Lock up clutches??

it has always been my understanding lock up clutches were for drag race only applications
I have been seeing more and more MRE clutch covers on what are described as Pro-Street and customs
I have no real understanding of how the lock up clutch works so...
1 are these guys truly riding bikes with lock up clutches as daily rider weekend warrior bikes
2 or is it just the MRE cover is better looking than a stock cover and they are only switching covers for the "Pro-Street" look

Are they making enough power to need it?

They are not really needed on most normally aspirated motors and lot of them just run the cover for looks (MRE once said that they sell far more covers than the actual lock up mechanism) but quite a few run the whole set up especially if running big capacity , a turbo or nitrous.
My 1428 which will be a street bike and has a lock up in the parts pile.
The lock up assists the clutch springs by adding more pressure over the clutch plates via centrifugal force as the revs rise .
This negates the need for using very heavy clutch springs so that the clutch can still be disengaged comfortably by hand.
By adding or subtracting weights (washers) to the lock ups arms it can be fine tuned to feather in the grip provided at a rate which suits the bike and rider.

Ive been running a two stage mtc lock up clutch on the steet for a couple years now. As already stated. There not really need on most street applications. I really cant tell mine is on there. But ive never ran the 1327 motor without it. But I also haven't attempted to adjust it.

Hi Ram
All I can tell you is when running high power motors the lock up IS the way to go.
I put a Action 4 extra plate clutch and Karata lock up on my turbo bike back in the early 80s when I added the turbo and that clutch and lockup are still working as they always have... I have inspected the clutch twice since installed and everything looks and works perfect.
I also put in the flat bearing on the pusher and the shifter bushing back in the 80s and they seem to help too.
Good Luck to you
Dave

The pre J clutches are very tough, hard to hurt one. I know that drag bikes use stock or OEM clutch fibers and metals.

I run a single stage with extra plate MRE lockup combined with heavy springs. I also have the bearing pusher. The clutch action is silky smooth and tons of grip. I really don't need it but for the bargain price I acquired it, the parts went on the bike.

I found the bike easier to slip clutch off hard starts with the lockup. I can pretty much flog it with immunity and not be penalized. I set mine for early compression.

The stock could be unpredictable and shudder along with other unpleasant attributes.

I would say turbo and built motors 1200 or more could benefit from one?

Yes, covers are run for looks.

Street Fighter LTD wrote: Hi Ram
.......................... I also put in the flat bearing on the pusher and the shifter bushing back in the 80s and they seem to help too.
Good Luck to you
Dave

Is the flat bearing on the pusher something like this (see image)? Thanks. Ed

Ya, that's it Ed.

Hey thanks everyone appreciate the response
ifI understand it correctly a 1075 is build wouldn't need it but it is still streetable if I fall across one

Those extra plate clutch packs are a poor choice for a street bike IMO. Eventually your clutch basket will pay the piper. The bearing pushers are OK but unless you're drag racing all the time they are not needed.

In the style of Jeff Foxworthy:

You know you need a lockup clutch, when your rear tire lasts longer than the clutch.

.