©
Whats New

Home
Press Release
Products

Catalog
Clutches
Racewear
HPV Engine
Wheels/Hubs
Sprockets/Chain
Briggs & Stratton
Accessories
Misc
Support

Owners Manuals
Tech Docs
F.A.Qs
Information

Contact Us
Where to Buy
Photo Gallery
Links
Horstman is the leader in design and performance of clutches when it comes to racing karts. For over fourty years, National and International racers have relied on Horstman clutches when winning counts. A vast selection of models are available to fit specific applications. Consult a Horstman factory technician or one of our experienced dealers for recommendation.
 2 Cycle:  Steel Nytro
Steel Nytro is definitely the top of the line on two-cycle racing clutches. This new high tech oil bath beauty is ready to launch you into the winner's circle.

Models are available with two disc for the Sportsman competitor who is looking for a clutch that performs great and will require less maintenance than a dry clutch. For Yamaha Pipe and Piston Port Lite classes a three disc version is the correct choice. For Reed Valve or Heavy Weight classes the four disc version is preferred.

Outstanding Features:
  • Small diameter and light weight enables quicker acceleration and more revs on top end
  • All billet construction for better balance, rigidity, and durability
  • Easy adjustment of stall speed without removing clutch from engine
  • A proven winner in Sprint, Speedway, and Road Race divisions
 2 Cycle:  HDC-5
The HDC-5 dry clutch is the ultimate for sportsman classes. Features a 2 1/2" diameter for low inertia. Lightweight yet thick plates for better clamping, heat dissapation, and rigidity. Comes factory blueprinted with precision ground components and matched springs. Patented 5 lever and spring combination provides unifrom pressure for improved lining life and fewer hot spots. Cryogenic treatment improves longevity and transfers heat better. Single disc for Rookie and dual disc for Senior Sportsman or Jr/Sr Supersportsman where permitted.
 2 Cycle:  DXL
Horstman's DXL clutches are of the oil bath multiple disc design for two cycle racing. The DXL has been a proven winner since 1978 when they were first introduced. Many upgrades have been made since the originals in order to provide the racer with an economical yet high performance clutch. Features include three discs for positive hook up and easy adjustment of stall speed through the oil cover. Ideal for the newcomer on a budget especially in the speedway division. For the Sr. Sportsman class and the Yamaha KT Lite class the four spring design DXL-991 or DXL-991 3B are a good choice. For the Yamaha Heavy class the six spring design DXL-3000 or DXL-3000 3B are preferred. The standard drive hub features support of the crankshaft from the starter nut. Standard hubs are a better choice for the beginner because mounting the clutch is easier. The extended length drive hub (3B) features support of the crankshaft direct from the clutch hub. This way is considered more precise, however the hub must be in perfect alignment with the support or binding will occur.
 2 Cycle:  Axle
The Horstman Roadrace Axle Clutch is without a doubt one of the best values ever developed in kart clutches since its introduction in 1984. Crafted from only the highest quality billet alloys for long life and consistent performance. Features cam action levers for quick acceleration. A special oil inside the housing is used to absorb heat from the friction discs to better control overheating. If a clutch overheats while engaging its torque capacity drops which means lost power and poor acceleration. Another benefit of a sealed oil bath design is that no outside contaminates can get inside to affect performance. Easy adjustment of stall speed can be made from outside the clutch. Model AX-4056 comes ready to race with any gear ratio from 4.20:1 up to 5.20:1. An optional tungsten weight kit is available to improve performance in the 5.20:1 up to 5.60:1 ratio range.

 4 Cycle:  X5
The X5 was designed with small size to move the rotating mass closer to the crankshaft centerline for low inertia that results in awesome performance gains. Another benefit of the small size is a better balance factor vs larger clutches. The better the balance the freer the crank spins. Although small in size a beefy patented 5 x 5 spring/lever design concentrates mass where it is needed in the clamping area for rigidity, heat absorption, and less surface hot spots. A billet one piece drive hub with cooling vanes runs cooler and will not flex under load. Plates are vented for dust flow, cooling, and less weight. Comes with blueprinted springs, cylindrical ground plates, and cryogenic treatment for maximum performance. Billet lightweight steel drum with bolt-on sprocket runs truer and eliminates power robbing distortion through high speed corners. Fits 3/4" diameter crankshaft. X5 one disc for Jr restricted classes*. X5 two disc for Jr gold plate, Jr unrestricted, and all Sr Stock classes*.

