[mals900ss]

Clutch ramblings

I am getting close to wanting to buy a clutch. I am in two minds here, to just grab a new clutch pack and bang it in or while I'm there to do the Alloy flywheel, alloy basket and trick pressure plate.

I have read enough threads to understand the ups and downs, pro's and cons. Now the thing is would it be worth the outlay when I am still so happy with my bike the way it is? I have been out recently test riding some of the new bikes on offer including the 749S I wanted so much. They are all great to ride.. until I get back on my 01 SS, then 100m up the road I am smiling and giving the fairings a hug ( I LLAAAARRRVVEEE my bike ), I won't part with her.

There is 40 000 km on it, DP pipes & map, K&N filter and de-snorkled,14/40 sprockets and I'm wrapped with my 85.2 rwhp. At the age and k's on my bike, would YOU look at making these mods? There is no bike I want more than her at the moment, my plans for a hypermotard will be a bonus to my garage.

I've been surfing on Chris Kelleys site but have asked him enough questions in my time. I need to find out what parts I need to pick up doing the flywheel thing, are the springs seperate from the pressure plate? How many do I need? do they come with the buttons? Do these come up on E-bay or better just get it from him?

Now you all have a headache so I'll sit back.

Mal

 

[yeloduke]

Why would you spend big bucks for something that you probably won't even notice? Lightened flywheel will let her rev quicker (in neutral) but also stall easier. Pointless in my opinion. If it ain't broke don't fix it.I think the alloy clutch basket is an update on the newer models so when you need to replace yours go for one of those.

 

[bruce19]

I am getting close to wanting to buy a clutch. I am in two minds here, to just grab a new clutch pack and bang it in or while I'm there to do the Alloy flywheel, alloy basket and trick pressure plate.

I had the flywheel lightened (from 4+lbs to 2lbs) by BCM in NH. Made a difference but did not make it difficult to ride in town. A good compromise IMO. I also installed the Barnett billet clutch basket and clutch pack. I found the tolerances between plate tabs and basket to be closer and the clutch rattle almost went away. I thought they were two good mods. Machining the flywheel cost $85, way less than the 4oz. (?) flywheel from Nichols. This was done on a '96 SS/SP that had the 944 kit, HC pistons, 41 mm FCR'S, etc. Helluva bike. Sorry I had to sell it.

bruce19

 

[st2lemans]

Why would you spend big bucks for something that you probably won't even notice? Lightened flywheel will let her rev quicker (in neutral) but also stall easier. Pointless in my opinion.

A) It's not big bucks.

B) You definitely notice it

c) I have no stalling problems.

I have a Nichols in my ST2, saved nearly 6lbs of rotating mass. Inexpensive, do-it yourself job.

I've got a new flywheel waiting to go into my SS. Not a Nichols this time, got it from Kaemna. Also 220g, so a weight savings of 3 1/2 lbs (the ST2 had a much heavier flywheel. I've got lightweight flywheels in both of my Guzzis as well.

Tom

 

[sk66]

The clutch basket setup isn't worth the money IMO. You have a basket which is going to wear out sooner, and it doesn't give much benefit since the clutch only turns at 1/4 the speed of the flywheel. I have a 99 900ss and installed a lighter (not Nichols) flywheel and liked the improvement; still, it's not a huge difference. Best bang/$ is drop in HC pistons IMO, but it's also a bigger job.

 

[TassieDave]

I've just done the clutch on my 93 900SS but that was because it needed to be done. The fingers in the original steel basket were knacked from the excess banging from the fiction plates. Free play there was at least 3mm - spec is 0.6. The hub was wobbling a bit too, maybe from hard/worn cush rubbers. So much so that the spring buttons had rubbed a groove into the clutch cover. And it was LOUD.

So my solution was Nicholls basket, VeeTwo hub and Barnett clutch pack. Also bought a SpeedyMoto pressure plate as there looked like (and I may have talked myself into) a hairline crack at the base of a spring hole (if there is a techo term - it escapes me), new stainless steel springs, bolts and buttons. Also had to replace the control rod as if was slightly bent and worn from where the seal had failed and rubbed a massive groove into it.

All up it has been slightly expensive and I haven't ridden the bike yet (tank is bone dry from my last ride) but from when it almost started on the fuel left in the carbs, it was nice and quiet. I might missed the ringing from the steel basket though.

I don't regret having to spend the money even though I have only had the bike since Christmas. I am working my way through a list of things I want to do and am enjoying every minute of it. I will be keeping an eye on the clutch though and will replace the pack earlier rather than letting the wear on the tabs go too far.

FCR41s will be a future purchase and it sounds like split singles may be the way to go. And maybe a lightened flywheel.

 

[mals900ss]

Holy thread resurection..

Oh.. I did it myself..


Hey Dave... any update on the flywheel??

I was searching for a thread where we were talking about eliminating the flywheel. I don't remember if I could do this with my SSie or if there is a trigger on the flywheel I need. I read in another thread where the ST2 and I think 916 doesn't 'need' the flywheel.

Anyone know??


In accordance with the prophecy...


Mal

 

[st2lemans]

You need to keep a bit of one on the SSie, as the alternator rotor mounts to it. I have this: http://kaemna.de/cms_en/katalog.htm?&view=artikel&artikel=1230

Tom

 

[shadowmax]

You actually going to replace that rattly old clutch Mal ... just replace it standard and put the savings towards your next bike ... was that a 749S or a HM ... myself I can't see the need for a second bike when you have an SS ... so get the clutch/flywheel you want for it ... though I just replaced mine ... budget restrictions meant I kept those parts standard, a full engine balance and HC pistons though did the trick on my carb'd bike.

not sure I gave an opinion