Clutch Baskets & Hubs
About Clutch Baskets & Hubs
The clutch basket is the outer drum of a manual clutch. It spins with the engine and its slots hold the friction plates. Over time the plates cut notches into those slots, and the clutch starts to drag, grab or shift roughly. Riders replace a basket for that wear, for damage, or to upgrade to a billet version.
Baskets are made for specific engines. The listings here are mostly for Honda quads such as the TRX400EX and TRX400X, plus Yamaha, Kawasaki, Polaris and Suzuki listings and a billet basket for the ATC and TRX250R, so match your engine and years. The inner hub carries the steel plates, and the two are normally worked on together, so inspect both. A basket is only part of the stack: the friction plates and steels that run in it, and the pressure plate and springs, should be checked at the same time.
Brands in this category include Barnett, Prox, Wiseco, Rekluse and Moose Offroad. For the plates that run inside it, see Clutch Plates & Discs, and for the springs see Clutch Springs. The whole group is Clutch Parts & Kits. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page to see baskets made for it.
FAQs on UTV and ATV clutch baskets and hubs
What does a clutch basket do?
It is the outer drum of a manual clutch, driven by the engine through the primary gear. Its slots lock to the friction plates, so the plates turn with the engine until the clutch is released. When the slots are damaged, the plates cannot move freely.
How can I tell if the basket is worn?
Look for notches or grooves cut into the slots where the plate tabs ride, and for burrs or rough edges. Plates that catch in the grooves cause drag and a notchy lever. Light wear can sometimes be dressed with a file, but deep notches mean replacement.
Should I fit new plates with a new basket?
It is usually a good idea. Worn friction plates can have rough tabs that damage a new basket, and a fresh stack engages more evenly. Check the steel plates for warping too, and follow your service manual for the clutch stack.
Can I fit a basket made for another model?
Only if the listing says so. Baskets differ in the number of teeth on the primary gear, the plate count and the fit on the shaft. Use the model range stated in the listing, and check that the primary gear matches.
What else should I inspect with the basket out?
Check the inner hub, thrust washers, bearing, pressure plate and springs, and look for metal in the oil. Replace worn parts now while the clutch is apart. Use new gaskets where required and refill with the oil your manual specifies.
