has anybody installed that hydralic clutch kit

cNw · Sep 7, 2014

Re: hydralic clutch kit old concept- new marketing challang

dynodave said:
I tend to agree with it being a novel solution looking for a problem to fix. That may be the reason marketing this device is a tough sell. The main problem being people not knowing how to do clutch cable maintenance on a norton...

IMO Those with a commando clutch, who learn how to do clutch set up and maintenance will also delight.

Dave,

Interesting that you claim that this is a 'tough sell'. What are you basing that on ? I am curious since this is a great selling kit and we have a hard time keeping it on the shelf.

If you experienced this kit yourself before giving your feedback, you may find it to be just as execptional as everyone that is using it.

This hydraulic system works as well 2 years down the road as it does the day you install it. That is something you can not count on your stock set up to do since that does in fact, as you mention, need regular maintenance

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.coloradonortonworks

jeffdavison · Sep 7, 2014

PERFECT MATT!

Put my name down for a lefty for the clutch.
I should be in better financial shape also after my commitment to the Alton E-Staart

Hydraulic clutch will be the next project, and now with this adapter, it's a full go forward for me.

Jeff

CNW said:
jeffdavison said:

Jim, Matt, thanks for the reply.

One thing that is holding me back is the switchgear. With the setup that was offered through CNW, it was required to use a modified Honda left hand switch setup, at least that is what the pictures were showing and was in the description while it was on the web site.

I really would like to be able to use the standard Lucas switches. The reason why, is that I'm using Madass's Master Cylinder for the front brake, and the way he produces the assembly, it lets the stock Lucas switch and mirror be used. I would want to keep left and right switch gear and mirrors symetrical and stock if at all possible and that would be a priority for the hydraulic clutch.

JD

Click to expand...

Jeff,

Here you go......this is a clamp I have designed and it allows you to retain the stock Lucas switch cluster when using both the Brembo master for the Hydraulic clutch kit and also the Brembo master for the cNw/Brembo brake kit.

Still in prototype stage and it will probably be another 2 months before available.

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

http://www.coloradonortonworks.com

Fast Eddie · Sep 7, 2014

Very clever adaptor Matt.

Looking at the fact you have put an embossed CNW logo on there, I am correct in thinking you'll also be doing these as a stand alone simple clamp to replace the stock Brembo item?

This is a very interesting thread, I had never previously thought seriously about a hydralic clutch before, but I'm now thinking to add one to my next list of bits from you!

cNw · Sep 7, 2014

Fast Eddie said:
Very clever adaptor Matt.

Looking at the fact you have put an embossed CNW logo on there, I am correct in thinking you'll also be doing these as a stand alone simple clamp to replace the stock Brembo item?

This is a very interesting thread, I had never previously thought seriously about a hydralic clutch before, but I'm now thinking to add one to my next list of bits from you!

Yes, this will be sold seperatley as well for those that want to use this with their current Brembo brake system, or for those that already purchased the hydraulic clutch

You may have to put the girls on a Bread and Water diet again !!

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.coloradonortonworks

utahnorton · Sep 7, 2014

I used Jim's hydraulic clutch on my Commando racebike for years until I bought the TT transmission for it. I works perfectly. I actually wish I could use it with the TT tansmission and then it would be the perfect set up. It is now going into my 1973 Commando (Stealth Canyon Racer) never ending project. I would highly recommend Jim's hydraulic clutch conversion kit that Matt sells.

Tom Kullen
http://www.smithsgaugesusa.com

comnoz · Sep 7, 2014

CNW said:
Fast Eddie said:

Very clever adaptor Matt.

Looking at the fact you have put an embossed CNW logo on there, I am correct in thinking you'll also be doing these as a stand alone simple clamp to replace the stock Brembo item?

This is a very interesting thread, I had never previously thought seriously about a hydralic clutch before, but I'm now thinking to add one to my next list of bits from you!

Click to expand...

Yes, this will be sold seperatley as well for those that want to use this with their current Brembo brake system, or for those that already purchased the hydraulic clutch

You may have to put the girls on a Bread and Water diet again !!

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

http://www.coloradonortonworks

Matt,
Glad to see you took on the project. I was wondering how I was ever going to find time to manufacture another little part. Looks good.
Jim

gtsun · Sep 24, 2014

Here's another good reason (or excuse) for using one, I switched to a different style of clippons recently for several reasons and now my clutch perch sends the cable too tightly around my speedo for any position I would like it. Another good thing about the Hydraulic clutch which I know is not a issue for very many but with it I can get fittings to send the hose out straight down or at 20, 45, 70 or 90 degrees. That's all the reason I needed to order one. I have to say I will miss the simplicity of the cable and after proper adjustment my 850's clutch is about as smooth & easy as any bike I ever road so I wouldn't have bothered but this bike isn't at all stock so I'm happy to do it, and considering it's source I bet the slave cylinder will out live me... Only wish Matt wasn't out of town so I could get it sooner!! Glenn.