small clutches are not permitted by one association primarily on the west coast
 4 Cycle:   Redhawk
We are pleased to announce our new 4-disc clutch purposely built for Minicup racing. The Redhawk is smaller than existing rim clutches currently offered for Minicup cars. Although the Redhawk is smaller it is definitely not a potato chip. Since heat is a big enemy of a clutch we added mass to the components subjected to the greatest stress. In addition the Redhawk friction surface is double that of typical rim clutches. The greater friction surface handles horsepower more effectively. This creates a clutch that is more consistent especially when conditions are severe. The Redhawk features a bolt on sprocket to reduce the cost as a complete drum change is not necessary when changing ratios. Although the Redhawk is complex it is easy to disassemble and service. The Redhawk is legal in the MMRA and we are proud to be a contingency sponsor of this fine organization.
 4 Cycle:  The Reaper
Horstman's new generation of disc clutches engineered for today's high performance 4 stroke engines

Outstanding Features:
  • 3 1/4" diameter for lower rotational inertia
  • 2 Disc 6 spring style with Horstman’s innovative external adjustability feature
  • Cooling vanes to extract unwanted heat
  • Over 15% increase in friction surface better grip and heat sink
  • Lightweight aluminum drum with replaceable clips Optional Steel Drum available
  • Removable Sprockets from 11T to 23T with square lug drive eliminates retaining ring
  • Thicker plates CNC machined from billet for greater rigidity to provide positive lock up
  • Cryogenic treatment of components run cooler .last up to 300% longer
  • New drive lug shape for smoother engagement keyway is thicker for longevity
  • Plates attached with 1/4 screws for rigidity and easy removal during maintenance
  • Fits 3/4" crankshaft or jackshaft for 5-20 hp
 4 Cycle:  Greased Lightning
Horstman's newest 4-cycle racing clutch named Greased Lightning "nothing is faster than greased lightning". It was developed from our popular MDC series clutch which has been the top clutch in karting for many years. Designed for experienced racers that like to customize their clutch setup to best suit engine and track conditions.

Outstanding Features:
  • Designed for Stock and Superstock classes
  • Light weight billet aluminum basket for lower inertia and better heat dissipation
  • Removable sprocket saves money
  • 120° spaced rectangular lugs in friction discs for better balance as well as less bind during lock up and release
  • Cam action levers machined for uniform pressure and better lock up
  • Levers pivot on hardened dowel pins for less binding
  • Stall speed adjustable with spring adjustment or bolt on weight
 4 Cycle:  Greased Lightning Jr.
Another new 4-cycle clutch from Horstman, the Greased Lightning Jr. was developed for restricted Jr. 4-cycle kart racing. This clutch is made for ultra high performance and requires expert setup and a serious commitment to maintenance.

Outstanding Features:
  • Lightweight billet aluminum drum for low inertia and better air flow.
  • Removable sprocket reduces cost
  • 120° spaced rectangular lugs in friction discs for better balance as well as less bind during lockup and release
  • Two stage cam action levers for uniform pressure and smooth/positive lockup
  • Stall speed adjustable with spring adjustment without disassembling clutch
 4 Cycle:  MDC
Horstman's MDC clutch is a proven winner since its introduction in 1990. Crafted from quality components with an emphasis on performance as well as value.

Outstanding Features:
  • Lever / weight combination calculated at factory
  • Stall speed easy to adjust with allen wrench
  • Cam action levers for quick acceleration
  • Components heat treated to last a long time
  • Metallic drum with welded on sprocket for long life
  • Cerametallic friction discs for long life and heat resistance
  • 4 spring models (MDC-444) available for Restricted Stock classes and Stock classes
  • 6 spring models (MDC-400S) available for Stock classes, Superstock classes, and Cage Karts
  • 6 spring models (MDC-400M) available for Modified classes
  • Fits onto 3/4" diameter crankshaft
 4 Cycle:  Rhino
Like its namesake, the Rhino Clutch is a tough hombre ready to take on karting's heavy duty work. Built for the punishment of rental karts as well as the performance of dirt track racing in America or the Pro Honda division in Europe. The Rhino will handle up to 15 hp with models available for 15mm or 3/4" shaft.

Outstanding Features:
  • Extra heavy duty drum includes six cooling holes and wide flanged edge for strength
  • Internal surfaces of drum has precision machined finish for quick seating of shoes
  • Triple shoe design for better balance and high torque capacity
  • Bi-directional ... works either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation with no modifications
  • Simplicity of design for quick disassembly and fast maintenance ... saves labor costs for rental track owners
All images and information contained on this site is the sole property of Horstman
Manufacturing Co., Inc., and may not be used without written permission.
©2000 - 2006