Before installing new friction plates, you must bathe them in oil (engine or sump) for 30 minutes. This operation is necessary for the fiber to fully absorb the oil and prevent overheating once you take off. Otherwise, the clutch will immediately deteriorate.


Springs must be inspected, too. Using a vernier scale, measure the length of the springs and compare it to the manufacturer's recommendation. (You'll find this information in the clutch section of the owner's repair manual.). Also, use a square to check the squareness of the springs: if they're bent, you have to replace them. (Note: you can't replace only one of them). Like I said earlier, springs may collapse over time. So, if you replace just one, expect uneven pressure on the clutch basket and improper clutch operation.

Having problems shifting gears may be the result of several things: an incorrect setting of the clutch lever (in mechanical systems), a loss of oil pressure in the master cylinder of the hydraulic clutch lever, or perhaps an incorrect setting of the clutch cam set. An improperly greased cable that's hard to pull will have the same effect.

Please refer to the repair manual supplied by the manufacturer to find out the exact settings and calibration your clutch mechanism should have. While extremely popular in the '70s and '80s, mechanical clutch systems are rapidly becoming obsolete; now, it's all about hydraulics. Remember that the master cylinder fluid needs to be replaced once every two years (similar to the braking system).


Photo Credit : Henri Lebarbé