Ok so I wanted to make a thread on the benefits of each drive system and the disadvantages of both to help anyone in need of some information on this topic.
Centrifugal clutches have springs wrapped around the clutch shoes. When the engine rpm is raised the centrifugal force makes thes waits fly outward. At a certain rpm the clutch shoes contact the clutch drum and start to move your machine. As they engage, they slip and make heat which is bad for Clutches and cvt. Now as the rpms raise the clutch shoes will fully "lock up" against the drum and the clutch will turn as one piece, stopping heat build up and allowing it to cool. When the rpms drop the clutch shoes will retract from the drum and now you will essentially be in a neutral position. Raise rpms and the clucth will engage
Torque converters have 2 pulleys will movable sheaves that allow for continuous and infinite gear ratio changes between 2 set high and low rations. The driver clutches is similar to the centrifugal clutch in the way that there is springs and clutch shoes " a weight set" and it operates with centrifugal force. The driver pulley has a stationary side of the pulley and one side that will move in and out. When the clutch engages it will force the pulley to larger diameter. The driven pulley is spring loaded and will contract in relation to the driver pulley. The driver pulley as it engages will have smaller diameter and the driven will have a larger diameter. Providing gear reduction and more torque with less speed through the chain and to the wheels. As rpms increase the driver sheave will force the pulley and belt to a larger diameter and the driven pulley will be forced to a smaller diameter. This will be the "high gear". The cvt starts out with a low ratio and works to a higher overdriven ration. In contrast a centrifugal clutch will only be one fixed gear ratio, providing no gear reduction or overdrive.
Ok now moving on from my poor explanation. ( i apologize for not being clearer and more descriptive).
Let's talk about pros and cons of each.
Centrifugal clutch pros.
1. The average riders clutch cost around from 30 dollars to 100 for a drum clutch providing for a cost effective drive system
2. Clutches do not have belts that wear out but they do require basic maintenance.
3. There is no torque loss when the clutch is fully engaged. This means maximum power transfer to the wheels.
4. When at cruising speed and you floor it, the acceleration and "pull" will feel more direct and instant. There is no belt slip so you have better cruising speed acceleration.
5. Higher top speed potential due to better power transfer.
6. Simple to install
7. Slighly better water resistance.
8. Although it is not recommended unless you have a fool proof chain tensioning system that wont allow the chain to fall off, you can use a the outside clutch drum with a clucth band brake to provide a braking system.
9. Band brake setups on the clutch provide better braking power due to the gear reduction of the sprockets.
Centrifugal clutch cons.
1. With a tall gear ratio acceleration and off road ability will be comprised
2. Always a trade off between torque and speed
3. Driving at slow speeds when the clutch is not engaged will build up heat and destroy the springs and clutch shoes.
4. Faliure to oil the clutch will cause it to stay engaged and the machine will creep at idle.
5. Reapeatedly destroying clutches and buying more is more expensive than buying a torque converter.
6. If oil gets on the shoes, it can slip more and build up more unwanted heat.
7. Inexperienced riders will typically drive slower and cause the clutch to partially engage and causes premature wear.
Torque Converter Pros
1. Much better versatility in riding styles. You dont have to change gearing for a certain riding environment
2. Acceleration from a stop will be much better than a centrifugal clutch.
3. You can haul more weight at a higher speed than a clucth
4. Low maintenance
5. Almost weather proof.
6. You can pull much taller gearing without harming the drive system
7. Speed is generally increased
8. Much more customizable and tunable.
9. Less costly drive system over time.
10. Can handle higher power levels than a clutch.
Torque Converter cons.
1. Initial price is higher but it is worth it over all.
2. Water on the belt will cause slip and loss of power
3. Slighly less power transfer efficiency.
4. Cruising speed acceleration is not as strong as a centrifugal clutch.
5. Belts can burn if to much load is applied to the system.
Riding conditions
Centrifugal clutches are better for racing and street use where every last ounce of power is desired. If you racing on the street get a clucth. If you want to offroad today and ride on the street tm and ride in different conditions daily, get a torque converter.
A clutch can offroad regardless of what people say. It depends on your gearing and like i said its a trade off between torque and speed.
Sorry if i missed anything and if i didnt explain everything clearly. I tried as hard as i could too. If you have any other information to contribute to this please comment on this thread.
