riction isn’t ordinarily a good thing in an engine. In a clutch, however, it’s the most important thing. It’s especially important in today’s high-horsepower, high-revving sportbikes, which can go through clutches like kids through Halloween candy. The folks at DP Brakes, leaders in sintered-metal brake technology, recently added ATV and off-road clutch kits to their line of high-performance brake pads, and based on their success in those markets, DP has come out with a new line of sportbike clutches.

Anyone who’s ever pumped up a sportbike engine knows one of the first things that can go wrong, even if they’ve done everything right, is the stock clutch begins to fade and slip from the extra load. DP clutch kits are designed to eliminate fade and slip, allowing all the horsepower the engine makes to get to the rear wheel.

DP clutch plates are made of an exclusive high-heat friction material containing a blend of carbon and aramid fibers that give fade-free performance. They achieve this level of performance without using asbestos, and as a result they comply with the latest EC regulations. There’s no need to soak the plates in oil before installing them—they’re ready to install and use right out of the box.

Except for those models with diaphragm clutches, each DP clutch kit comes with clutch springs, too. They’re made of the finest heat-treated, precision-wound, shot-peened wire for maximum life and heat-resistance. The combination of DP high-performance clutch plates and clutch springs outlasts and outperforms any stock sportbike clutch. “The resulting clutch,” says Larry Mills, president of DP Brakes North America, “leads to precision gear-shifting, resistance to slip and fade, and extended durability.”

All DP clutch kits come in sturdy plastic cases that can be used in a great POP display. With coverage like this, and the performance you can count on from every DP product, DP high-performance clutch kits will keep the friction in the clutch, where it belongs and help make your clutch kit sales effortless. Contact your Parts rep for more details.

makes high-performance clutch kits for most popular Japanese sportbikes, as well as Ducatis:

Honda models include the CBR600 from 1991-2002; the CBR900 from 1992-2002; and the CBR1100XX from 1997-2003.

Kawasaki models include the ZX6R from 1995-2002; the ZXR750 from 1993-2003; the ZX7RR from 1996-1999; the ZX9R from 1994-2003; and the ZZR-1100 from 1990-1999.

Suzuki models include the GSX-R600 from 1997-2003; the 600 Bandit from 1995-2002; the GSX-R750 from 1996-1999; the GSX-R1000 from 2001-2002; the 1200 Bandit from 1997-2002; and the Hayabusa from 1999-2001.

Yamaha models include the FZR600 from 1989-1997; the YZF600 from 1996-2002; the FZR750 0W01 from 1989-1990; the FZR1000 from 1989-2002; and the R1 from 1999-2003.

Ducati models include the 748 from 1995 on; the 888 from 1993 on; the M900 from 1993 on; the 900SS/SL from 1993 on; the 916 from 1994 on; ST2 from 1997 on; and the 996 from 1999 on. All Ducati kits include both friction and steel plates, and springs.