Wrong position in the clutch handle when using a cable clutch. Make sure you have easy reach control of the clutch at all times. Try to avoid having clutch control way out at finger-tips. It will create a risk of slipping the clutch and it will also make the clutch extremely heavy.

Some beginner riders use poor technique to get out of sand/mud, they would normally give too much gas holding the clutch in to try getting the extra power out of the bike, they holding it in for such a long time and this is where the clutch burns out pretty instantly and comes out the other side with a broken bike. If you don’t use the clutch, then the bike will not get enough power, ending up stalling it. So you really have no choice, but to use the clutch.

It is not difficult to get the right technique to help get out of the mud. You can try rocking the bike left and right, especially when you’re in a sticky and muddy situation to gain more traction before throttling it. If it doesn’t work that well, position yourself at the back of the bike and apply body weight as much as you possibly can and try to bounce it off generating more momentum to help the engine a little while pressing the gas.

In the worst case scenario if those techniques didn’t work. Turn off the engine and drag your bike out of the mud.

Typically it will last between 20,000 – 60,000 miles (30,000 – 100,000 km). If the clutch is not properly maintained and often slipped, it may need a replacement after as little as 5,000 miles (8,000 km). However, if you can handle it well, experienced riders out there can ride over 100,000 miles (160,000 km) on a factory original clutch.

It is actually not difficult to replace a clutch yourself. In fact, it is common and regular maintenance. Normally it takes about 30 minutes to get it done.

Note: If you discover new smells, sounds, or leaks, it must be investigated as quickly as possible.