get me back on the trike.

I'll let you know.

 

[Trampas]

I have arthritis in my left hand that makes it hard to hold in the clutch during stop and go traffic and while waiting in line for entrance into events.

I've been considering installing a Rekluse Clutch to make it easier for me in these situations.

I've tried just putting it in N but half the time I can't find N and those times that I can it's a constant merry-go-round with N (in/out, in/out. in/out etc., etc)

I don't know of anyone that has installed a Rekluse in their Tri-Glide (or touring bike) so I have no idea how well it works, if it even does, and it it's worth the money (they are NOT cheap).

I have read that it can cause slippage at highway speeds when trying to pass (don't need that problem).

Anyone out there in Trikeland have any pro or cons on installing a Rekluse Clutch in a Tri-Glide?

Suggestions/comments are welcome!!!!

Thanks.

Go to youtube and punch in windsurfed1, he has it on his triglide plus many many options on his triglide, I think he is also a member here and might respond also

All for now Trampas

 

[terebit]

I have a Rekluse in my Q4 and I've had them in 2 wheelers too. My opinion; in a trike the Rekluse is absolutely worth the money. It will do what you need it to do, allow you to rest your hand without getting the tranny in neutral. Harley should offer to put them in all their trikes, as a dealer option. If they're adjusted right they grip fine at any speed. The cons to the Rekluse only apply to 2 wheelers, in my opinion. Except, you need to have an operational parking brake for when the engine is not running (or strap the hand brake lever).

 

[DCB]

in a trike the Rekluse is absolutely worth the money. It will do what you need it to do, allow you to rest your hand without getting the tranny in neutral. Harley should offer to put them in all their trikes, as a dealer option. If they're adjusted right they grip fine at any speed.

I would certainly agree with these comments. When I purchased my 2017 CVO Limited new I hated the engagement point of the hydraulic clutch. I installed these Oberon adjustable levers. Problem solved.

https://hogleverage.com/

After 11,000 miles I took the bike to Fuel Moto in Wisconsin and had them convert the 114 to a 124. (almost 130 hp and almost 140 torque) To handle the extra power they installed a performance clutch from AIM. The problem then was that it greatly increased the lever pull. To fix that I added the AIM slave cylinder. Problem solved again.

https://aim-tamachi.com/products/lf-v3-light-force-clutch-slave-cylinder

After another 6,000 miles we retired and bought a home on Beaver Lake near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The last mile to our home is dirt, rocky, rough and steep in a few spots. It was a wreck waiting to happen on 2 wheels so we took the bike to Texas and had Papa Zook do a CSC trike conversion. Another problem solved.....not quite.

The stability issue was fixed but 1st gear was just too high for these conditions and it was a chore to coordinate the clutch, rpms and braking. That's when I started looking at the Rekluse. Fuel Moto had them on sale for $750 and I bought one. With the help of the good instuctions that come with it and some step by step YouTube videos the installation was easy. The kit offers different springs to match the idle rpms and also power ratings.

I went with the heaviest springs and the set-up instructions were spot on. No further adjustment needed.

It has absolutely taken the challenge out of this goat trail. Also we have several roads around here where there are stop signs on fairly steep inclines. No more brake releasing, engine revving, clutch slipping drama. Take your foot off the brake, twist the grip and go.

I have had a previous Harley that had some clutch slippage in the higher gears. Rekcluse assured me that I would not have slippage and I believe that to be true. I have hammered through the gears just to check and no problem.

 

[Old Hippie]

Rekluse clutch

All good info as stated. I have a 2011 tri glide. Have a bad hand also. I put the 18 degree actuator in to help with the clutch pull. That helped some. Bought the Ausborne handle that helped a little but it was still hard on my hand to pull clutch handle. So Bought the Rekluse clutch. In stalled it my self no problem. Fallowed the detailed direction's that came with kit. Now the bike being used someone had put a higher set of handle bars on the bike and ordered a longer cable for the clutch. Found that the old cable did not let the actuator go all the way back to start point. So had a little more cable longer also over the length of the shielding. Now had the bike back together and took it out. Did the brake in as was told by the book. First gear 0 to 3500 rpm's to full stop with in gear for 15 times. Road to a place down shifted to first gear pulled into a parking lot and used brake for stopping with engine at idle. Moved around to a stop sign and never shifted the bike. Left the stop sign and road down the road. Shifted through gears with clutch as normal pulling through gear's. So I also think the bike did need a new clutch cable and the proper length of wire in the cable. I am happy with the way the Rekluse preformed. Would recommend it. The handled dose pull much better now and did not feel the pain in my knuckles on my hand like before. Looking forward to a long ride Then will be able to tell more. Only time will tell on the rest of the performance of the clutch. But do recommend it. Money well spent. Don't for get to use the E brake when parking bike will roll if in Gear. Thanks for this forum so help full in my decision to get the Rekluse.

 

[Firewrench22]

Rekluse is awesome

I put in a Rekluse clutch 3 years ago before going to Sturgis 2019, expecting a lot of sitting in traffic. It works great. I have a worn out clutch hand/arm too.

