scott s
XS650 Guru
Last year, when I got my '75/'78 combo bike running (1978 engine/carbs with '75 sheet metal), the clutch slipped badly.
I measured the discs and friction plates and, while showing some wear, were within spec.
I had several sets of springs, including some unknown springs with a dab of blue paint and some new, unopened Barnett Racing springs, plus some stock springs.
I measured a stack of discs and picked the best ones and installed new friction plates, too.
I forget the measurements on the springs, but I went with three "blue" springs (thinking they were stock) and three Barnett springs. Well...It turns out the "blue" springs weren't stock and I ended up the three heavy duty springs and three "HOLY SH!T, that's heavy duty!" springs.
It is nearly impossible to slip the clutch now, even when I need to.
I was circling the cul-de-sac in my neighborhood, first gear, riding the rear brake and trying to slip the clutch to make a tight turn. The clutch finally engaged and the bike lurched. I damn near took out a mail box!
I KNOW the adjustment is correct, so don't even go there. It's definitely the springs. I'd like to just go back to stock, but I'm leery of the used springs I took out. I can measure the height, but that doesn't tell me much about the spring pressure.
Are Mikes stock springs any good? I know he's had some quality issues lately. Where's a good source for good, stock clutch spring?
I measured the discs and friction plates and, while showing some wear, were within spec.
I had several sets of springs, including some unknown springs with a dab of blue paint and some new, unopened Barnett Racing springs, plus some stock springs.
I measured a stack of discs and picked the best ones and installed new friction plates, too.
I forget the measurements on the springs, but I went with three "blue" springs (thinking they were stock) and three Barnett springs. Well...It turns out the "blue" springs weren't stock and I ended up the three heavy duty springs and three "HOLY SH!T, that's heavy duty!" springs.
It is nearly impossible to slip the clutch now, even when I need to.
I was circling the cul-de-sac in my neighborhood, first gear, riding the rear brake and trying to slip the clutch to make a tight turn. The clutch finally engaged and the bike lurched. I damn near took out a mail box!
I KNOW the adjustment is correct, so don't even go there. It's definitely the springs. I'd like to just go back to stock, but I'm leery of the used springs I took out. I can measure the height, but that doesn't tell me much about the spring pressure.
Are Mikes stock springs any good? I know he's had some quality issues lately. Where's a good source for good, stock clutch spring?