Clutch repair

**LAB3** · 07-09-2025, 11:09 AM

Do you have a manual? It's probably going to be indespensable for a job like this!

**Ranger_xs1100** · 07-09-2025, 12:22 PM

This might be helpful:

Clutch Plates Replacement and Extra Steel - XS11.club Forums

**dpotter58** · 07-09-2025, 01:13 PM

simple repair. take your time and follow the guidance on that link.

**Socer4m** · 07-09-2025, 05:58 PM

Howdy, been a long time since doing a clutch plate redo

,,,do remember that Barnett springs were great, better than factory,,,stiffer but great feel,,,,also new plates are best,,,not expensive but you can measure the thickness of the old plates first and sand them and if within spec they should be ok. I tried the extra plate but it was waaaaay too stiff and didnt allow much adjustment and grabbed way too quick. You might try just adjusting the clutch first at the handle and down inside the clutch case and that could be an easy fix, these clutches last a llooooon g time unless hot rodded to death.....keep us inforned,, Mike in S.Diego and Pa

**Radioguylogs** · 07-09-2025, 08:40 PM

Most important thing is that when removing and re-installing the "star plate", you must loosen and tighten the bolts evenly, a half turn at a time on each bolt in a star pattern sequence. Otherwise, uneven spring pressure will crack the star plate itself.

**DEEBS11** · 07-10-2025, 06:11 AM

Use a new factory (not Chinese) side cover gasket. The kick start seal is also a possible leak area. Tape up the splines for cover removal and installation. If you own an 80 G or newer, this hole is plugged.

**bikerphil** · 07-10-2025, 08:13 AM

If you do go ahead and replace the frictions, be aware that the Barnett brand has been reported to be a bit 'grabby' and sometimes not fully disengage. A good source for quality Japanese made frictions and springs is PartsNmore, the price is also very reasonable, probably less than a hundred for frictions (8 required) and springs.

**DEEBS11** · 07-10-2025, 01:32 PM

Phil is right. I have done a few clutches with Barnett pads & steels and it is very hard on first gear when you start your bike cold and shift into first. BANG! It's basically a drag bike clutch. Not good for street driving or transmission longevity. I have had some success with Vesrah clutch pads.

Pardon Our Interruption...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275083073971?_skw=Vesrah+VC230&epid=171263238&itmmeta=01JZTWYM607NAHYQFX02H7DS1M&hash=item400c3a99b3:g:eUsAAOSwIMthzJJp&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1ev94U2u1CIgospzfBojtOKkGvb4S0xLCIoM6hlJzGilMRKyXc4CTfylAyWu2YvGkXBC31ey86zAomBo7dZc017sg5U3j9IpcgZIzhsIX1r0YbyXbRUDPcGf6CobvlPbN98W4rGQzVb0Uf4btsDKAeA0kTiolD7lESNJUr9cIQtbi57Ru%2BW3Gkwi1PwIXXzWsFlSC6qPNumZqRi7CZO8rp%2FeH9g%2FdWTFxV7YRlTOcKd48M5eyyClyvcFomoFgSsez%2F%2B2lKiBG3hWrg04KSM4woW00aJqVpx6FHOclVFQbrKjA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5rD-tz-ZQ

Make sure you give them a good coat of oil before installing. I also use Vesrah clutch springs.

**jetmechmarty** · 07-11-2025, 06:45 AM

Sometimes it’s just worn springs. Vesrah springs are tighter than stock and Barnett springs are tighter still. I believe 650 Central has them.

I am pretty sure the XS11 shares clutch plates with the XS650. Springs as well. Some parts are NLA for the XS11 such as the lock washer. These parts are available from XS650 parts vendors.

**gtem** · 07-11-2025, 07:25 AM

Originally posted by jetmechmarty

Sometimes it’s just worn springs. Vesrah springs are tighter than stock and Barnett springs are tighter still. I believe 650 Central has them.

I am pretty sure the XS11 shares clutch plates with the XS650. Springs as well. Some parts are NLA for the XS11 such as the lock washer. These parts are available from XS650 parts vendors.

This has been my experience as well. I experienced some clutch slip in both my '78 E (got a set of replacement plates and Vesrah spring) and my '79 F (replaced just the springs). In both cases the clutch held great afterwards, the original plates I took out of the '78 looked and measured great. So doing just the springs (easier, no need to take that case cover off) seems to sort them out more often than not.

But before going even that far, make sure the clutch and cable is adjusted properly! I just got my buddy's '80 MS back in my garage after he let some bozo "apprentice" mess with it, clutch slipping like crazy. For whatever reason the clutch rod/screw had been adjusted in *way* too tight. Only 9400 miles on the bike, once adjusted it feels and grabs perfectly.

**DEEBS11** · 07-11-2025, 07:28 AM

That's right Marty. When I built my XS11 I disassembled the clutch and cleaned the plates and pads. Then I coated them in clean oil and reassembled with new Vesrah springs. Clutch works great.

**jkorn** · 07-11-2025, 03:34 PM

Thanks everyone. Yess I do have a manual but i have found it to be a bit cryptic.. This will help so much..

So as mentioned above... OEM gaskets from whom??? Mikes?

Jeff

**bikerphil** · 07-11-2025, 08:43 PM

So doing just the springs (easier, no need to take that case cover off)

That is incorrect, the clutch case cover still needs to be removed to change the springs. The center clutch nut doesn't need to be removed, just the six star plate bolts.