A question about the clutch

[RichV]

I was doing some acceleration tests today and I noticed that if I go full throttle at 70 MPH up to 80 MPH, which takes about 2 seconds, I feel something like a clutch slip. Should I not worry about this? The plates all looked okay and the springs were in spec when I installed them.

I don't seem to have problems during "normal" operations. This bike has more high end torque than any other bike I've ridden (or remember).

Thanks!

[drshankles]

I would first check your adjustments make sure the clutch is adjusted correctly at the case as well as at your lever. I've had the same issue my fix ws adding an extra friction plate to the clutch pack.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Rich,

WHAT springs did you install? New, OEM style, the old ones since they were "still in spec"? The OEM style, even HD Oem style are still too light weight in their endurance, and will eventually loosen, go out of SPRING TENSION spec, and then you can have a clutch slippage like you described at the higher rpms and gear. Make sure you have the throwout rod and lever tension set right....that ~1/4 turn out from light touch of the throwout bearing with the rod.

Also, what OIL do you have in it? Synth contributes to slippage with OEM weak/worn springs. You probably don't have enough time to order, receive and install BARNETT springs before leaving for XSSE on Thursday.

IF not running Synth, and throwout rod set right, then springs are shot. I had some PartsnMore EBC that I had gotten and put in, and after just 3 years, they were still in spec, but experienced slippage. A temporary fix/way to increase the tension of the springs is to put some washers just under the springs on the clutch pressure plate shafts....this will compress the springs a little more and help increase tension for a while until you can get the BARNETTTs!

T.C.

[RichV]

Hey Rich,

WHAT springs did you install? New, OEM style, the old ones since they were "still in spec"? The OEM style, even HD Oem style are still too light weight in their endurance, and will eventually loosen, go out of SPRING TENSION spec, and then you can have a clutch slippage like you described at the higher rpms and gear. Make sure you have the throwout rod and lever tension set right....that ~1/4 turn out from light touch of the throwout bearing with the rod.

Also, what OIL do you have in it? Synth contributes to slippage with OEM weak/worn springs. You probably don't have enough time to order, receive and install BARNETT springs before leaving for XSSE on Thursday.

IF not running Synth, and throwout rod set right, then springs are shot. I had some PartsnMore EBC that I had gotten and put in, and after just 3 years, they were still in spec, but experienced slippage. A temporary fix/way to increase the tension of the springs is to put some washers just under the springs on the clutch pressure plate shafts....this will compress the springs a little more and help increase tension for a while until you can get the BARNETTTs!

1. They were the ones on the bike. I had two sets and I tested both and took the ones that did better under compression. Are they OEM? Hell if I know.

2. I'm using regular oil. I saw the posts on slippage and decided to not use synthetic. This is my first non-synt vehicle in years.

3. I originally set the clutch according to the manual. I will check it again tomorrow.

I will order the new springs but this may just be an adjustment issue. I would have normally replaced the springs up front but I didn't want to put too much into the bike until I knew I would have a good running bike.

I'll order the Barnett springs and try to get them by Wednesday. If I don't and the adjustment doesn't work I'll try the washer trick.

This was the first time I felt the slip so this is a problem that didn't manifest itself in the past.

[BA80]

Did you check your PMs Rich?

[RichV]

Okay so thanks everyone. I've ordered the springs. I knew at the time I was running a risk that the springs were worn but I didn't know that the bike would even start so it was low on the list of things to do.

I had two bikes and I took the best springs of the group with the intention of replacing them. When I got the slip today at the high end I just needed someone to confirm that the springs are probably shot.

There are other things that need attending to as well but can only do one thing at a time and I can't change parts while in motion (although I have tried).

[motoman]

I would first check your adjustments make sure the clutch is adjusted correctly at the case as well as at your lever. I've had the same issue my fix ws adding an extra friction plate to the clutch pack.

Not to do!.......adding a clutch plate. All that will acomplish WILL collapse the clutch springs even more. Replace clutch springs with Barrnet springs! Within spec . for heigth menes nothing. They loose their twnsion from metal fatigue, caused from heating and cooling cycles. even though they may have within spec as far as heigth/

[BA80]

+1 on NOT adding a steel. Bad idea.

[bikerphil]

I run extra steels in both XS's, for many thousands of miles and it works fine, although I'm not doing much racing.

[BA80]

I run extra steels in both XS's, for many thousands of miles and it works fine, although I'm not doing much racing.

Congratulations.................

[skids]

I had issues with springs only twice. I put in some Vesras and never had a problem until synthetic oil was used. Switched back to Dino juice and changed frictions and everything has been good. I guess I have just had better luck than most,

[bikerphil]

+1 on NOT adding a steel. Bad idea.

I just don't see why it is such a bad idea, adding the steel plate brings the clutch pack back to in spec thickness as it would be with using new frictions.

[trbig]

I just don't see why it is such a bad idea, adding the steel plate brings the clutch pack back to in spec thickness as it would be with using new frictions.

Phil, the extra steel plate is much thicker than any wear you'll get from the fibers and makes the basket stick out a little further. That being said, I ran an extra steel plate for a long time as well before I discovered the Barnett springs. With even the "Heavy Duty" springs, I was into the clutch a few times a year. Even with the extra steel and new springs, they wouldn't last very long for me.

If the extra steel plate works for you, great. But honestly, as cheap as new springs are, even a tightwad like me sprang for them. It's your bike(s) so do what works for you.

[bikerphil]

I hear you Tod, if the mod failed for me, of course I would have looked for a better solution. Next time it slips, I will use the HD Barnett springs.

[motoman]

I just don't see why it is such a bad idea, adding the steel plate brings the clutch pack back to in spec thickness as it would be with using new frictions.

Not the springs though. They STILL get compressed more.