A clutch kit is one of the most popular upgrades made by UTV and ATV riders looking for immediate performance gains. By changing the weight and strength of the springs, rotors, and specially machined, high-tolerance weights within the clutch, riders can optimize their gear ratios for specific needs.
For many, the standard clutch works just fine. If a rider wants to go mud-riding, they’ll need bigger tires and a whole lot more torque. No matter what gets your engine revving, a stock clutch only gets you so far. Today, we’ll cover the basics of clutch kits, their benefits, and if they’re the right fit for your ride.
Finding the RPM/Torque balance with clutch kits
Torque and RPM is a give-and-take relationship. Tons of torque can get you over hills and through muddy terrain, but it’s not helping you get going. High-RPM, top-speed riding is a blast, but if you’re barely turning the wheels when the throttle hits, it’ll take a while to get where you’re going.
A CVT is tuned specifically to the factory settings of your UTV. That includes horsepower, wheel size, and suspension. So, if your ATV or UTV clutch thinks it’s on 26” wheels, but you’re using 32”, the torque isn’t going to respond how you want when you hit the gas.
The best aftermarket UTV or ATV clutch kits are designed to accommodate enhanced performance by optimizing when your CVT shifts the gear ratio. With different weights and springs, your CVT might stick to lower gear ratios for longer—giving you more low-end torque. On the other side of the spectrum, you can give your CVT with a high-RPM clutch kit, which focuses more on high-RPM riding instead of torque.
Stick with the stock clutch—or opt for aftermarket?
The beauty of a CVT is that it’s designed to be straightforward: hit the gas and go. For most cases this is fine, but there are a lot of situations where a standard clutch kit for your ATV or UTV isn’t going to be ideal:
- Steep uphill climbs
- Uneven, bumpy, rocky trails
- Pulling out stumps/heavy towing
- Sandy conditions
- Racing
The main drawback to a stock clutch kit is, it’s designed to do everything pretty well — but not great. If the kinds of riding you do are getting more on the adventurous side with bigger tires, higher revs, or more treacherous terrain, a stock clutch kit isn’t going to blow your hair back.
Every rider has a specific style, and a UTV or ATV clutch kit that plays to your strengths is the best way to gain performance while reducing stress on your engine’s transmission.
Choosing the best clutch kit for your UTV or ATV
It’s easy to think that any clutch kit will be an upgrade from stock, but that’s not always the case. The most successful installs we hear about at High Lifter start with planning for how they’ll be used. If you’re out climbing rocks every day, you’ll want a low-end emphasis clutch kit. Sand dunes? You’re looking for a CVT that monopolizes on getting — and maintaining — the highest RPMs
Finally, you want quality. The last thing any ATV or UTV owner wants is to put all the effort in and then be disappointed. At High Lifter, we’ve spent thousands of hours in the mud, over rocks, and through the toughest trails: we can always trust products from EPI performance.
EPI ATV and UTV Mudder Clutch Kits
These clutch kits are for riders who need 28” wheels or bigger. With internal weights optimized for higher centrifugal force to maintain the ideal gear ratio, this clutch kit keeps ATVs moving through even the thickest mud. With less belt slippage and decreased clutch heat on top of a performance boost, your entire powertrain will thank you after installation.
EPI Sport Utility UTV and ATV clutch kits
Some riders are just looking for an all-around better response from their throttle. If you’ve upgraded from 26” to 30-32” tires, you may not need as big of a low-end boost, but could benefit from RPM gains.
When you add a sport utility clutch kit, you get the best of both worlds. Most riders report an all-around increase in performance With a snappier, more engine-friendly throttle response for most tires, you’ll be able to safely and easily cruise out of corners and take hills with speed.
ATV or UTV Sand Dune Clutch Kits by EPI
Buggies and ATVs that take to the dunes need one main thing out of their CVT — high-RPM throttle response. The higher you climb, the slower you go if you’re stuck with a stock clutch. With EPI’s aftermarket kit designed for the dunes, you can hold a higher peak RPM for longer, making the climb to the top easier. Designed for both regular and paddle-style sand tires, this kit is made for one thing—keeping your wheels spinning.
Find the best clutch kit for your ride
EPI Performance Parts has been working year after year at making the best parts for real riders. No matter what kit you need, you can be sure that you’re going to get long-lasting, high-performing options. EPI makes it easy to find the right kit for your rig with detailed design specs and model-specific advancements.
Find your clutch kit for mudding, dunes, or all-around improvement here.
Put the power where it belongs
All riders can have fun on any quad, UTV, or buggie out there. But, when it comes to your own—you want it working at peak performance. If your transmission and clutch aren’t responding how you need them to, it’s time for an upgrade. EPI and High Lifter have spent decades perfecting their products to make sure that every ride is better than the last. If you need more torque, higher RPMs, or an overall performance increase, upgrading your CVT with a clutch kit is the way to go. Find the best products around at High Lifter today!