Got mine today Gary, will report back whenever I decide to make the changeover. Thanks for the quick shipping.
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Interest in 8 plate clutch conversions?
- Thread starter gggGary
- Start date
Chet Ironhorse
XS650 Enthusiast
Ran my bike for the first time with the 8 plates. Worked great. Smooth engagement, slightly heavier pull with the Barnett springs. Very happy with the setup.
The 8 plate clutch conversion is in and I just took the bike out for a short run
Seems to be working much better at least no more slippage
Seems to be working much better at least no more slippage
I mentioned in another post Wally World oil caused me a clutch problem. Since I'm using a Alto 8 plate set up I guess I should elaborate. Since this thread is about Alto clutch plates it's probably the best place to do that.
I put a Alto 8-plate set up in my XS2 last July. Installed and worked great, no problems. In stalled it with 100% Valvoline 20W50 VR1. Later in the summer I decided to save a buck. Next oil change used 1500 ml and the rest VR1. Worked OK no problems. Later on I did another oil change, same as before, mix of WW and VR1. Then I developed a problem. Not a big problem but something changed.
In the mornings I always kick it over with the clutch pulled in to make sure the plates are free before starting. With my old (Barnett) clutch it would take 2 sometimes 3 kicks before they were free. The Alto from the git go was 1/4 kick or less. After the second oil change with the WW/VR1 mix it still broke loose as before except when putting it in gear it wanted to go. I had to hold it back with the brakes and give it throttle. My driveway is downhill so I put it in gear while coasting down the driveway. First time it did this it almost ran me through the first stop sign at the end of the block. Not a big deal. Then in the mornings I would run down the road with the clutch pulled in blipping the throttle. After a smile it would be fine. Rest of day no problems. This year I decided to go back to 100% VR1. I wanted to get it back to how it was and where I live not much difference between their price of WW $23 for 5 qts and VR1 for $5 a qt. Changed oil with all VR1 and problem went away. What the heck the oil had to do with anything I don't know.
I know there are several guys here running Walmart oil with no complaints. So don't use this as a reason not to use it. My bike seems to get weird problems. I bought it from my older brother back in 1976. He died a few years ago. I'm starting to wonder if he fucks with it sometimes.
I put a Alto 8-plate set up in my XS2 last July. Installed and worked great, no problems. In stalled it with 100% Valvoline 20W50 VR1. Later in the summer I decided to save a buck. Next oil change used 1500 ml and the rest VR1. Worked OK no problems. Later on I did another oil change, same as before, mix of WW and VR1. Then I developed a problem. Not a big problem but something changed.
In the mornings I always kick it over with the clutch pulled in to make sure the plates are free before starting. With my old (Barnett) clutch it would take 2 sometimes 3 kicks before they were free. The Alto from the git go was 1/4 kick or less. After the second oil change with the WW/VR1 mix it still broke loose as before except when putting it in gear it wanted to go. I had to hold it back with the brakes and give it throttle. My driveway is downhill so I put it in gear while coasting down the driveway. First time it did this it almost ran me through the first stop sign at the end of the block. Not a big deal. Then in the mornings I would run down the road with the clutch pulled in blipping the throttle. After a smile it would be fine. Rest of day no problems. This year I decided to go back to 100% VR1. I wanted to get it back to how it was and where I live not much difference between their price of WW $23 for 5 qts and VR1 for $5 a qt. Changed oil with all VR1 and problem went away. What the heck the oil had to do with anything I don't know.
I know there are several guys here running Walmart oil with no complaints. So don't use this as a reason not to use it. My bike seems to get weird problems. I bought it from my older brother back in 1976. He died a few years ago. I'm starting to wonder if he fucks with it sometimes.
ippytattoo
Just another grumpy old hack.
I am glad to see this is still alive and there is still interest. gggGary, good on your for picking up the gauntlet.
