Brand new HD springs and my clutch slipped worse!!

[Mharrington]

The local shop I like to use sold me some Clutch Factory brand clutch springs for my 1980 XS650. They are 20% stronger than stock, made in the USA and were $16. I installed them and wow I had much more slippage. I even switched from my diesel oil to Valvoline cycle oil- same massive slippage. So I bought some EBC springs (they are under $11) Check out the pic. ON THE LEFT IS 6 CLUTCH FACTORY SPRINGS. ON THE RIGHT IS 6 EBC SPRINGS



The brand new Cutch Factory springs- part number KGS-025 were under 40mm in length. I put in the EBCs and no more slippage. I assume this manufacturer assumes the springs for the 1970-1979 650 is the same for the entire production era.??..

 

[5twins]

You've just discovered something, namely that all clutch springs are not created equal. Some are just no good, even when new. Here's a link where they discovered pretty much the same thing quite some time ago .....

http://www.650motorcycles.com/ClutchSprings.html

650Central seems to be about the best source for clutch springs. He sells several different sets of various stiffness (from mild to wild) and all work.

 

[Scrambled]

I just installed all new clutch parts in my '78 . Got everything from XS Direct ( Mike's ) . Used the kevlar plates and the made in Japan performance springs , they are working very well . Not sure what was wrong with my clutch to start with , the PO had just installed all new stuff too, from the worm on . I just did the same. I should have compared the springs before they were installed . Everything looked right , it just wouldn't hook up.

 

[Mharrington]

The short springs above are also the same spring for many much more powerful Yamahas. I cant imagine the slippage those springs would give in my XS1100!
I do like Barnetts and in the future new springs are gonna get measured out of the package. It was nice not seeing the tach zing up without forward motion- lets me truly enjoy those 650 GOOD VIBRATIONS!

 

[5twins]

Yes, do measure and record the length of any new springs you install. That's the only way you'll be able to check them in the future and know if they've sacked. I have the MikesXS springs in mine at the moment and will be changing them soon. I measured them when new and then had the occasion to check them about 5K later. They had already sacked a bit over 2mm. I figured their days were numbered and now, another 7 or 8K later, their time has come.

 

[Mharrington]

I took them back and with the refunded money ordered a new throttle cable. There is a mom and pop shop here in Holland MI- Performance Motorsports that I use frequently for parts. Their prices are the same as when I order online- I do pay sales tax but no shipping so it evens out. When I restored a big GS1000 Suzuki they let me go thru their shim library for the 3 I needed and let me have them. They also offered to loan me their Suzuki shop manuals. Nice folks.

 

[Mharrington]

5twins- I really like Barnett but I may try the Ferodo springs from 650 central. Im 245lbs and Im sure the extra beef my 650 must lug around is straining whatever brand springs I use!