Is Getting a Motorcycle Slipper Clutch Worth It?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

No bike modification will ever replace learning proper riding techniques. But that doesn’t mean tweaking your motorcycle is necessarily pointless. While some mods are more about style than substance, others can genuinely improve how your bike rides. And a common modification, especially for track aficionados, is a slipper clutch. But if your motorcycle doesn’t already have one, is it worth installing?

What’s the difference between a slipper clutch and a ‘normal’ motorcycle clutch?

Hinson BTL slipper clutch kit | Hinson

On the outside, a slipper clutch and a ‘conventional’ motorcycle clutch are essentially identical. The same goes for their internal components, too. Both clutches feature multiple alternating friction and steel plates, springs, an outer basket, an inner hub, and a pressure plate, Motorcyclist explains. And just like ‘normal’ clutches, a slipper clutch can be wet or dry.

Also, whether it’s actuated by a cable or hydraulic pressure, a slipper clutch does the same basic job as a ‘normal’ motorcycle clutch. That job is to help control the flow of power from the engine flywheel (via the inner basket) to the transmission’s input shaft. So, regardless of which type of clutch your bike has, pulling the lever disengages the engine and transmission and lets you shift gear.

However, a slipper clutch has several additional parts on top of those it shares with a conventional clutch. Specifically, it has ramps sandwiched between the inner basket and pressure plate, Motorcyclist explains. Some models’ ramps also feature sliding balls, Cycle World notes.

But regardless of sphere status, these ramps are the reason why riders, and increasingly, manufacturers, give their motorcycles slipper clutches.

What are the benefits of a slipper clutch?

As on a car, rolling off the throttle on a motorcycle means your RPMs drop due to engine braking. However, unless you pull the clutch lever, your engine is still connected to the transmission, clutch plates, chain/shaft/drive belt, and the rear wheel. And while your engine’s slowing down, your rear wheel is still trying to drive it at the previous speed. Too much engine braking and your rear tire will break traction, causing skids and even wheel hop, Cycle World explains.

Plus, even if you pull in the clutch lever, shifting still creates a speed disparity between the engine and transmission. So, there’s still a risk of skidding, wheel hopping, and overall suspension/bike instability. That’s why rev-matching on downshifts is a critical skill. It’s also why many racers, and some OEMs, give their motorcycles quickshifters. And it’s where slipper clutches come into their own.

When a motorcycle with a slipper clutch slows down, those ramps slide over each other and separate the basket and plate. This lets the friction plates slip past each other more gradually, reducing the stress caused by engine braking. Thus, no skidding or hopping, and (hopefully) no crashing. And this slipping also occurs if the rider accidentally over-revs their engine when going for a downshift, Motorcyclist explains.

However, slipper clutches’ ramps can also act ‘in reverse,’ Cycle World says. I.e., while some ramps can push the pressure plate out under engine braking, other ramps can push it in during acceleration. This ‘assist’ feature increases friction plate pressure before the rider even tugs on the clutch lever, which reduces pulling effort. So, if you see the term ‘slip-assist clutch’ on a spec sheet, that’s what it refers to: a slipper clutch with an assist feature.

How much does it cost to install?

A bronze-colored Suter Triumph 675 slipper clutch
Suter Triumph 675 slipper clutch | Suter Racing Products

Because slipper and slip-assist clutches offer so many benefits with virtually no drawbacks, they’ve become common standard features and/or factory options. The new Harley-Davidson Sportster S, for example, has a standard slip-assist clutch.

But even if your bike doesn’t have a factory slipper clutch option, there’s always the aftermarket. Prices vary depending on your motorcycle’s make and model, but figure spending around $1000 for one. And you don’t necessarily need to pay a pro to install it for you. Just like general motorcycle maintenance, it’s more than possible to DIY it, Motorcyclist says.

That being said, should you give your motorcycle a slipper clutch? If you regularly track your bike, definitely. But if you’re sticking to the street, while it’s a beneficial modification, it’s not an absolute necessity. However, if you need to replace your friction plates anyway, it’s something worth considering.

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RELATED: D.I.D’s Special-Edition Motorcycle Chain Honors a MotoGP Legend

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Is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos a Good Car?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Volkswagen is on a roll, bringing out new vehicles that appeal to their customer base. Their new vehicles are a mix of fuel-powered and electric, and the Taos enters the fray as Volkswagen’s smallest SUV. The next SUV above it is the Tiguan. Is the 2022 Volkswagen a good car? Let’s learn more and find out.

