How To Install a Clutch Kit on a 2013 GAS GAS EC 450F Dirt Bike

How To Install a Clutch Kit on a 2013 GAS GAS EC 450F

Why replace the clutch on a 2013 GAS GAS EC 450F?

The 2013 GAS GAS EC 450F is a high-displacement, four-stroke enduro/motocross-style bike that uses a wet, multi-plate cable-operated clutch. Normal trail or hard-pack ridingaggressive launches, technical woods sections, sand or heavy hill workloads the clutch and accelerates wear. Common symptoms that signal a kit is needed include slipping under acceleration, dragging in neutral or poor disengagement, inconsistent lever feel, hard or noisy shifts, and an overall loss of crisp throttle-to-wheel response. Replacing the clutch kit restores consistent power transfer and shift quality when done correctly.

Tools, parts & prep

• Replacement clutch kit (friction plates, steel plates, springs, pressure plate as applicable)
• Basic socket set, Allen keys and ratchet
• Screwdrivers, clutch holding tool or strap, soft hammer
• Clean drain pan, fresh engine oil of the proper type for a wet-clutch four-stroke
• Clean rags, parts tray, oil for soaking new friction plates
• Optional: clutch hub puller or impact driver for stubborn fasteners

Preparing the bike

Park the EC 450F on a stable stand so the rear wheel is off the ground. Warm the engine slightly, then cool for a few minuteswarm oil drains more completely. Because this is a wet clutch, draining a portion of the oil may be necessary to avoid a mess when the clutch cover is removed. Clean the area around the clutch cover to prevent debris from entering the case. Disconnect the negative battery terminal if you prefer a tidy workspace.

Removing the clutch cover and access parts

• Loosen and remove the clutch cover bolts in a crisscross pattern. Keep bolts organizedlengths may vary.
• On the EC 450F the clutch actuating arm and cable attach to the outer cover areanote cable routing and free play before disconnecting.
• Remove any external inspection plates, springs or small retaining pieces so the clutch basket is exposed.

Removing clutch springs, pressure plate & plates

With the cover off, set a clutch-holding method to prevent the basket from turning. Loosen and remove the clutch spring nuts evenly, one turn at a time, to relieve pressure uniformly. Remove the pressure plate and lift out the clutch packalternating friction and steel plates. Keep the exact order and orientation; photographing the stack helps during reassembly.

Inspecting internal components

Careful inspection is crucial for a lasting repair:

• Friction plates look for glazing, uneven wear, or excessive thinning. Deep grooves or burned surfaces warrant replacement.
• Steel drive plates check for blueing, heat discoloration or warping; they should sit flat and not stick to friction plates.
• Clutch basket inspect the finger tips for notching or grooves where plates contact; notching can cause drag and choppy engagement.
• Clutch hub and inner hub splines ensure splines aren't rounded or worn; the hub should engage plates without excessive play.
• Springs compare free lengths between new and old springs; weak springs compress more and reduce clamp load leading to slip.
• Thrust washer & pushrod check for wear, burrs or uneven surfaces where they contact the pressure plate.
• Oil condition look for metal particles or burnt smell; poor oil accelerates wear in wet clutches.

Cleaning and minor repairs

Degrease the clutch cover, basket area and parts with a solvent-safe cleaner. Lightly file sharp burrs on basket fingers and splinesdo not remove major material. Replace any heavily notched basket, warped steels, or compromised hub components rather than trying to compensate with plates only.

Preparing new friction plates

Soak new friction plates in engine oil recommended for wet clutches for at least 15-30 minutes so they're fully saturated. This prevents initial slippage and helps consistent engagement. Steel plates do not need soaking, but wipe them clean and ensure they're flat.

Reassembling the clutch pack

• Install plates in the original orderusually alternating friction then steelmaking sure tabs line up to the basket grooves and hub splines.
• Slide the pressure plate into position, then install springs and start the nuts by hand.
• Tighten spring nuts evenly in a crisscross pattern to compress springs uniformly. Hand-tight followed by small incremental turns until snugdo not overtighten.
• Confirm the clutch engages and disengages by rotating the engine slowly and pulling the clutch lever to verify plate movement.

Reinstalling the clutch cover and final steps

Clean the mating surfaces and replace the gasket or O-ring if the cover uses one. Refit the clutch cover, tightening bolts in a balanced pattern. Reattach the clutch cable to the actuating arm and initially set a conservative free playabout a finger's width at the lever free endso the clutch slightly holds when released. Because the 2013 EC 450F uses a cable clutch, check the cable for smooth travel and any binding; a stretched cable can mimic plate wear and should be replaced if frayed.

Refill oil, break-in and final adjustments

Refill the engine with fresh oil appropriate for a wet-clutch four-stroke. With the engine off, cycle the clutch a few times to distribute oil through the plates. Start the bike and verify lever feelit should be consistent and predictable. Take a short, low-load ride to bed-in the new platesavoid heavy launches for the first few miles. After a warm-up ride, recheck cable free play and spring nuts for any loosening, and inspect for leaks around the cover.

Practical riding context for the EC 450F

Because the EC 450F is a large-displacement enduro/motocross bike, expect more clutch stress from aggressive starts, prolonged hill climbs, or technical, low-speed maneuvering. Riders who frequently slip the clutch in sand or during uphill technical sections will see faster plate wear. Regular inspection intervals and using recommended oil will extend the life of a new kit and preserve crisp throttle response and reliable shifting.

Final checks

• Confirm the lever returns smoothly and engagement is immediateno trailing or grabbing.
• Listen for unusual noises from the basket arearattles or clunks can indicate missing shims or misaligned parts.
• Reinspect clutch cover bolts and cable routing after the first ride.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Clutch Kits for a 2013 GAS GAS EC 450F Dirt Bike.

Shop Clutch Baskets for a 2013 GAS GAS EC 450F Dirt Bike.

Shop Clutch Springs for a 2013 GAS GAS EC 450F Dirt Bike.

Shop Inner Hubs and Pressure Plates for a 2013 GAS GAS EC 450F Dirt Bike.

Shop Clutch Covers for a 2013 GAS GAS EC 450F Dirt Bike.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.