Motorcycle Clutch Grip Strength

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the maximum grip force a user can exert on a motorcycle clutch. In a laboratory setting subjects (57 male; 34 female, 95% right-handed) were asked to exert maximum grip strength using their left hand on an actual motorcycle clutch that was instrumented with a load cell. The clutch was capable of being fixed in 5 different positions, allowing maximum grip measurements at A=5.0 cm, B=6.5 cm, C=8.0 cm, D=9.5 cm, E=11.0 cm grip spans. Average maximum grip force for females (179 N) was exerted at the 5.0 and 6.5 cm grip spans, while males exerted their highest force (334 N) at the 6.5 and 8.0 spans. For all grip spans, male subjects exerted significantly higher grip forces than female subjects (p<0.05). Additionally, females ranked 6.5 cm span (B) as the most comfortable grip span, while males ranked the 8 cm span (C) as highest for comfort. Data collected in this study can be applied to motorcycle clutch design or other lever controls that require a planar grip operated by the hands, particularly the left hand.