Abstract: A friction clutch primarily useful on a motorcycle utilizes a variable pressure plate system. The variable pressure plate system comprises a stationary pressure plate and a movable pressure plate which are mounted on the clutch to be in operable association with the clutch's drive plates and driven plates. The two pressure plates together form a chamber to hold a pressurized gas. The pressurized gas is capable of evenly exerting a force on the movable pressure plate which in turn evenly contacts the plates to engage the system. The movable pressure plate responds to a release mechanism to move it out of engagement with the drive and driven plates.