Regular maintenance is key to keeping your bike in top shape and the clutch is one of those engine components that are vital to your motorcycle.
Now, like all things in life, the clutch on your bike will not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced.
If you’re thinking about getting a new motorcycle, or if your current bike needs a new clutch, then you’re probably wondering how much it will cost.
In this article, we’ll give you an estimate of how much a motorcycle clutch replacement costs. We’ll also provide some tips on how to save money when you do need to replace the clutch on your motorcycle.
Also Read: Motorcycle Oil Change Cost & How To Save Money
Motorcycle Clutch Replacement Cost
On average, a motorcycle clutch replacement cost is between $400 and $800, with parts and 2-3 hour labor included.
However, not all motorcycles are the same, and unfortunately, a lot of them have weird engine layouts with other components in the way that need to be removed first, like crash bars, radiators, frame rails, and fairings, etc.
Because of that, the motorcycle clutch replacement cost will be much more expensive for bikes with unconventional engine layouts, like the flat-twin boxer on a BMW R1100GS.
Or, the very weird Moto Guzzi V7.
The mechanic will have to spend up a lot of time just removing stuff around the clutch before he actually gets access to replace it, and that will raise the cost up a lot just for labor alone.
With that said, most motorcycles have the classic “clutch on the right, stator on the left” engine layout, and replacing the clutch on them is pretty easy and quick. The mechanic will have great access to the clutch and can replace it in an hour or two, which will keep the motorcycle clutch replacement cost down.
Harley Davidson Clutch Replacement Cost
One of the most common questions the we get is “How much does it cost to replace the clutch on a Harley Davidson?”
Well, the average Harley Davidson Clutch Replacement Cost is between $400 and $1000, with parts and 2 hour labor included. Keep in mind that HD dealerships charge around $140 for an hour of labor, while independent shops charge $80. There’s a lot of money to be saved by going to independent shops!
Now, the cost will largely depend on the price of your replacement clutch packs or assembly. You can either go with the stock clutch kit or a high-performance clutch kit, which is 4x more expensive than the OEM.
You don’t need an aftermarket high-performance clutch in most cases, unless you’ve got a Stage 3 on your Harley.
Also Read: Harley Stage 2 Upgrade Cost
How to Save Money on Motorcycle Clutch Replacement
The best way to save money on motorcycle clutch replacement is by doing it yourself. Replacing a motorcycle clutch is actually pretty easy and can be done in less than 2 hours, if you’ve got experience working on your motorcycle.
If you’re not mechanically inclined, then we recommend taking it to an independent motorcycle shop instead of a dealership. As we mentioned before, dealerships charge around $140/hour for labor, while independent shops only charge $80/hour. That’s a huge difference!
Lastly, go with the stock OEM clutch kit – there’s little point in buying a high-performance clutch unless you’ve really modified your engine to produce significantly more HP and torque than stock.
How Long Should a Motorcycle Clutch Last?
On average, a motorcycle clutch should last around 30,000 to 60,000 miles or even more. However, this largely depends on your riding style.
If you’re an aggressive rider who likes to do a lot of wheelies and burnouts, then your motorcycle clutch will wear out MUCH faster than someone who rides conservatively and mainly cruses around.
The only times when the friction material on the clutch plates is being used is when you do clutchless shifts and start moving from a stop. If you minimize those and change your engine oil at specified intervals with good quality motorcycle engine oil, then your clutch might even last for 100,000 miles.
How Do I Know if My Motorcycle Clutch Is Bad?
There are several signs that indicate your motorcycle clutch is bad and needs to be replaced.
The most common sign is a slipping clutch, which is when you give the throttle a twist and the motorcycle doesn’t accelerate as it should. You see and feel the revs increase, but the actual speed of the motorcycle barely increases.
This is sometimes caused by the friction material on the clutch plates being worn out and not being able to grip the engine’s power anymore. The only way to fix it is by replacing the clutch.
With that said, I’ve seen cases where people mistakenly used engine oil that’s not designed for a wet clutch and caused the clutch to slip badly.
Other signs that your motorcycle clutch is going bad are strange noises coming from the clutch area, and the motorcycle jerking when you try to engage the clutch – especially when accelerating from a dead stop.
Final Thoughts
The motorcycle clutch replacement cost is something that every motorcycle rider will have to deal with at some point in their riding career.
Hopefully, this article has helped shed some light on the subject and help you save some money in the process.
Ride safe!
Jake is the site’s primary contributor.
Motorcycles and automotive repair have been a big part of his family for generations, therefore it’s only natural that he decided to become a heavy-duty diesel tech.
Outside of work, you’ll find Jake restoring and riding rare street bikes and ATVs.