Clutch Control

Beach · Jun 9, 2017

I have a 1974 Commando and runs great except for one problem.....My clutch pulls easily but there isn't much control over when the clutch engages...Most of my other bikes, the clutch can be feathered a bit as you take off, if needed...With this clutch it is basically released or engaged...I wondered if the clutch stack height might have anything to do with this...

kommando · Jun 9, 2017

I find the same when coming from any of my other non diaphragm bikes, takes a few miles and then I get used to it, I have changed stack height to get a lighter pull and that worked but it did nothing for the sharp engagement, neither did changing to fibre plates from bronze, now back to bronze.

Guido · Jun 9, 2017

I had the same problem with the solid bronze type plates. I think they're bronze. Real grabby.

Beach · Jun 9, 2017

I am used to it too...Sounds like a normal thing...

Torontonian · Jun 9, 2017

Sloppy clutch mainshaft nut ? Crushed mainshaft circlip ? Just ideas.

Beach · Jun 9, 2017

Replaced crushed circlip(by po) last year and all is well...Just not as much control as I'm used to..

concours · Jun 10, 2017

Barnett plates living in a bath of ATF, stacked to a height as outlined here: http://atlanticgreen.com/ndnsclutch.htm

http://atlanticgreen.com/clutchpak.htm

For 24,000 miles I've enjoyed a smooth, linear, no slip, no drag clutch. Thanks Dave!

dobba99 · Jun 10, 2017

I don't know if this will cause your 'sharpe' engagment of your clutch but i noticed that the new diaphragm springs now available have all the spring 'fingers' at the same level. The original ones had differing heights for alternate fingers. I read somewhere that this was to spread the engagement over a greater distance. Has anyone done a back to back comparison to see if it is so?
Regards
Peter

MikeG · Jun 13, 2017

What kind of shape is the clutch hub in? Had a similar situation with mine and it was due to the splines on the hub being "stepped" and hanging the friction plates up till the diaphragm was released enough to overcome the "step" and the clutch would grab very suddenly.

Beach · Jun 13, 2017

Actually the hub shows no wear..Only right at 10k miles..The clutch engages smoothly but just not as controllable as most clutches..

dobba99 · Jun 13, 2017

Just found where I read about the staggered finger diaphragm spring. Go to Dyno Daves Norton website and its there in the 'Easy pull, no drag no slip clutch'
It describes the operation of the spring and how the staggered fingers broaden the operating range.