March 23, 2002 - That is right; an automatic clutch for a dirtbike. No more stalling in tight, first gear woods. No more burning up clutch plates in a grueling two hour off-road race. The advantages are endless, disadvantages are few, if any. There has been a lot of rumors running all over the motorcycle industry regarding the release of the Colorado based Rev-Loc clutch. Finally late last fall, creator Doug Drussel put the finishing touches on a few production units, releasing them to the anxious public.

Remove the clutch lever, you won't be needing that anymore.....

The Rev-Loc clutch is something that will take some time to get used to, no doubt about that. But be patient, and sacrifice some time to become accustomed to how the clutch works, and the results will soon follow. I met up with Husaberg's Chuck Sun at a local motocross track to compare and contrast the automatic clutch against a conventional unit. Chuck is Husaberg's National Marketing Manager, but is also working with Rev-Loc to market the incredible product.

Chuck fired up the brute Husaberg FC470 for me, while I awaited to give the clutch a try for the first time. "Nope....no need for the clutch," Chuck shouted as I grabbed for the clutch lever without thinking. "Its already in gear, just roll the throttle and you're set to go," Sun continued.

As I stated earlier, we did our test session at a stadium motocross track. While the automatic clutch was relatively advantageous, it wasn't 100% necessary. But the clutch was not really designed for MX use. The device really begins to shine when the trails get tough and technical. One of the hardest things to get used to is when brake-sliding into corners. This feeling is nothing unusual, its just natural. The best way to really get acclimated to the clutch, is to remove the clutch lever all together.

CNC master Doug Drussel has finally created the clutch that many riders have been waiting for.

"The nastier, the better," described Larry Roeseler after his first impression of the new and revolutionary Rev-Loc automatic clutch. Larry tested the clutch on a KDX 220 in the 2002 Alligator Enduro in Florida, and obviously had good words to speak of it. Dakar Ace Jimmy Lewis stated, "Once you ride a bike with the Rev-Loc clutch, you'll immediately realize its value."

After a few laps I began to feel comfortable on the Rev-Loc Husaberg. It really doesn't take too long before one will realize that nothing is really different, just a lot better. "A lot of people ask if the bike will still do this and that, but in all reality, the power and handling characteristics will NEVER change. A Husaberg is still a Husaberg, a KTM 250 is still a KTM 250," explained Chuck. "The Rev-Loc just relieves a rider of one less thing to concentrate on," Chuck concluded.

With the Rev-Loc, the Husaberg levels out easily over any jumps, as opposed to the typical "nose-dive" that many 4-strokes owners experience.

One other concern from many prospective buyers is log crossing. "Remember, if necessary the clutch does still function if fanning is required. But typically just roll on the throttle and the front end will come up like normal," Mr. Revloc once again explained. We setup a mock log crossing, and just like that, the Husaberg 470 popped right over it with little effort.

Toward the end of the test session, Chuck and I wandered outside the MX track to find some 'trials-like" obstacles. The last 20 minutes of the testing is what solidified my opinion of the Rev-Loc clutch. Like I said, the automatic clutch doesn't really shine in a motocross type of environment. BUT, in anything tight and technical, the device is amazing. Go as slow as you want in first gear (or any gear really) and the difference is clear. Its just one less thing to worry about. And one big advantage to gain.

Also, if you do any incredibly technical riding, it might be a worth-while idea to move the rear brake to the left handlebar lever. Picture this: a tight, steep off-camber which completely requires a foot on the ground to maintain stability....but you also need that foot for the rear brake. Not any more. This is an extreme scenario, but odds are many people have experienced the uneasy feeling of loss of balance versus the ability to slow down. Its just another possibility that is available with the Rev-Loc.

Nick Pearson will be debuting the clutch in his YZ426F at the upcoming Colorado round of the National Hare Scrambles series. We'll be seeing more and more top name riders using the Rev-Loc clutch.

The clutch will not change any characteristics your current bike may have. It just makes it much easier to ride, period.

Husabergs are an interesting breed. Now teamed up with KTM, a few cosmetic similiarities are evident, from the trademark front fender to the quality and craftsmanship of every nook and cranny. The bike was the FC470, a mellow, yet powerful four-stroke. The Swedish company is known for its simple, and light weight motorcycles, and the 'berg was nothing but just that. As the morning progressed, the track became dry and slick; just the perfect conditions for the blue and yellow Euro machine. Come into a corner, lay it over and roll on the tractable power.

One great thing about the Swedish bike, is the fact that its "race-ready out of the crate". Oversize bars, frame-guards, one piece swingarm, White-Power suspension, quality wheels hubs, handguards and an already great motor, are a few of the benefits. They are clean and simple, yet very effective.

Husaberg is currently running a special spring promotion to clear out the initial inventory of 2002 models. Along with special rider support pricing on the bikes, you'll get free products, from a set of Michelin tires to N-style graphics & seat cover equaling up to a $1500 value. See your dealer or here for more details .

Former National Champion Chuck Sun drove to Glen Helen the following day to pull off a Vet Pro moto win in the mud and slime, and of course the Rev-Loc clutch was praised in the technical conditions.

Without any doubts from numerous testers, the Rev-Loc automatic clutch is a great concept, manufactered from precision engineering. But with all that innoation and technology comes a price, which is the downfall of the product. The clutch retails for $995. This comes with everthing needed except the steel plates; of which the stock ones are simply used. "There are a couple ways to look at it, though. Motorcycles are anywhere from $5500 to $7500 nowadays. After 12-18 months of use, you look back and ask yourself if you could have benefited and got more out of that investment with the Rev-Loc clutch. Most times people answer a quick yes. If riding is something you do nearly every weekend, its worth it," explained Chuck. "Another thing to consider, is if one was to replace the entire clutch assembly with an aftermarket standard unit, that will easily ring up to $750, so why not go with the Rev-Loc automatic?

More information on the Rev-Loc automatic clutch can be obtained at your local dealer or www.revloc.com

And to see the details of the 2002 Husaberg lineup, see
www.husaberg.se

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask!

Kevin Gorzny