2022 Volkswagen Taos | Volkswagen

What’s under the hood of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos?

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos wouldn’t exactly be called powerful. It has only a 4-cylinder engine and is capable of 158 horsepower. Still, Cars.com calls it “peppy,” and thought the front-wheel drive was “lighter on its feet” than the all-wheel drive version. 

As far as fuel economy goes, the Taos can go 28/36 mpg, which isn’t bad for an SUV. It’s fairly inexpensive too, starting at just $22,995 for the base model. If you spend $31,490 for the Volkswagen SEL, you can get the VW Digital Cockpit Pro, and Beats Premium Audio. 

How much room is in the Taos?

The Taos may be Volkswagen’s smallest SUV, but it’s still got a decent amount of interior space. Cars.com also liked its digital gauge cluster and heated front seats. However, they didn’t like its interior trim, which they thought was cheap looking. 

Consumer Reports says that the Taos is 9.3 inches shorter than the Tiguan. Volkswagen promises that the Taos will have all of Volkswagen’s latest technology. This means a solid infotainment system and top-notch advanced safety systems. As car manufacturers make safety features standard more and more frequently in their vehicles, safety features are getting more attention than ever. 

Unfortunately, the 2022 Taos isn’t coming standard with all of the safety equipment that Consumer Reports thinks is necessary (or at least important) for newcard to have. To get safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, you’ll have to pay an extra $995.

The Taos will replace the Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a longtime beloved favorite of Volkswagen enthusiasts. It was small and energetic, with a decent engine and an interior that made sense. Cars.com says that the four-door Volkswagen Golf is gone and the Taos will replace it. Meanwhile, the GTI and Golf R will still be sold in the U.S.

Consumer Reports also notes that although the Taos is named for a town in Mexico, it will be built in Puebla, Mexico. They also mention that it’s likely to fill a void for those who are interested in a solid name like Volkswagen but aren’t interested in a larger SUV. Perhaps one of the Taos’ biggest draws is its small size. People who live in cities will likely love how small and easy to park the Taos is. 

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is likely to be a popular choice for Volkswagen lovers and those who just want a small SUV with a solid name. With its affordable entry-level pricing, it’s accessible, too. All in all, the Volkswagen Taos seems like a good car.

RELATED: This Is Your Last Chance to Get a BMW i3

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Finally, the 2022 Toyota Tundra Has an Exciting Interior

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s no secret that the Toyota Tundra has been lagging behind key rivals due to its age. The outdated interior can’t keep up with competitors with massive screens and all the advanced bells and whistles. But the 2022 Toyota Tundra isn’t giving up and will come out swinging. 

The 2022 Toyota Tundra interior packs a fresh punch 

The 2022 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

Toyota keeps teasing us with images of the new Tundra, and we almost can’t take it anymore. We need to see what’s in store for this truck that hasn’t had a total redesign since 2007. It also has only seen minor changes since its refresh in 2014. 

We have to wait a little longer for the 2022 Toyota Tundra to be revealed, but at least we have a few clues about it. For example, the new Tundra will have a larger screen. It could compete against the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500’s 12-inch screen. 

The 2021 Tundra has a 7-inch screen that can be upgraded to an 8-inch option. It seemed to work fine. The system is fast and responsive. But it looks outdated, and the graphics could be updated. Also, if the sunlight hits it in a certain way, then you can’t see what’s on the screen at all. So, we’re pumped for this new tech. 

What to expect with the 2022 Tundra 

One of our favorite features about the Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition includes the large sunroof. Now it’s getting even better because Toyota released a video featuring a massive dual-pane panoramic sunroof! Now, even more light and fresh air will fill the cabin. 

Also, the video showed the return of the power sliding rear window. Fans love this feature because it’s pretty darn convenient. It allows dogs to get some fresh air, opens the truck up to nature, provides extra storage space, and more. 

While climbing through the massive backseat in the 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, it was a bit of a hassle to get to the back window. You have to open it manually. It just felt like a feature we would never use, as we wished it had a power window instead. 

The teaser video provides a loot at the new cabin with red upholstery color-coordinated seatbelts. Red accents extend to the steering wheel too. Other updates that are safe to expect include a wireless charging pad, digital rearview mirror, and extensive digital cluster display. 

Will the 2022 Tundra have more power? 

the reworked dash of the 2022 Toyota Tundra
2022 Toyota Tundra dash | Toyota

Currently, the Toyota Tundra has a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. It’s a little lacking compared to rivals and can tow up to 10,200 lbs. The 2022 Toyota Tundra could gain more power. 