After initial adjustment and break-in, have not had to readjust. Does not slip in high gear.

Last year I had to replace compensator, took careful note of adjustment when disassembling, went back together without having to adjust.

As for the compensator, got the Darkhorse Man-O-War. It’s also great. No rattling on startup and shutdown, smoother on the road and less clunk when dropping it into first gear.

No regrets on either piece!

 

[windsurfed]

I have arthritis in my left hand that makes it hard to hold in the clutch during stop and go traffic and while waiting in line for entrance into events.

I've been considering installing a Rekluse Clutch to make it easier for me in these situations.

I've tried just putting it in N but half the time I can't find N and those times that I can it's a constant merry-go-round with N (in/out, in/out. in/out etc., etc)

I don't know of anyone that has installed a Rekluse in their Tri-Glide (or touring bike) so I have no idea how well it works, if it even does, and it it's worth the money (they are NOT cheap).

I have read that it can cause slippage at highway speeds when trying to pass (don't need that problem).

Anyone out there in Trikeland have any pro or cons on installing a Rekluse Clutch in a Tri-Glide?

Suggestions/comments are welcome!!!!

Thanks.

I have a recluse clutch I have about 5000 miles on it. It is really nice to have if I ever got another motorcycle at my age I would definitely put one in. They cost a bit of money, and it cost a bit of money to have it installed. Unless you do it yourself. Which I did not want to. But I made a video on YouTube on some ways to use the recluse clutch if you’re interested.

 

[nokkon wud]

I have a recluse clutch I have about 5000 miles on it. It is really nice to have if I ever got another motorcycle at my age I would definitely put one in. They cost a bit of money, and it cost a bit of money to have it installed. Unless you do it yourself. Which I did not want to. But I made a video on YouTube on some ways to use the recluse clutch if you’re interested.

Your Vid answered my big question as to you have to clutch to up shift. I like the 10% answer.

After surgery, my hand has about 6 pounds of pull which is not nearly enough to clutch fully or for multiple times.

I'm putting a easy pull and the rekluse on as my last gasp to be able to ride.

I'm praying it is my answer.

I have been thinking of some kind of wrist brace with a hook so I can pull the clutch using my arm instead of squeezing.

Had a friend that lost his left hand and he had a hook built into his prosthesis.

 

[PanheadSteve]

Your Vid answered my big question as to you have to clutch to up shift. I like the 10% answer.

After surgery, my hand has about 6 pounds of pull which is not nearly enough to clutch fully or for multiple times.

I'm putting a easy pull and the rekluse on as my last gasp to be able to ride.

I'm praying it is my answer.

I have been thinking of some kind of wrist brace with a hook so I can pull the clutch using my arm instead of squeezing.

Had a friend that lost his left hand and he had a hook built into his prosthesis.

I’m sorry to hear about your hand. When you first posted about you surgery, I was hoping PT might get you use back. But it sounds like you’ve gotten to a plateau with progress.

My Panhead came with a foot clutch and jockey shift. I converted it with a new ratchet top for the trans and a mousetrap conversion to a hand cable clutch, i.e. a foot shift and hand clutch. A foot clutch and jockey shift might keep you on the road. I don’t know of a source but it doesn’t seem like it would be that hard to fabricate.

i really admire your determination to stay in the wind too. Good Luck !

 

[stacebg]

Welp...

Mine is in the shop as I type getting a Rekluse and easy pull clutch installed. Hope to have it back in a week or so.

I had surgery in December and had a plate and rods installed in my left wrist and hand. I am unable to pull the clutch even a bit 6 months later.

I'm hoping the easy pull with the correct cable and routeing [ I have a 6"over cable that is not routed right after a handle bar install] will get me back on the trike.

I'll let you know.

easy pull MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

 

[nokkon wud]

My first bike [56 pan from 1974 to 80] had foot clutch/hand shift. At 69 I probably won't be going back to that system. Sort of surprised I had it that long.

This hand has been a nightmare.

I went in for carpel tunnel and woke up with rods, plates, pins and a total life change.

Can't even hold a wet can of beer as it slips out as my fingers cramp into a claw.

I hate to think my riding days are done.

 

[nokkon wud]

I picked up the trike yesterday.

I don't find that the easy pull helped me much. It maybe easier but I can't get my hand around the grips and grab the clutch handle so I have to grab the clutch handle end and pull back with my arm.

The Rekluse takes some getting used to.. Habit makes me want to grab the clutch.

I can sit at a light in first gear without using the clutch or putting it in neutral.

I'm having a hard time up-shifting from first to second and think it needs adjusting. I'm going to try to get back to the shop this week.

I also can't seem to up-shift or down shift without using the clutch as my RPMs never get low enough for the Rekluse to disengage. Some say they can up and down shift without using the clutch some only one way. We'll see after I get a better adjustment.

All in all I think just not having to hold the clutch in at lights and heavy stop and go traffic so much is a winner for me.

I'm going to give this a good try and will report back in awhile.