My update on the serviceability of this mod:
Caveat - I only use castrol Vtwin wet clutch oil and have hydraulic clutch
So far I have 3900 miles of very hard miles on mine. I have had zero problems. Pulled the clutch apart before I got her back on the road (approx 1500 miles ago) and the plates looked exactly like they did when I put them in. I probably ahould treat her a bit nicer, on second thought thrashing is too much fun lol.
YMMV
My update on the serviceability of this mod:
Caveat - I only use castrol Vtwin wet clutch oil and have hydraulic clutch
So far I have 3900 miles of very hard miles on mine. I have had zero problems. Pulled the clutch apart before I got her back on the road (approx 1500 miles ago) and the plates looked exactly like they did when I put them in. I probably ahould treat her a bit nicer, on second thought thrashing is too much fun lol.
YMMV
Great to hear from you Ippy!
Alto has delayed the rest of my plate order, I am supposed to get 30 more sets but ETA is now late June. Plates were ordered and partially shipped in March.
I have had intermittent first release of the morning judder issues with Madness using VR1 20-50 semi synthetic but it hasn't been enough to bother me.
I just installed the Alto clutch. I went back with full synthetic Lucas 20W50 (because that’s what I could get without running all over the place). It works great!
As of late July 2021 additional plates are backordered from Alto, they are uncertain when they will be able to ship, will update when I hear different.
Email this morning
"Good morning Gary,
I spoke with our production director and the updated ETA is showing early September.
There is a chance that we could have the discs made earlier but I am not able to guarantee.
I will be keeping you updated in the upcoming weeks."
"Good morning Gary,
I spoke with our production director and the updated ETA is showing early September.
There is a chance that we could have the discs made earlier but I am not able to guarantee.
I will be keeping you updated in the upcoming weeks."
Just got a call from Alto.
They can now ship about 30 more SETS of clutch plates
Any interest? A lot of summer is gone and it's a good chunk of change to buy 250 plates....
So lets hear it about interest, experience for the 8 plate conversion!
Will need to decide and commit quickly to get this done.
I can hold price cuz they will if I order now, a repeat order after this would have to go up in price about 10%
Pricing in USD, current as of 2-2021
8 Alto frictions shipped to USA address $100
add for one new Yamaha steel $10
Shipping overseas; at actual cost - the $8 US shipping cost
Shipping is in a padded priority envelope so you can check a price to your country I will make customs forms at the correct selling price.
They can now ship about 30 more SETS of clutch plates
Any interest? A lot of summer is gone and it's a good chunk of change to buy 250 plates....
So lets hear it about interest, experience for the 8 plate conversion!
Will need to decide and commit quickly to get this done.
I can hold price cuz they will if I order now, a repeat order after this would have to go up in price about 10%
Pricing in USD, current as of 2-2021
8 Alto frictions shipped to USA address $100
add for one new Yamaha steel $10
Shipping overseas; at actual cost - the $8 US shipping cost
Shipping is in a padded priority envelope so you can check a price to your country I will make customs forms at the correct selling price.
I need six plates, plus one steel.
I confirmed the order,
But Keep it coming boys!
But Keep it coming boys!
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Great mod if you ride your bike. I've been pleased with mine.
I'll take another set.
I'll take another set.
Thank guyz
When PMing to order PLEASE put your forum name in the title
RE: Clutch kit, 8 plates, 1 steel GLJ
THEN in the body of the PM somewhere mention your REAL name, John Smith .cuz matching up forum members handles with real names on paypal or other payments ain't always easy.
PS your forum name in paypal payment notes is good also!
When PMing to order PLEASE put your forum name in the title
RE: Clutch kit, 8 plates, 1 steel GLJ
THEN in the body of the PM somewhere mention your REAL name, John Smith .cuz matching up forum members handles with real names on paypal or other payments ain't always easy.
PS your forum name in paypal payment notes is good also!
No steels. I may take 2 kits.
Spare parts are good! I have a spare set now but I have a home for it in the near future.
