Hydraulic Clutch Mod (finally complete)

[Rubin]

I really like this mod, and wow it looks great too! I think this is next on my list. Great work on the write-up 81xsproject!

[chadwickm]

That is SO cool! This is going on my MOD list!!

[81xsproject]

ThanXS guys. It is really easy AND cheap. Plus lots of these parts are available. The VF slave is exactly the right depth and using the existing parts as the push rod allows for adjustment. After I got my new FJ lever, it as too tight and bottoming out. I pulled the cover, adjusted the screw and it was good to go again. I am still loving it on my bike. MAYBE one day it will even make the mods section .

[Rubin]

Crossing the border every day for work means I get to sit in long lines awaiting immigration/customs. Having a softer/easier pull is more important to me then anything, so I think further bastardization of my bike is called for. I am going to try the Honda master with this setup and see how it feels. I got a great head start from lsippell, could not pass up such great looking work! Thanks again, lsippell! I will let you know how it feels to my new cable.

Cheers!

[snowdog51]

isippell clutch

tell me where to send money i would love to buy that. eme with info


snowdog51@comcast.net

as ever bill

[81xsproject]

brief resurection...

I wanted to bring this post back to add some new info. Originally, I posted that the hydro clutch with my vmax master cylinder was only slightly easier to pull than my cable clutch. This weekend I changed out both my front masters after a horrible leak from the vmax brake master sight glass. Anyways, I really liked the looks of the '99-'00 Nissin masters that were installed on a lot of different bikes, especially Honda's. I put a CBR600 F4 master for the brakes (5/8 bore), and a VFR800 clutch master, both of which look identical. The VFR master must have a smaller (thanks, Geezer) bore than the vmax did, because the clutch lever is now feather light. It feels amazing! The other plus, is that both the masters are designed to use levers with built in adjustment. So, unlike before, I can now adjust my clutch to have just the right amout of action. This was the one thing I wasn't happy with before.

[Geezer]

BTW, you could use a cheap tubing flair tool to flair that steel tube after cutting it down to just take it to any brake shop and have them flair it for you.

Anyway I've been wanting this for a long time and I can't wait to do it on my bike. Thanks for doing the homework for all of us.

Geezer

[Yahman]

I've been gathering the parts to do this mod and plan on doing it sometime soon, thanks for the updated info.

Larry

[Geezer]

I just bought a VF750 slave cylinder off fleabay and I will be picking up an aluminum plate the next time I visit my metals supplier. VF750 parts should be plenty available since those bikes had some serious engine problems and most won't survive. It looks the same as the one you used but might be a little larger. BTW, a smaller not larger bore master cylinder will reduce lever pull weight but travel will increase. There's no free lunch with these things...

I read an article about lathe turning on a drill press and I plan to turn mine that way. I can't say if that's any more or less Hillbilly than turning it on a bench grinder.

I'll probably wait until my next clutch job to install this. I will be putting in stronger springs then and the hydraulics should help with the extra effort. MikesXS also has slave cylinders but I'll look for one that is the best match to the new Mike's brake master cylinder I put on recently.

Geezer

[fredintoon]

There is an easier way

Hi List,
much as I admire the elegance of this hydraulic clutch modification, for those who lack the skills necessary for doing work of that complexity, there is an easier way.
Remove the clutch cable from the lever and free it up from it's route under the tank. Run the cable in one easy swoop directly from the clutch to the lever. Yes it looks kinda ugly but running the cable without all the tight bends needed to route it around the frame and under the tank cuts the lever effort in half and besides reducing the strain on your wrist that reduction also allows a smoother feel. Costs nothing, needs no new parts and takes about 30 minutes. My kinda modification.

[Ivan]

I agree with Fred, I re routed mine away from the speedo reset knob and the extra bends made it much heavier on the pull. Honestly though, its still lighter than most any bike I have clutched with a cable, which is astounding. Me thinks the clutch on the XS11 is a thing of beauty in its natural state, especially after riding a newer Shadow a bit and having my arm cramp up.

[81xsproject]

Thanks for the correction, Geezer. That is also a good idea with cutting and flaring the metal line to length.

[Geezer]

Thanks for the correction, Geezer. That is also a good idea with cutting and flaring the metal line to length.

No worries. BTW, do you want to sell the master cylinder you're no longer using? PM me if you do...

BTW, nice job countersinking the holes for the mounting screws. Guess I'm lazy, I'm going to skip that step and use button head stainless Allen screws. It's kind of a taste great, less filling thing...

Geezer

[81xsproject]

I didn't countersink anything... If you're referring to the screws on the master cap, they are like that from the factory. I just went and bought some SS screws for it. You can have the master for the cost of shipping, but it needs rebuilt. I made the mistake of running dot5 before reading that it destroys seals on systems not built for it. I got to rebuild the slave, too. For the price of a rebuild kit you could probably find one of the VFR masters. I know you said there is a trade off, but I haven't seen one. The action to engage the clutch is just as long as before, but probably only half the force needed to pull it. But, like I said, it's yours for shipping if you want it.

[Geezer]

I sent you a PM about the master cylinder... Anyway in all my years working on bikes, this is the first I've heard about problems with DOT5 brake fluid. Live and learn...

Geezer