Clutch Plates - Carbon vs Aluminium vs Steel - Ducati.ms

Kam · Feb 7th, 2007, 2:29 pm

Following up from my slipper clutch question I've been searching the forum and found lots of good stuff on Barnett clutch plates. These seem to be aluminium/Kevlar.

I'll hopefully be getting a new slipper in the next few weeks but want to change the basket and plates at the same time. I'm restricted by cost so most likely will be going for a Ducati or Casoli item.

I've seen steel, aluminium and carbon plate kits.

What are the Pro's & con's of each please?

Also any recommendations of clutch baskets?

Is an uprated slave worth the investment as well?

I've seen the STM slave unit, what is the difference between the 28 / 30mm.

mad · Feb 7th, 2007, 3:59 pm

IMHO, the main difference between all your options is weight. Lower weight = less rotating mass = quicker throttle. Next are metal densities. Just match up the basket and plates with similar metals so one doesn't beat the hell out of the other causing premature wear. Last is slaves. Better looks of aftermarket units is obvious but most also reduce lever force somewhat for an easier clutch pull. As with all things Ducati, it's just a decision on how much you can afford to spend as light weight + the word "billet" = higher cost but usually a more durable, better performing item.

Kam · Feb 7th, 2007, 4:12 pm

Hi Mad,

thanks for the advice. I've just purchased a Bucci Ducati Performance Slipper clutch with basket so I'm guessing it's aluminium (Pic below).

Would the Barnett aluminium/Kevlar plates suit this?

As for the slave, I've been told to go for a Brembo or STM. Do you have any other recommendations?

molasses · Feb 7th, 2007, 4:48 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kam

Do you have any other recommendations?

I recommend you look into other makes as well (Yoyodyne, Evoluzione, Motowheels etc.).

Do a search on this site and you shall find...

DukeDesmo · Feb 7th, 2007, 5:04 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kam

As for the slave, I've been told to go for a Brembo or STM. Do you have any other recommendations?

I've been very happy with the evoluzione, leak-free, nice piece of kit and an easier pull...

bpad1 · Feb 7th, 2007, 5:05 pm

my yoyodyne is smooth as butter and works awesome.

Pinocchio · Feb 7th, 2007, 5:08 pm

All your going to find are Steel and Aluminum plates that the friction material will be bonded to.

The Carbon your referring to is a mixture of Carbon and Kevlar used as a friction material facing, another is the Sintered material, yep the same stuff you'll find on your OEM front brake, lastly the Red compound that Barnett is using in their race packs which is pretty grabby. The Carbon Kevlar wear fairly well and isn't so grabby, the Sintered material wears well but isn't as good as the previous two I have mentioned above.

DukeDesmo · Feb 7th, 2007, 5:16 pm

As for plates I'm using the sintered plates and they work much better; smoother action, less slip and no 'Braying Donkey' noises, than the original stock plates (whatever type they were?) but there are more, thinner plates than the original setup.

SnwMnkys · Feb 7th, 2007, 5:28 pm

I personally miss the racket that the Ducati Performance clutch packs make over my new Barnett aluminum clutch packs as it slaps back and forth against the basket.
I dont know how you feel about noise, especially if you have an open clutch cover.