wet verse dry clutch

I am a new rider and I am considering a variety of bikes. Most have
"wet" clutches. Some (Moto Guzzi) have dry. What are the advantages of
one over the other. Also some have multiple plates and some have single.
Same question.

 

I'd just go with the bike you like most and don't worry about the type of
clutch.

SteveM

 

Most cars and trucks use single plate dry clutches. They work well and
last a long time. Most motorcycles and heavy equipment uses wet
multi-plate clutches. They work well and last a long time. Most people
consider wet clutches to be superior. If you look at heavy equipment
makers, say John Deere for example, they use dry clutches and brakes on
their low-end tractors and wet clutches and brakes on they high end
equipment. Most dozers, etc. use wet clutches. Probably the only
disadvantage to a wet clutch is the drag when the oil is cold making
complete disengagement impossible.

Multi-plate clutches advantage is getting more friction material in a
smaller diameter package. I don't know of any other significant difference.


Matt

 

The Dry clutch tends to be more "grabby" where the wet clutch has better
articulation.
I can ride my Suzuki with no trouble. I test road a Ducati, and stalled it a
few times since the clutch was almost "off and on"
Also, Air cooled are subject to debris, where the wet clutch is sealed in
the oil, and can stay cleaner. However, oil on the clutch? kind of a
contradiction, but I guess it works.

 

And the oil will move bits of friction material into the sump
as well.

 

In ether case, slipping the clutch is a bad thing. Most racers that do this
are sponsored, so it doesn't matter. they will just put a new clutch in for
each weekend.

 

Um, we may have different definitions of "bad" -- some clutches
are designed to slip, a very nice thing when downshifting
and braking, the rear wheel already being lightly loaded.

And starting out in first? I generally find it necessary
to slip the clutch -- though if you know of another technique I'd
be happy to entertain it for a few milliseconds.

 

I just rev it and drop it into gear. I let my rear tire act as the clutch :>

 

Yep, tires are easier to replace than clutches. ;-) Not any
cheaper, though.

 

The clutch, just like with the brakes, have a friction material, and a metal
surface. Just like brakes, if they are not locked, there will be ware on the
pads. Yes, a clutch is designed to allow for this. However, if it is abused,
i.e., slipping the clutch while revving the engine for a long distance, will
wear out the clutch.
If you do enough high revving launches with the clutch slipping with a dry
clutch, you will smell the clutch.
Yes, the clutch is designed for this application, but it still wears out.