Automobile Desk: Facing heavy city traffic while commuting to office every day is a daily story for most of us. The biggest headache in this hectic driving is frequently changing gears and pressing the clutch. Due to this daily hassle, one starts feeling numbness or sharp pain in the fingers, palms and wrists. Especially on motorcycles whose clutch springs are very stiff, driving them is no less than an exercise.
Now a very excellent solution to this problem has come in the automobile market. Earlier this special technology was seen only in premium or expensive sports bikes, but now companies have started offering it in budget and mid-range segment motorcycles also. The name of this technology is 'Slip-And-Assist Clutch', which makes the journey in traffic very comfortable.
What is slip-and-assist clutch technology?
This technology is a great combination of two different features. Its 'Assist' feature reduces the force required to press the clutch lever by about 20 to 30 percent, thereby reducing the strain on the fingers. At the same time, the second i.e. 'Slipper' feature comes in handy when you suddenly reduce the gear. It handles the reverse thrust of the engine to prevent the rear wheel from slipping or bouncing suddenly, keeping the bike under complete control.
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350
This motorcycle of Royal Enfield is very popular among the youth. The company has included this special clutch feature in its updated range. It has a powerful 349 cc engine, which generates excellent power and torque. Its low seat height (790 mm) makes it extremely easy to handle in narrow city streets and heavy traffic. Its starting ex-showroom price is around Rs 1.37 lakh. - TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
This performance bike of TVS has been provided with the company's special A-RT slipper clutch, which reduces the effort of pressing the clutch by about 22 percent. Gear shifting in this feels very smooth like butter. Apart from this, the GTT (Glide Through Traffic) technology available in it helps in moving the bike forward at low speed without giving accelerator, which is very useful in jammed roads. Its starting price is around Rs 1.50 lakh. - Yamaha MT-15 V2
Known for its aggressive looks and excellent performance, this naked streetfighter bike from Yamaha has the option of assist and slipper clutch. It has been designed so well that you can operate it easily with just one finger. It has a 155 cc liquid-cooled engine, which gives good performance for both long rides and daily commute. Its starting ex-showroom price is around Rs 1.65 lakh. - Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
Instead, this clutch technology is available as standard even in this powerful machine. This is a great option for those who like to travel long distances in heavy traffic as well as on the highway. Despite having a big engine, the clutch operation has been kept quite smooth, so that there is no unnecessary pressure on the rider's hands. Its starting price starts from around Rs 1.91 lakh. - Honda CB350
This Honda bike is a great package for those who like the classic cruiser look. Slip-and-assist clutch is provided in all its variants, due to which jerks are not felt while changing gears and the wrist does not get tired at all. Its engine operates quietly and smoothly, which completely changes the riding experience in city traffic. Its starting ex-showroom price starts from around Rs 1.95 lakh.