Have a good day everyone and ride hard.
Centrifugal clutches have springs wrapped around the clutch shoes. When the engine rpm is raised the centrifugal force makes thes waits fly outward. At a certain rpm the clutch shoes contact the clutch drum and start to move your machine. As they engage, they slip and make heat which is bad for Clutches and cvt. Now as the rpms raise the clutch shoes will fully "lock up" against the drum and the clutch will turn as one piece, stopping heat build up and allowing it to cool. When the rpms drop the clutch shoes will retract from the drum and now you will essentially be in a neutral position. Raise rpms and the clucth will engage
Torque converters have 2 pulleys will movable sheaves that allow for continuous and infinite gear ratio changes between 2 set high and low rations. The driver clutches is similar to the centrifugal clutch in the way that there is springs and clutch shoes " a weight set" and it operates with centrifugal force. The driver pulley has a stationary side of the pulley and one side that will move in and out. When the clutch engages it will force the pulley to larger diameter. The driven pulley is spring loaded and will contract in relation to the driver pulley. The driver pulley as it engages will have smaller diameter and the driven will have a larger diameter. Providing gear reduction and more torque with less speed through the chain and to the wheels. As rpms increase the driver sheave will force the pulley and belt to a larger diameter and the driven pulley will be forced to a smaller diameter. This will be the "high gear". The cvt starts out with a low ratio and works to a higher overdriven ration. In contrast a centrifugal clutch will only be one fixed gear ratio, providing no gear reduction or overdrive.
Ok now moving on from my poor explanation. ( i apologize for not being clearer and more descriptive).
Let's talk about pros and cons of each.
Centrifugal clutch pros.
1. The average riders clutch cost around from 30 dollars to 100 for a drum clutch providing for a cost effective drive system
2. Clutches do not have belts that wear out but they do require basic maintenance.
3. There is no torque loss when the clutch is fully engaged. This means maximum power transfer to the wheels.
4. When at cruising speed and you floor it, the acceleration and "pull" will feel more direct and instant. There is no belt slip so you have better cruising speed acceleration.
5. Higher top speed potential due to better power transfer.
6. Simple to install
7. Slighly better water resistance.
8. Although it is not recommended unless you have a fool proof chain tensioning system that wont allow the chain to fall off, you can use a the outside clutch drum with a clucth band brake to provide a braking system.
9. Band brake setups on the clutch provide better braking power due to the gear reduction of the sprockets.
Centrifugal clutch cons.
1. With a tall gear ratio acceleration and off road ability will be comprised
2. Always a trade off between torque and speed
3. Driving at slow speeds when the clutch is not engaged will build up heat and destroy the springs and clutch shoes.
4. Faliure to oil the clutch will cause it to stay engaged and the machine will creep at idle.
5. Reapeatedly destroying clutches and buying more is more expensive than buying a torque converter.
6. If oil gets on the shoes, it can slip more and build up more unwanted heat.
7. Inexperienced riders will typically drive slower and cause the clutch to partially engage and causes premature wear.
Torque Converter Pros
1. Much better versatility in riding styles. You dont have to change gearing for a certain riding environment
2. Acceleration from a stop will be much better than a centrifugal clutch.
3. You can haul more weight at a higher speed than a clucth
4. Low maintenance
5. Almost weather proof.
6. You can pull much taller gearing without harming the drive system
7. Speed is generally increased
8. Much more customizable and tunable.
9. Less costly drive system over time.
10. Can handle higher power levels than a clutch.
Torque Converter cons.
1. Initial price is higher but it is worth it over all.
2. Water on the belt will cause slip and loss of power
3. Slighly less power transfer efficiency.
4. Cruising speed acceleration is not as strong as a centrifugal clutch.
5. Belts can burn if to much load is applied to the system.
Riding conditions
Centrifugal clutches are better for racing and street use where every last ounce of power is desired. If you racing on the street get a clucth. If you want to offroad today and ride on the street tm and ride in different conditions daily, get a torque converter.
A clutch can offroad regardless of what people say. It depends on your gearing and like i said its a trade off between torque and speed.
Sorry if i missed anything and if i didnt explain everything clearly. I tried as hard as i could too. If you have any other information to contribute to this please comment on this thread.
Have a good day everyone and ride hard.