Bernhard · Sep 24, 2014

gtsun said:
Here's another good reason (or excuse) for using one, I switched to a different style of clippons recently for several reasons and now my clutch perch sends the cable too tightly around my speedo for any position I would like it. Another good thing about the Hydraulic clutch which I know is not a issue for very many but with it I can get fittings to send the hose out straight down or at 20, 45, 70 or 90 degrees. That's all the reason I needed to order one. I have to say I will miss the simplicity of the cable and after proper adjustment my 850's clutch is about as smooth & easy as any bike I ever road so I wouldn't have bothered but this bike isn't at all stock so I'm happy to do it, and considering it's source I bet the slave cylinder will out live me... Only wish Matt wasn't out of town so I could get it sooner!! Glenn.

Slave cylinder may out live you but the seal on the piston inside will require replacing every 3 years or so.

comnoz · Sep 24, 2014

Bernhard said:
gtsun said:

Here's another good reason (or excuse) for using one, I switched to a different style of clippons recently for several reasons and now my clutch perch sends the cable too tightly around my speedo for any position I would like it. Another good thing about the Hydraulic clutch which I know is not a issue for very many but with it I can get fittings to send the hose out straight down or at 20, 45, 70 or 90 degrees. That's all the reason I needed to order one. I have to say I will miss the simplicity of the cable and after proper adjustment my 850's clutch is about as smooth & easy as any bike I ever road so I wouldn't have bothered but this bike isn't at all stock so I'm happy to do it, and considering it's source I bet the slave cylinder will out live me... Only wish Matt wasn't out of town so I could get it sooner!! Glenn.

Click to expand...

Slave cylinder may out live you but the seal on the piston inside will require replacing every 3 years or so.

I hope my bike doesn't hear this. It's seal is around 10 years old. I have never sold a replacement seal only.

I did have to put a new seal in the master cylinder one time several years ago, but the master cylinder was used when I installed it. Jim

gtsun · Sep 24, 2014

Seals are things I consider basic Maintanance.. Kind of like clutch cables that will need lube, adjustment and replacing. Not to mention due to my routing issues which I know are not common to many but I had problems with my cable tightening up as the bars were turned left. I'm not & don't think anyone including Jim or Matt would say this is something everyone needs I'm just glad to live at a time where it's an option.. Just like the Alton E-Start, I can kick my bikes now but do have two spinal injuries and my right leg gets weaker every year. A Alton E-Start is without a doubt in my future & Im glad they make them...

gtsun · Sep 24, 2014

Jim could you explain the requirements for the clutch Master Cylinder?? I'm planning on buying the kit w/Brembo MC to start with but if I get crazy & want to buy a pair of some jewel like Rizzoma or other aftermarket fancy MC's for my brake & clutch is there a simple way to know they will work? If I'm not mistaken I would need a 13mm for the brake like our sleeved ones(?) but how do I decide on one for the clutch?? Thanks, I would have PM'd this but thought others may want to know too.

comnoz · Sep 24, 2014

gtsun said:
Jim could you explain the requirements for the clutch Master Cylinder?? I'm planning on buying the kit w/Brembo MC to start with but if I get crazy & want to buy a pair of some jewel like Rizzoma or other aftermarket fancy MC's for my brake & clutch is there a simple way to know they will work? If I'm not mistaken I would need a 13mm for the brake like our sleeved ones(?) but how do I decide on one for the clutch?? Thanks, I would have PM'd this but thought others may want to know too.

The Brembo master cylinder for the clutch is a 13mm piston. It was designed using the old coffin Brembo as used by Ducati.

The Brembo 13mm radial master cylinder does seem to work as well.

It is hard to say what other master cylinders will work as the linkage from the lever to the piston is different on some masters. If the master cylinder is compatible with a Ducati Monster it should work OK with my slave cylinder. The only real way to know is to do a displacement test. Some manufacturers will give the displacement for their cylinders. Jim

1up3down · Sep 24, 2014

Slave cylinder may out live you but the seal on the piston inside will require replacing every 3 years or so.

ah! finally a very good reason NOT to install a hydraulic clutch!

I have had mine for over three years now, would never go back to cable

better start putting a little money aside every month for that new seal...someday

comnoz · Sep 24, 2014

1up3down said:
Slave cylinder may out live you but the seal on the piston inside will require replacing every 3 years or so.

Click to expand...

ah! finally a very good reason NOT to install a hydraulic clutch!

