Eli Tomac Knows Best — Cable Clutch Still Reigns Supreme!

When Eli Tomac talks about his equipment, every word counts. So when he made it absolutely clear that a cable-actuated clutch remains his clutch of choice — even in a world filled with hydraulic systems — it speaks volumes about rider-feel, precision and tradition in motocross and supercross. With Tomac’s recent move to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the 2026 season, this decision tells us something deeper: old-school tech still has a vital role in the ultra-modern world of pro racing.

Why the cable clutch?

Contrary to what many assume, hydraulics don’t automatically guarantee the best feel or control. Tomac laid it out plain:

“I’ve been a cable guy my whole life… I’ve had a couple seasons where I’ve basically been forced to ride a hydraulic and I could never make it as good as I wanted it to, basically. … For my riding style, it’s just the way I ride specifically on supercross … I haven’t been able to find a hydraulic that can do what a cable can do.” 

Here are a few of the key reasons:

  • Slip window & modulation: Tomac emphasises the “slip window” — the brief moment the clutch is partially engaged — that allows fine throttle/traction control, especially in supercross lights and whoops. He feels the cable gives him more tactile feedback.

  • Habit & consistency: He’s ridden cable clutches for years, built his style around them. Changing to hydraulics meant battling the feel and losing responsiveness. 

  • Rider control: He said he regulates power more with the clutch than the throttle in many situations. That means the clutch is more than a “gear‐changer”—it’s a performance tool.

The bigger picture: KTM’s switch and what it means

Tomac’s move to KTM is huge — and the clutch choice is symbolic. The standard 450 SX-F from KTM comes with a hydraulic clutch. Yet for Tomac’s bike, KTM went back and fitted a cable clutch.

This signals several things:

  • Respect for rider preference: KTM’s willingness to depart from their norm (hydraulic) shows they value Tomac’s experience and feel. It’s not just about putting a fast bike under him; it’s tailoring the bike to him. (Vibyemedia)

  • Tech flexibility: In a sport where every little advantage counts, KTM’s engineering team adapted the clutch system to suit one rider. That tells you how marginal gains still matter.

  • Legacy meets evolution: Tomac is a veteran champion. Keeping his preferred clutch means he can focus on what counts — racing — rather than re-learning a system. At the same time the rest of the field moves forward with hydraulics. So you have a veteran pushing the boundaries of what’s standard.

What this means for Moto / Supercross going forward

  • Don’t discount analog systems: In a sport full of electronics, hydraulics, automatic everything — Tomac’s choice reminds us: simpler can still be better if it fits your style.

  • Personalisation matters more than ever: The best bike isn’t always the one with the flashiest spec sheet. It’s the one the rider trusts — sometimes that means sticking with what works.

  • Clutch feel is still crucial: With modern bikes producing enormous power, managing that power — especially off the gate, in whoops, on steep faces — the clutch becomes a vital interface. Tomac’s emphasis on feel shows that technical specs alone don’t tell the full story.

In summary

Eli Tomac knows best because he’s been there, done that, and won at the highest level. His decision to stick with a cable clutch isn’t nostalgia; it’s strategic. It’s about feel, control, and winning. In an era of rapid change in bike technology, his choice underlines a timeless truth: the rider matters more than the headline spec. If you can control your machine better, you’ll race better.

And so, when you see Tomac drop the gate in his new orange KTM, know this: that cable running from lever to clutch basket isn’t a relic—it’s a precision tool. A reminder that sometimes, the simplest technology still reigns supreme.

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