Simple, free dry clutch mods

[JEC]

Three things that don't get much publicity:

First, and I know this is already in the hall of wisdom (buried in a lengthy article, hence why I'm repeating it here), you can remove the rubber gasket and space the stock clutch cover with the brass bushings embedded in the gasket instead of running an open clutch cover. So you get the full-noise effect without exposing your clutch to damage or quite so much road crap and rain. This works better on older (1998 and older) models, with covers that didn't have sound deadening material in them. Obviously you can get an "undeadened" cover from an older bike if you want to do the mod, they are mostly universal fitting. I prefer the sound of this setup to my old carbon fibre cover and most open covers - it's loud enough to be heard but not too loud, and it resonates nicely inside the space of the cover. And then you have the peace of mind of a solid metal cover protecting your precious clutch pack.

Second, and this tip comes straight from a former Ducati race mechanic, take off two of the six clutch springs on the pressure plate. Obviously remove two that are diagonal so it is even. This isn't pretty if you have an open cover, I know, but you don't need the force of six springs to handle the torque output - four is more than enough. So you can reduce a bit of pull effort and shave a few ounces (grams?) off the clutch pack at the same time, for free!

Third, regular cleaning of the clutch plates is critical for making them last, but there is a little trick to add life to the clutch pack. If you pull out a partly worn clutch and look very closely at the friction plates, you will notice one side wears slightly faster than the other side. Take note of which side this is (I forget if it is facing the inside or the outside, it's been a while since I did it last) and simply flip each friction plate over after cleaning so the worn side is facing the opposite way. This will even out the wear on the friction plates if you do it regularly.

Cheers
Jason Cormier
Moto Montreal Cycle

[dharhay]

I have never heard of your third tip. Thanks for sharing it.

[Yellow749s]

Thanks for the tips. Is there any sites out there or on here by chance that have step by step pictures showing how to remove/reinstall a clutch pack correctly? Im a picture kind of guy! They should come out with a "Ducati for Dummies" book!

[JEC]

Originally Posted by Yellow749s

Thanks for the tips. Is there any sites out there or on here by chance that have step by step pictures showing how to remove/reinstall a clutch pack correctly? Im a picture kind of guy! They should come out with a "Ducati for Dummies" book!

Search for any one of the billion threads on this forum

Different years and models have different clutch packs, and then there are the dozens of various aftermarket options, so it's hard to generalize.

[Yellow749s]

Originally Posted by JEC

Search for any one of the billion threads on this forum

Different years and models have different clutch packs, and then there are the dozens of various aftermarket options, so it's hard to generalize.

Okay cool. Ive various threads on the topic, just never pictures. Ill do a search again, Thanks!

[stucatz]

Plus-plus on the 2 spring removal,

I have an open clutch cover, speedymoto and did just that, smooth as silk.

It really is not noticible with the speedymoto kit pressure plate.

Flipping over ,hmm I'll give that a try as well.

I've had the 2 springs out for the last 10,000 miles, and no effects whatsoever

[JEC]

Originally Posted by stucatz

Plus-plus on the 2 spring removal,

I have an open clutch cover, speedymoto and did just that, smooth as silk.

It really is not noticible with the speedymoto kit pressure plate.

Flipping over ,hmm I'll give that a try as well.

I've had the 2 springs out for the last 10,000 miles, and no effects whatsoever

I know it was a little trick with some of the racing teams (I know of two different race mechanics who recommend it), so if it can handle race riding and power output with four springs it can surely handle a street motor.

[Chuckracer]

Race teams, espically Ducati race teams, replace clutch plates after every other launch, too. They aren't looking for 10k plus miles out of their plates. In the long run, this dosen't sound like a great idea to me, but...whatever.

[JEC]

Originally Posted by Chuckracer

Race teams, espically Ducati race teams, replace clutch plates after every other launch, too. They aren't looking for 10k plus miles out of their plates. In the long run, this dosen't sound like a great idea to me, but...whatever.

I refer to race teams here for the ability of a reduction in plate tension to still handle the torque output of the motor without being overwhelmed. I make no claims to a decrease or increase in wear as a result - I have not heard claims of either due to this modification.

One could claim that using any aftermarket performance clutch parts will detriment clutch life in a similar manner because they were developed for racing purposes. Slipper clutches and aluminum alloy parts come to mind. Plenty of people "take their chances" on these bits and seem to be pretty satisfied.

My point is you can claim any mod (or lack of) is going to have a detrimental effect (or alternately an improbable gain). Look at the oil/octane/air filter debates for evidence of this.

This is a common mod and people, some very knowledgeable, speak favourably of it. That's why I include it here. As with anything, try at your own risk and if you don't like the results it's easy to reverse it.

Personally I see no reason why it would increase clutch wear unless it was allowing the clutch to slip when engaged, which would be very apparent while riding. But that is merely my heresay, as much as claiming it would increase wear in the long run is your heresay.

[Chuckracer]

Wow...OK...got it. I think your ass is sufficiently coverd.

Are you a lawyer, per chance?