Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, at some point you’re going to have to deal with a worn clutch that needs replacing.
It’s a surprisingly easy job and one that you can do yourself if you have the right tools and know-how.
But what if you can’t or don’t want to replace the clutch yourself? How much would a motorcycle clutch replacement cost if you take it to a mechanic?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the average cost of a motorcycle clutch replacement, as well as some things that can affect the price.
Related: The Average Motorcycle Valve Adjustment Cost
The Average Motorcycle Clutch Replacement Cost
The average cost of a motorcycle clutch replacement is $400 to $800, including parts and 2-3 hour labor. However, this price can vary depending on the make and model of your motorcycle, and labor rates at different shops.
Unfortunately, some motorcycles have unconventional and plain weird engine layouts, which make it a lot more difficult to get access to the clutch.
Let’s take the flat-twin boxer engine of the BMW R1100RS above as an example. In order to replace the clutch on that bike, you’ll have to almost completely disassemble and remove the rear half of the motorcycle. That’s a huge task and it’s VERY expensive as far as labor goes.
However, if your motorcycle has a traditional engine layout, where the clutch is located on the right or left side of the engine – consider yourself lucky. As long as there are no fairings covering the clutch side of the engine, the whole job will be a breeze and won’t take you more than two hours total. That’s good news for your wallet if you’re planning on paying a mechanic to do it for you.
What’s The Average Harley Davidson Clutch Replacement Cost?
We get this question a lot. And the answer is – it depends!
On average, most Harley Davidson clutch replacements cost in the range of $400 to $1000, depending on whether you go with a stock clutch kit or with a high-performance one designed for high torque and horsepower applications.
As far as labor goes, an experienced mechanic will be able to replace the clutch on a Harley Davidson in about 2-3 hours.
Now, if you go with the stock clutch, then you’re most likely to have to pay around $400 to $500. However, if you’ve got a Stage 3 upgrade installed, then you’re going to pay almost twice as much.
How to Save Money on Motorcycle Clutch Replacement
Times are tough right now, especially with the recession looming, but there are a few ways to save money on this repair.
The absolute best way to save money on a motorcycle clutch replacement is to do it yourself. We assure you, it’s really not that difficult. If you can change your brake pads and oil – you should be able to replace the clutch.
There are tons of videos on YouTube that will guide you through all the steps of replacing a clutch on your specific motorcycle model. If that doesn’t cut it, you can quite easily find a service manual for most motorcycles if you search around on Google.
Once you’ve got all the info needed, the only thing left is to check whether you have all the tools needed for the job. In most cases, all you will need is a socket set, a ratchet, a torque wrench, and a flat head screwdriver.
However, if would rather pay a mechanic to do the clutch replacement for you, then consider avoiding the dealership. There is a reason why people call them “stealerships”.
Most independent mechanics will be able to do the same job for a fraction of the price. We recommend that you get at least two quotes from different shops before you make your decision. Some places are very dishonest with their customers.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Clutch Last?
This is a difficult question to answer because it really depends on how you ride your motorcycle, but on average, the motorcycle clutch last from 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
If you’re the kind of rider who likes to ride the clutch a lot, then you can expect to replace it a lot sooner than that. The same goes for if you’re often doing clutch-up wheelies or burnouts. All of those things put a lot of stress on the clutch and will cause the friction material to wear out faster.
On the other hand, if you’re a more experienced rider who knows how to use the clutch properly, then you can expect it to last a lot longer.
Ways to Make Your Clutch Last Longer
There are a few things that you can do to make your clutch last longer.
The first thing is to avoid riding the clutch while doing low-speed maneuvers. Sure, feathering the clutch is a great way to ride smooth at low speeds, but it does wear out the clutch a lot faster. If saving the clutch is your no. 1 priority, consider using the clutch only as much as it’s really necessary.
You can compensate by holding the rear brake down. It should produce a similar effect to feathering the clutch and rear brake pads are MUCH cheaper than a brand new clutch kit.
Another way to increase the lifespan of the clutch on your motorcycle is by learning to properly rev match. This means that you adjust your engine speed to match the speed of the wheels before you downshift. This will help you avoid jerky and abrupt gear changes which can put a lot of unnecessary stress on the clutch.
Ideally, you should be rev-matching every single time you shift gears in order to completely minimize clutch wear.
Conclusion
Motorcycle clutch replacement cost can be pretty steep, but there are ways to save money on the repair. The best way to save is by doing it yourself, but if you’re not feeling confident enough to tackle the job – look for an independent mechanic.
You can also extend the life of your clutch by avoiding riding the clutch and by learning to rev match properly. All of these things will help you avoid an early clutch replacement.
Thanks for reading and ride safe!
Nick Kowalski is a diesel mechanic by trade, but his passion lies in motorcycles.
He’s been riding them since he was just a wee lad, and he loves restoring old Japanese street bikes and ATVs in his spare time.
Nick is an adrenaline junkie at heart, and he loves nothing more than hitting the open road on his motorcycle.