Why the open clutch covers?

[Treadmarks]

Is there an advantage to this or is it just bling?

I ride in the rain often, would the water hurt the clutch?

[Rob998]

yes, no (well maybe) and no.

[bromike666]

Originally Posted by Treadmarks

Is there an advantage to this or is it just bling?

I ride in the rain often, would the water hurt the clutch?

Ducati mating call!

[dctech7]

the rain question is a good one, i wonder the same..

[Rob998]

Centrifugal force & engine heat gets rid of any rainwater from the plates.

[phillc]

The open clutch cover helps to expel build up of worn friction plate material. A closed clutch cover doesn't let this material escape. Over time a build up of this black dust will result in clutch slip, well before the plates themselves are worn enough to induce this.

Riding in the rain won't be a problem. However, I would suggest changing the regular clutch springs for stainless springs. The regular ones will rust and look nasty over time. Stainless springs won't, and they're quite cheap anyway.

The bling factor and symphonic sounds are added bonuses!

[johnchypermotard]

Originally Posted by Treadmarks

Is there an advantage to this or is it just bling?

I ride in the rain often, would the water hurt the clutch?

the advantage is that the clutch will run a little cooler, and the dust from the friction pressure plates will blow out as you ride, so there is less clutch "squeak" when you take off from a stop.

other benefit is somewhat of a bling factor ... the open cover lets the clutch noise travel further. this is the ducati mating call, as pointed out above.

running an open clutch cover in the rain will not hurt the clutch components. the centrifical force will throw the water out from the pressure plates and other spinning clutch components that are exposed.

a larger concern with an open clutch cover is if you wash your bike with a water hose. if you do, just make sure to start the bike up after you dry it off, and pull the clutch lever in and release it a few times. this will get the water to spin out and dry off the plates, basket and springs in the clutch. after all, they call it a dry clutch for a reason

a presto,
johnc

[dctech7]

good info!!

[lelenb]

I ride in sandals and use it to keep my toenails trimmed.

If you ride in loose clothing it could pose a risk depending on how open the cover is. When I removed the stock cover not only did I find quite a bit of dust, but the rubber seal held the water in and there was some rust on the stock springs. Also you don't need that rubber seal when you put the open cover on. I have seen a few people with the rubber gasket under their blingy covers. It looks wonky to me and should be corrected; you know who you are.

[08hyper]

[QUOTE=lelenb;473059]I ride in sandals and use it to keep my toenails trimmed.

What the toenails on your left foot?? LOL Alex