The 5 Best Clutches for Predator 212 (Go-Kart/Minibike)

Choosing the right Centrifugal Clutch for your setup can seem like a daunting task. So many things to take into consideration and so many different options to choose from, In this article I will try to help you choose the right Clutch for your Go-Kart/Minibike setup.

Who should use this list as a buying guide?

This list is a selection of the best Clutches for a stock predator 212 which makes about 6.5hp max. The clutches in the list are made for 2-7 hp Engines and have a 3/4″ bore size which fits in with the Predator 212 and Honda GX200 crankshaft.

All these clutches are available in different sizes, please make sure that you order the one that is compatible with your chain and has the number of teeth according to the gear ratio of your liking.

Top 5 Best Clutch for Predator 212

1. FDJ Minibike Go Kart Clutch – Best Value for Money
2. Max Torque – Best Quality
3. Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch – Best for #35 chain.
4. DEDC Centrifugal Clutch – The Cheapest
5. Hilliard Extreme Duty Clutch – Best Alternative Design

1. FDJ Minibike/Go Kart Clutch

The FDJ Go-kart centrifugal clutches are the best Clutch for their price, compatible with #40/41/420 chain. With regular oiling and correct gearing, these clutches can last a long time and are half the price of the original Max Torque clutches.

These clutches are bi-directional, meaning you can install them with the chain facing out or inwards. They do not come with set screws, they come with bolts and washers and can be directly bolted to the crankshaft. Very Easy to install!

Note: While installing this clutch on a Predator 212, there might be space left between the clutch and the crankshaft, you can easily buy some 3/4″ washers to fill in those extra spaces.

Their sprockets are designed for #40,#41, and #420 chains. There are 2 options when it comes to the number of teeth, you can either get 10 teeth or 12 teeth.

Since these clutches are almost identical to the Max-Torque clutches, you’ll be able to upgrade to the different springs and shoes offered by Max-Torque if you do modify the engine. But it’s highly recommended that if you’re going to upgrade the springs and shoes in the future then buy the original Max Torque clutch.

2. Max Torque SS

The original Max-Torque with 3/4″ bore are the best clutches for a Predator 212 both in terms of quality of materials and longevity, there is no match to the original Max Torque clutches. There may be 100’s of cheaper clones available online but the original will outperform and outlast all of them.

Having said that, they are 2 times the price of the other clones available online and they work exactly the same way. If you properly maintain the clone clutches and use them in their recommended weights and gear ratio, they can last for a decent amount of time, and considering that you only pay $20 for the clones, that’s not at all a bad deal.

Max Torque has multiple options for you to pick from based on chain size and number of teeth in sprockets:

1. #35 chain and 11 tooth
2. #35 chain and 12 tooth
3. #35 chain and 13 tooth
4. #35 chain and 17 tooth
5. #41 chain and 10 tooth

There are performance upgrade springs and shoes available that are made by Max Torque for an engagement at higher RPM, so if you decide to add performance parts to your Predator, the internal springs can be easily swapped to match the performance with the engine.

3. Auto Express Centrifugal Clutch

The Auto Express Clutch is the best clone clutch for the #35 chain. It is bi-directional and easy to install, one downside is that they are fixed into the crankshaft with set screws but the seller might only send the clutch, so you’ll have to get set screws separately for this one.

With proper oiling and a low gear ratio, these clutches can last a decent amount of time, some people have used them for up to 2 years without major problems. That is very impressive for a $20 clutch.

You can upgrade the springs and shoes just like in other clones, but I will still only recommend buying an original Max-Torque for any upgrades.

Only one option is available in terms of teeth, it comes with 12 teeth sprocket. Overall it’s a good cheaper replacement for the #35 chain and 12 teeth from Max Torque.

4. DEDC Centrifugal Clutch

This 12 teeth and #35 chain-compatible clutch is the cheapest on the list.

The clutch will be locked in the crankshaft with a bolt and lock washer (no set screws required). The sprockets are permanently fixed so you will have to buy a new clutch if you decide to change the chain or change gearings.

Overall, this is another good cheap option with generally happy customer reviews. You should be able to get a good life out of it with proper maintenance.

5. Hilliard Extreme Duty Clutch

This is an alternative in design to the max torque clutch and their clones, Hillard makes very durable clutches. They are mostly known for their racing clutches, but they do have the “Extreme Duty Clutch” for lower power Engines.

They are a little more expensive than the Max Torque and have a different design internally. Max Torque clutches are usually preferred over these because of the availability of parts and information available on how to disassemble and modify the Max-Torque Clutches.

It is still a nice alternative to Max-Torque and will last a good duration, they have a 3/4″ bore and will fit in predator 212 without issues. They are compatible with the #35 chain and have 12 teeth.

For modified engines (stage 1/ stage 2 Predators)

Before you read on, please note that if you’ve made any modifications to your Predator 212 such as flywheels, rods, valve spring, cam, etc, anything that increases the power and RPM then you’ll either have to buy a Juggernaut Torque converter or get a spring and shoe replacement along with the Original Max-Torque clutch.

And if you’re planning to do extensive modifications, such as changing the valve size or modifying the intake and exhaust ports, and manage to get even more than 18hp. In such a case, you should be looking for racing clutches such as the Noram Cheetah clutch.

FAQs

1. Should I get a clutch or a Torque converter?

A question worth asking and can save you some time and money. Short Answer: Torque converter/CVT is for off-road go-karts/minibikes with frequent start-stop situations, If you’re using a heavy kart with big tires or if you’re going to climb hills then get a Torque converter.

Whereas the Centrifugal clutch is ideal for high-speed Go-karts with small wheels on flat tracks. Read this article for a more detailed comparison.

2. How many teeth should my clutch have?

This is very important to take into consideration before you buy the wrong teeth and end up burning the clutch and blaming it on the quality of the clutch.

The number of teeth in your clutch will determine the gear ratio of your go-kart or minibike.

Gear Ratio = the number of teeth in the Axle sprocket / the number of teeth in the clutch sprocket.

If your gear ratio is set too high, you’ll end up burning your clutch. Don’t be confused by “high”, “low” gear ratios, read this article for a better understanding.

Generally speaking, any gear ratio lower than 6:1 is good for a 13″ rear tire, if your kart is really heavy or tires are bigger, you might have to consider an even lower ratio, maybe close to 8:1 or even lower.

3. Do you need to oil your clutch?

Yes, absolutely! You need to oil it after every 1-2 use. Remember “After” not before you go for a drive. Just put 2-3 drops of oil behind the snap ring once you’ve used the engine, that’s when the clutch is hot and the oil will get soaked in.

4. Can you use these clutches on a higher Hp engine?

Only use the original Max-Torque clutch with adjustments made to the internal springs to engage at higher rpm or get a racing clutch or a torque converter.

5. How to install the clutch?

We have a step-by-step guide on how to install a torque converter on predator 212.

If you do end up with a troubling clutch, it can still be rescued, read this article on the common problems and solutions of a centrifugal clutch. It’s good practice to maintain the clutch and use the correct gearing to start with.