Clake Clutch/Brake Combo Units

[Muzzard]

Some of you will have already seen the Clake arrangement and some will have just seen it at the Expo.
Neil took a picture of the Clake CRF Motard there, so I thought I might stick this up for those who haven't.
Check out the advantages of this over a conventional slipper clutch arrangement being rider adjustable at the 'Pro-Lever' level..

http://www.clake.com.au/

http://vsmr.net/albums/melb_expo_2006/DSC01766.sized.jpg

[Bomber640]

Never heard of it before, but it seems like a great idea

[Muzzard]

Street application to me would be dodgy in the traffic, and would need to be completely disabled of the combo function as far as I am concerned, so you didnt bite the boot spoiler of some dickheads missus after she stops to put on her lipstick in the traffic.

[kroosn]

i dont know one of the things i like about a motorbike is you have complete control over everything indiviually. i was going to buy a early 90's cbr1000 but didnt because it had the linked front and rear brakes (also it was a lard). but i suppose untill you built up the skill it might be a good idea.


Kroosn

[Bomber640]

But you don't need to relinquish control do you? You can still have a normal back brake pedal, but it's just like having a seperate back brake lever on the handlebars as well. Great for off road, where ther are so many times you can't get at the back brake pedal
But I agree with you about linked brakes kroosn; they're a crap idea.

[Daws]

I spoke [at length!] with the designer of the clake at the MotoGP expo - Initially I assumed it was a solution to a problem that didn't exist and it was probably more down to the rider's technique (or lack of it).

I was extremelly happy to be proved wrong! It's a great example of lateral thinking.

The basic idea is that it's a compromise having the rear brake near your foot as you have to keep your foot in a semi-fixed position if you want to use it which isn't good for balance and moving your weight around on the bike - the position is not also ideal for modulating the pressure effectively, obviously it can be done but it is easier with your hand 9like the front brake).

The clake uses 2 levers (one longer than the other) which are linked by a 3rd lever (which is the actuating lever) this allows INDEPENDENT control of either the clutch or the rear brake or allows a variable combination of both - ie, when you lock up the rear or stop you don't stall! Has independent reservoirs for fluid and has 2 pistons [possibly 3 - I remeber seeing a 3rd bore]. The only modification to the bike is to fit a longer rear brake hose.

I'd like to have one - the guy deserves to make a mil!

[Wobbly]

It certainly looks like a neat idea - I'd certainly look at one. The only problem is the asking price :shock:

[Muzzard]

Thanks Paul,
I was wondering regards the volume in the resevoir being sufficent for such a large fluid transfer in regards to getting the pressure into the lines and be at a presure to operate function.
Being seperate levers would make it a handy device for some offroaders, but I cannot really say I would use one either, because of cost.
I do a lot of offroad motarding on the Distanzias and there are certainly many times I could possibly use something like this, but I honestly think I would just continue on how I have been, and to change how I do it now by adding an extra lever would be a disaster in the waiting :lol: ...

[Sibbo]

why not just have a seperate thumb brake?

[Bomber640]

Mick Doohan used to use a thumb brake. Personally, I don't think I'd be able to coordinate brake, clutch and holding on all with my left hand.

[Sibbo]

Imagine getting on the gas on an old leaded 500, using the clutch, throttle and rear brake (to control wheel spin).

Mick is a GOD!

[Bomber640]

I think he used it because his foot was rooted.

Another thing, I remember seeing a road reg 'tarded CR 500 for sale in Just Bikes years ago that was advertised as belonging to Mick Doohan

You're right Sibbo, he is a god. No, not A god, THE God.

[Wobbly]

The whole thumb brake clutch juggling thing would be a bit tough, which is where this setup combines the two nicely, as long as you like separating your braking and clutch movements. I quite like the idea, let me know when it gets down to a RRP of $350 though :lol2:

And yep, mick used a thumb brake because his right ankle is basically all fused together with no ability to pivot. What that man could do on a bike defies belief, and to do it with the way his body ended up is nothing short of amazing... 8)

[SMC690]

I'll stick with old skool clutch and brake leveridge if that's ok.
It sure is a nifty bit of thinking and seems like a good idea but getting funky with my left hand with 3 levers seem too much work if your trying to concentrate on get on the pace...
As other have said I also am not a fan of combined braking systems, they only had them on those late 90's CBR's coz they were such a heavy barge. ;)

Those billet brembo thumb brakes a la Mick D are now available.
Check out the RRP! That's USD.

http://www.yoyodyneti.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=x98.57.01

[Bomber640]

Do they actually have 3 separate levers, or 2 adjustable levers that are actuated by the 1 'master' lever; ie: You only use the master lever.