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All 650Rs Slipper clutch question

Atucker

2019
CBR650R
Aug 18, 2020
Riding Since
2001
Question for those of you that have models with the slipper clutch - Does the slipper clutch eliminate engine braking or does it only limit it to a point just prior to the rear wheel breaking loose? Short of trying to break the rear wheel loose how do you test the function of the slipper clutch? I can't find a good answer searching and if I didn't know better I would have no idea that my 2019 CBR650R had the slipper clutch installed. I still have tons of engine braking (relatively speaking - it's obviously not my old 996 Superhawk), and have felt zero slip even during some aggressive downshifts and one that resulted in rear tire side slide that was very nearly a low side event. Just curious on everyone's thoughts and whether this is normal.
 

baugustine

2014
CBR650F
Staff
May 21, 2016
Ventura, CA
According to Honda, under the "ENGINEERING" section, all R models have a slipper clutch.


Used primarily to aid initial takeoff from a stop (in 1st gear). Brammers @Brammers or miweber929 @miweber929 feel free to chime in here. Never ridden a bike with one equipped but have read lots of reviews on them. Some great, some useless....
 

Atucker

2019
CBR650R
Aug 18, 2020
Riding Since
2001
I know it has one, but not if it's actually functioning or if it's even possible for it to not function; i.e. does the slipper function wear like clutch plates over time. This is my first bike with one, but I feel zero difference on this other than the clutch pull is extremely light compared to everything I've been on before. I've seen plenty of info on how slipper clutch's function, but all sources just cite that it reduces back force from downshifts. I've yet to see or feel any limit to engine braking during downshifting which has me questioning the function of mine. I was just testing it on my way home and even nearly abusive 4th to 2nd and so on downshifts just result in extremely hard engine braking. It's honestly rivaling the 996 which I almost never needed brakes due to the huge engine braking available from that v-twin.
 

baugustine

2014
CBR650F
Staff
May 21, 2016
Ventura, CA
Update: I decided it would be beneficial to Google this. I was interchanging Slipper Clutch with Assist Clutch in my response above. This guy did a good job of distinguishing the two:



curious now if anyone with an ’R’ version actually noticed something upgraded from the ‘F‘ platform?
 
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