Clutch

Motorcycle and Scooter Clutch: Plates, Basket, Shoes — How to Buy

Updated 20 October 2026

A motorcycle and a scooter use different parts

On a motorcycle the clutch is usually wet, with friction and steel plates in oil, a basket and springs. On a scooter it is centrifugal, with shoes on the pulley, and works automatically. These are completely different parts, so at the start of your request write what vehicle and engine you have.

Signs of wear

If the engine revs up but the bike accelerates weakly, the plates are probably slipping. If the clutch drags and it is hard to find neutral, the plates may be warped. On a scooter, worn shoes show as jerky starts and a smell. So a set of plates and springs is often enough, and the basket needs changing when you can see deep worn grooves in it.

A separate word about the clutch cable or hydraulics: if the lever feels stiff or sinks, the cause may not be the plates but a stretched cable or air in the hydraulics. This is cheaper than taking the basket apart, so rule these out first. On a scooter, before you replace the shoes, also look at the clutch bell (the outer drum): if you see deep grooves in it, new shoes will wear out quickly, and you will need to buy a set.

What to put in your request

• which part — friction plates, steel plates, basket, springs, scooter shoes, release bearing, cable;
• bike model — for example Yamaha XT600;
• engine — capacity or code, for example 600 cc;
• kit — a full one (plates, springs, gasket) or separate parts;
• standard or heavy-duty — stiffer springs, Kevlar plates;
• original or aftermarket — for example EBC;
• condition — usually new;
• delivery city and budget.

Example: “I need a full clutch kit for a Yamaha XT600: friction plates, springs and a cover gasket. Standard, new, EBC is fine. Delivery to Cape Town, budget up to R 790.”

How to compare offers

• The number of plates in the set and whether the steel plates are included.
• The material of the friction plates: organic ones are quieter, Kevlar ones last longer.
• Whether the springs and the cover gasket are in the set.
• For a used basket: the condition of the slots and the free movement of the plates.

It is better to replace the plates as a set: new plates with worn springs work worse. While you are at it, change the oil in the gearbox and engine, because the old oil already contains wear particles from the plates.

How BlaBlaPrice makes it easier

Instead of searching shop by shop and waiting for answers, you write one request. Motorcycle-parts sellers reply in the chat with price and terms. They see where their offer stands, so they often cut the price or add to the set. The site shows the best-value one first, with reviews of the seller beside it, and your phone number stays hidden. Details are on the “How it works” page.

Related: gearboxes and CVTs and gear reducers for scooters.