I have had mine for over three years now, would never go back to cable

better start putting a little money aside every month for that new seal...someday

Well I guess if you ever need a new seal it is just a 7/8 inch wheel cylinder cup available from any parts store that has brake parts.

I still wonder why Bernhard has found the need to replace the seal every three years. Jim

Bernhard · Sep 25, 2014

I still wonder why Bernhard has found the need to replace the seal every three years. Jim[/quote]

It is quite simple, you are dealing with hydraulics, the same thing you have in most disc brakes, you might even get away with it for 10 years or more, but you will find just when you need it most, your brake failing on you.
I find that if I leave my master cylinder untouched for five years, for, let’s say, cleaning the pistons out of road/salt crud on a disc brake, it will not bleed out because the seal has failed.
It’s called preventive maintenance :shock:

comnoz · Sep 25, 2014

Bernhard said:
I still wonder why Bernhard has found the need to replace the seal every three years. Jim

It is quite simple, you are dealing with hydraulics, the same thing you have in most disc brakes, you might even get away with it for 10 years or more, but you will find just when you need it most, your brake failing on you.
I find that if I leave my master cylinder untouched for five years, for, let’s say, cleaning the pistons out of road/salt crud on a disc brake, it will not bleed out because the seal has failed.
It’s called preventive maintenance :shock:[/quote]

I change the fluid yearly. Brakes and clutch.
I guess if you want to replace the seals too, then that's fine by me.

Do you do caliper and master cylinder seals also?
Or engine and transmission seals every 3 years? If so then you have a lot more time on your hands than I do. I would rather be out riding. cheers, Jim

gtsun · Sep 25, 2014

Although I often like playing the Devils advocate, this debate is silly. The Hydraulic clutch is a "option" for those who want or have a need for it. No one will show up a your door with a court order saying you have to use it!! Volvo had hydraulic clutches since the 1950's, bikes for years and on top of Jim's well respected reputation alone he has learned the weakness of the common units alloy cylinder & made his from a better material...Arguing about seals is a joke it's like saying tire pressure needs to be maintained so pneumatic tires are a bad idea! (Just saying). Glenn.

Fast Eddie · Sep 25, 2014

gtsun said:
Although I often like playing the Devils advocate, this debate is silly. The Hydraulic clutch is a "option" for those who want or have a need for it. No one will show up a your door with a court order saying you have to use it!! Volvo had hydraulic clutches since the 1950's, bikes for years and on top of Jim's well respected reputation alone he has learned the weakness of the common units alloy cylinder & made his from a better material...Arguing about seals is a joke it's like saying tire pressure needs to be maintained so pneumatic tires are a bad idea! (Just saying). Glenn.

You've gone and done it now Glenn... Solid tyre thread anyone...?!?

Seriously though, I've found this thread interesting. The arguments have actually persuaded me to put a hydraulic kit on my next list to Matt... even though I had never previously considered it!!

Hobot · Sep 25, 2014

The main reason I can see for hydrualic Cdo clutch is no need to pack a spare clutch cable on long hauls and a tiny spare seal takes up less space. To only expect 3 yrs between seal re-newal kind of shoots its main advantage down to me. Check out the after market UFO hydraulic clutch levers out there...

has anybody installed that hydralic clutch kit

lrutt · Sep 25, 2014

Bernhard said:
gtsun said:

Here's another good reason (or excuse) for using one, I switched to a different style of clippons recently for several reasons and now my clutch perch sends the cable too tightly around my speedo for any position I would like it. Another good thing about the Hydraulic clutch which I know is not a issue for very many but with it I can get fittings to send the hose out straight down or at 20, 45, 70 or 90 degrees. That's all the reason I needed to order one. I have to say I will miss the simplicity of the cable and after proper adjustment my 850's clutch is about as smooth & easy as any bike I ever road so I wouldn't have bothered but this bike isn't at all stock so I'm happy to do it, and considering it's source I bet the slave cylinder will out live me... Only wish Matt wasn't out of town so I could get it sooner!! Glenn.

Click to expand...

Slave cylinder may out live you but the seal on the piston inside will require replacing every 3 years or so.

pluses and minuses for sure. Only cable problem I had was the little tit breaking off on the lever, nothing a pair of vice grips didn't fix to get me home though.

Now the juice clutch on my Duc....seal pissed a stream of dot 4 on my nice engine cases and now it looks like shit down there. and finding Duc engine case paint to match is like winning the friggin lotto....impossible or near to it. Never had one catastrophically fail like a cable, but usually you will see the signs of cable failure if you inspect your bike now and then. I have original clutch cables on all my classic bikes that are 35 to 45 years old and all still work fine. go figure.

has anybody installed that hydralic clutch kit

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