We know that it’s going hybrid, but we don’t know when. Teaser images include a new iForce MAX engine. It’s a 3.6-liter V6 engine that provides 406 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the new Land Cruiser. 

However, as a hybrid engine, it could generate even more power. Also, Toyota says an electric pickup is coming, which only enhances the mystery. The 2021 Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 lbs, so we hope the new Tundra catches up. 

The 2022 Tundra TRD Pro will certainly spice things up with more off-roading upgrades. It could have coil springs, air springs, or an independent suspension instead of its current leaf-spring setup. Along with enhancing its capability, this would also provide a much smoother ride. 

Currently, the Tundra begins at about $34,025. The 2022 Tundra may see a slight increase with an MSRP of around $35,000. It’s expected to make its debut any day now to reach dealerships in the fall. However, it may face Coronavirus (COVID-19) or semiconductor chip-related delays.

RELATED: Could the 2022 Toyota Tundra Get a Hybrid Engine from Lexus?

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Whatever Happened to Station Wagons in the U.S. Auto Market?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re of a certain age, you remember the days when station wagons filled the roads. Mom and Dad piled the kids in the back for everything from getting around town to long summer road trips. Car buying has changed over the years, though, and these days, station wagons are harder to find in the U.S. market. The minivan and SUV have largely taken over from their more compact ancestors. 

Wagons of the past

A red Volvo station wagon | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

Spicer Collector Car Profile reminds us that station wagons used to be all the rage among American manufacturers but calls them a “dead memory” today. So, what were the more popular models that have long since disappeared? 

According to MotorTrend, the classic American station wagon could be found hitting the road starting with its invention by Ford in the 1910s and stretching all the way through the 70s. The first Ford wagon was a wood-bodied Model T used mainly for transporting goods from train stations. (Get it? That’s why it’s called a “station wagon.”) In the 1930s, Ford produced a V8 build, with a 60 or 85 hp engine choice. Clearly, this vehicle wasn’t for the masses. Ford described it as “for transporting a weekend party to the yacht, to the stables, the lodge, or the cottage by the seashore, it is ideal since it enables the party to travel en masse, taking supplies with them in comfort.”

The upper-middle-class got in on the game with the 1942 Chrysler Town and Country release, which stayed popular for decades. Another go-to model for American families starting in the 1950s was the Rambler from American Motors. MotorTrend says of the 1956 Rambler that “what made this Rambler so freaking cool was its body style, a four-door pillarless hardtop station wagon, the first in the U.S. industry.” The Ford Country Squire and the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser were also big hits with consumers around the mid-century.

Sales take a nosedive

Station wagons stayed popular through the 1970s, but after that, things took a turn for the worse for the iconic American car. When Chrysler released the first minivans in 1984, their larger size made them more appealing to customers. The rise of the SUV and crossovers some decades later continued the trend away from the station wagon. 

Some manufacturers have continued to develop wagon models in the hopes of breaking through to consumers. However, they’ve often run into trouble with sales. Take Acura, for example. Few people know that the Acura TSX had a wagon variant, the TSX Sport Wagon, which debuted in 2011. The model didn’t last long, however, and was discontinued in 2014. At the height of its “popularity” in 2012, only 4,000 of the cars were sold.   

Some wagons have bucked the trend

Despite the wagon’s troubles, there’s still a core group of consumers out there who find this type of car the perfect combination of sport utility and compact economy. The Subaru Outback comes in at or near the top of most lists of best wagons on the current market, although it recently got beat out for the number one spot on U.S. News’s list by the Audi A4 Allroad. Despite that hiccup, Subaru did top Car and Driver’s list of best wagons of 2021, so it’s still got plenty of momentum behind it. 

Other cars appearing on different lists of great wagons include the Mercedes-Benz E Class and the Volvo V60 and V90. However, according to Autoweek, what’s got some customers especially excited these days is the prospect of a new electric Volkswagen model that will be introduced in 2023. The ID. Space Vizzion, as it’s currently envisioned, is a large wagon with a 300-mile range and a vegan interior called AppleSkin, produced with materials derived from apple juice production. 

Though station wagons aren’t as popular as they were decades ago, there are still more models out there to choose from than you might expect — even budget-friendly models such as the Honda Fit and the Mitsubishi Mirage. So if you’re car shopping for a roomy yet economical vehicle, a station wagon may be just your ticket to ride.  

RELATED: The History of the Station Wagon

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