 

[Strohkr]

Rekluse Hard to use

I picked up the trike yesterday.

I don't find that the easy pull helped me much. It maybe easier but I can't get my hand around the grips and grab the clutch handle so I have to grab the clutch handle end and pull back with my arm.The Rekluse takes some getting used to.. Habit makes me want to grab the clutch.I can sit at a light in first gear without using the clutch or putting it in neutral. I'm having a hard time up-shifting from first to second and think it needs adjusting. I'm going to try to get back to the shop this weekI also can't seem to up-shift or down shift without using the clutch as my RPMs never get low enough for the Rekluse to disengage. Some say they can up and down shift without using the clutch some only one way. We'll see after I get a better adjustment.All in all I think just not having to hold the clutch in at lights and heavy stop and go traffic so much is a winner for me. I'm going to give this a good try and will report back in awhile.

I'm finding the Rekluse extremely difficult to use.

Very hard to up or down shift.

You have to blep the throttle to get it to shift - scary to do so when carving mountain switchbacks.

Mine has "stuck" several times and we had to rock the bike back and forth to get it to release.

Most of time it just doesn't want to shift into the next higher gear (sometimes it even does that during downshifting).

The cons are outweighing the pros - at least for me anyway.

It's been adjusted and still acts up.

Too much "work" for serious riding (at least that's what I'm finding out).

Seriously considering going back to a regular clutch but it's going to be an expensive lesson.

Oh well - live and learn.

Like an old timer once told me - forget about the fancy gadgets and just ride the damn thing!!

 

[nokkon wud]

I don't see how you'd upshift as by the time your RPMs were low enough you'd slow back down.

I've figured out down shifting but it can't be done at speed.

The problem I'm having is shifting 1-2 with the clutch. after 2 I'm ok.

It's taking some getting used to.

Because of my hand I'm now trying a rope hooked around the end of the clutch handle wrapped around my arm so I can pull it back. Sucks but I'm riding.

 

[nokkon wud]

Well the 1-2 shift sucks, 2-3 is better but still not right, 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6 is ok Have tried adjusting everything several times and just can't seem to get the up shift right. Except for that I like the ReKluse.

Shop that installed it has given up.

 

[rhino 2]

Well the 1-2 shift sucks, 2-3 is better but still not right, 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6 is ok Have tried adjusting everything several times and just can't seem to get the up shift right. Except for that I like the ReKluse.

Shop that installed it has given up.

I bought a 2019 Tri-Glide during the height of the virus lockdown...I couldn't test ride it , They had to roll it out into the parking lot, And all the paper work had to be done on the tailgate of my truck [Couldn't enter the dealership] .....It had less than 2 hundred miles on it so i wasn't worried about it...And at a thousand miles i had a 3 hole oil change done by my dealer, And while it was there i asked them to do an DNA on the trike...It originally came from a Harley Dealer ....And a Recluse cluch was installed at birth...And it was back and forth 5+ times to have it working right ...And they finely gave up and took Recluse out brought it back to stock, And then wholesaled it out to my Dealer..So far i have about 11 thousand miles of trouble free shifting/riding...Knock on wood..

 

[windsurfed]

Some help maybe

Well the 1-2 shift sucks, 2-3 is better but still not right, 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6 is ok Have tried adjusting everything several times and just can't seem to get the up shift right. Except for that I like the ReKluse.

Shop that installed it has given up.

I am taking it for granted that you are using the clutch lever to go from first gear to second gear and second gear to third gear and 3 gear to 4th gear and so forth.

After starting out from a stop with the recluse clutch, the clutch turns into a normal clutch where you must use the clutch lever to shift up and down. Unless you have mastered shifting gears up and down without using the clutch lever. Possible, but not likely with most people, like myself.

When I got my bike back from the shop after having the Rekluse clutch installed, it was way harder to pull the clutch lever in. I ended up getting a Rekluse slave cylinder, plus an Oberon adjustable clutch lever, which brought the clutch lever closer to my hand. After spending the money for the slave cylinder and the new Oberon clutch lever, it is way better than tolerable. I don’t even think about it anymore because it is easy to pull in. I am thinking that anybody buying a recluse clutch will find the pull on the clutch lever, much harder. Buying a new slave cylinder and clutch level add to the cost of your recluse clutch, but if you don’t mind that hard pull, then OK.

I can find neutral about 80% of the time while the bike is running. Sometimes it takes a little longer. But I’m trying to figure out why a person would want to put it in neutral when you have a recluse clutch.

I stop my motorcycle in first gear normally when I pull into my garage and shut it off. The next time I go to ride my bike, I find my neutral while the bike is not running,as it is 1 million times easier, and besides that my bike must be a neutral in order to start.

 

[nokkon wud]

I pulled the clutch derby cover and tweaked the free play gain just a smidgen to tighten it up some.

Took a quick 200 miles ride yesterday and it works much better.

All in all I really like the Rekluse. I do use the clutch to up shift but do not use it to down shift. The Rekluse has allowed me to ride more without pain.

Sitting at a light or in stop and go traffic the the Rekluse shines!