Arthritis and Clutch Lever

[17-CB-002]

Just wanted to clarify something first - slipper clutches and rpm-assist clutches are 2 separate functions. The slipper function does not affect clutch lever pressure.
There are bikes with only slipper clutches, while the feature you want - rpm-assist, is on the 2017 EX model, which also has a slipper function. You could have a clutch with just rpm-assist, but it is so easy to add the slipper function (or vice versa).

These 2 innovations are so mechanically and cost effective, they will likely become standard equipment on most bikes.

With rpm-assist, like the CB650R also has, ramps in the clutch help force the clutch plates together, something that only springs could do before. On the 2017 EX, only 3 springs are used, instead of 6 (although the 3 are heavier ones). I believe lever pressure was about 17% lighter

A longer lever will give lighter lever pull, but needs extra travel to engage/disengage. Same thing with a smaller clutch master cylinder bore. There is no real way to cheat physics, except with the rpm-assist in the clutch itself.

Adapting the 2017 EX parts has been tried, but the results were not completed in this thread:
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=12071

I believe it would have worked properly with just the right spacer installed, but I wasn't there.

Thanks for the clarification PD, personally I never knew that there was any difference between "clutch assist" & "RPM assist", since all road test reports I read only mentioned of the 17% lever effort reduction due to the "slipper clutch".
The "RPM Assist" technology part was never ever mentioned; however, it did mention of the high rpm deceleration causing rear wheel hopping reduction due to the cam design inside the clutch basket. The 2-way cam design advantage also apply during acceleration for a lighter lever application.

I did not put 2 & 2 together - stupid me.

Thanks for the information.
Regards
Alain