New clutch plates or not?

I am performing a complete engine overhaul on my 74' Commando, top and bottom end. Replacing all the service wear items I can, swing arm bushes and spindle, isolastics etc. When it comes to my clutch, I am not sure if I need to replace plates or not. These old bronze plates and the plain plates are flat and seemed to work well before tear down. Will I see better clutch performance from a New bonded Barnett set up? Thank you for your replies!

Those bronze plates hardly ever wear out. They should be .125" thick.

Same thing with swing arm bushings they don’t usually wear out the play is usually in the cradle.

I am still running my stock bronze and steel plates from new and my clutch is light one finger pull if i want, all i do with them every year or so i pull them out and give them a good clean and inspection, depends on the miles i clock up each year, my Norton was a everyday rider till 2013 but still regularly ridden and has over 160k miles on the clutch, been running ATF in the primary since 1982 have never had sticking plates since, have never checked stack height since new, i can't work out why do many have problems using bronze plates as my clutch has always been light and smooth from new, coming up to 50 years in my hands this June.
I even used my bronze plates ehen i ran a belt drive and no oil for 3 years before going back to chain.

Ashley

Jonez69 said:

I am performing a complete engine overhaul on my 74' Commando, top and bottom end. Replacing all the service wear items I can, swing arm bushes and spindle, isolastics etc. When it comes to my clutch, I am not sure if I need to replace plates or not. These old bronze plates and the plain plates are flat and seemed to work well before tear down. Will I see better clutch performance from a New bonded Barnett set up? Thank you for your replies!
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You need to read and understand all that is at play.

One man, has done untold hours of research and testing, and is kind enough to make the information available.
If you follow this info, you will have a great clutch.




I chose to use the Barnett plates based on wisdom from poster "bill".
The no slip, no drag, buttery smooth & linear clutch is perfect.

The bronze plates are resting comfortably in a box, as new thickness. While durable, I found them grabby.