Tri-BSA cluth plate service

Getting the steel plates flat is the key to the clutch working. Now I have to do this more often than you so I made a purpose built tool. Lapping is done in a figure "8" motion and that is reversed in direction each stroke it takes some muscle memory and practice of witch you will get a lot. It's all done by hand because power corrupts getting them truly flat. I made this to use on a drill press but by hand is best:




In the last picture two pieces of 220 grit carborundum paper can be seen rubber cemented down to a one inch thick Blanchard ground plate. Brand new plates are not flat most old ones are fine and just as good, just not flat.

That's a great idea! My fingers get tired after a half dozen plates (both sides).

Yes bleeding finger tips are a great motivator. It's amassing how well these clutches work when the full effect of the possible grip is brought to bare. And how bad brand new plates can be.

norbsa48503 said:

Yes bleeding finger tips are a great motivator. It's amassing how well these clutches work when the full effect of the possible grip is brought to bare. And how bad brand new plates can be.

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Amen to that!

I also had similar issues with the Triumph pressed steel pressure plate - I went through the local dealer's entire stock to find the best, and that wasn't particularly flat.

Eventually I settled for an SRM alloy job - just the thing