Author Topic: Durability of Clutch (Read 4005 times)

Anthony0327 · « **on:** September 30, 2015, 11:14:39 PM »

Am wondering how long these clutches last, the pressure plate, hub and basket. How many hours have you all gotten out of yours or any other thing to gage times l Ike top end rebuilds. When replacing one component should all be replaced? Are there any practices that make them last longer aside from regular oil changes and regular service. This is my first R ever. May seem like a dumb question but parts are getting hard to find an new parts are going away as well. Trying to get an idea of the spare parts I might need down the road. Thank you all for your input.

Tbone07 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2015, 11:35:23 PM »

Get a billet basket, OEM hub and pressure plate, 89 clutch update, replace 1 OEM steel plate with an OEM 400EX steel plate, put a drain washer under each spring, and you're good to go

Anthony0327 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2015, 11:46:01 PM »

I have two extra clutch hubs and just ordered another pressure plate assembly. Also have what's in my engine new as well. Not worried about the basket just the other stuff and was trying to gage what I should get now rather than later.

rablack21 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2015, 08:51:35 AM »

Like already said, pressure plates and inner hubs typically don't break unless mishandled during disassembly or assembly. The factory basket tends to wear out first. Can't really give you a timeline as to when it will wear out. It depends on how you ride and how hard your are on the clutch. If you race, gate drops are brutal on the basket. Even my billet Hinson basket is starting to get grooves. Again, the fibers and plates will last different amounts of time depending on how you ride, what they are made of, and the quality of the service your provide to maintenance.

There are things that you can do to prolong the life of your clutch.
1. Get the 89 clutch update kit (if you don't already have it)
2. Increase the clamping force applied to the plates for less slippage.
(A) Several ways to do that:
1. Get heavy duty springs. ESR and many others sell these
2. Use Cleigh's heavy duty clutch mod (Search for it on this forum) It's a combination of 250r plates, 400ex plate, cr500 springs, plus washers
3. Any one single step of Cleigh's clutch mod will help.
3. Get a billet clutch basket (the basket takes alot of abuse, the oem tear up quickly)

Tbone07 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 01, 2015, 09:02:50 AM »

Quote from: Anthony0327;59185

I have two extra clutch hubs and just ordered another pressure plate assembly. Also have what's in my engine new as well. Not worried about the basket just the other stuff and was trying to gage what I should get now rather than later.

The hub and pressure plate is what will last the longest. The basket will go far before that, especially the OEM

Pumashine · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2015, 11:24:09 AM »

Clutch fiber plates were only lasting one season on the puma. It took 4 years after installing the Gigot slingshot before my fibers went.

Anthony0327 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 02, 2015, 01:11:59 AM »

Thanks all. This info helps. I have a Hinson works basket in my build with the 89 update. The bike will be ridden but not flat out beat on all the time. I always use the clutch as well. Never shift without pulling it. My current clutch should last a while then and the hubs I have in reserve and the update kit should last me a great while. 3 new setups should go a long time for me.

thesmith87250r · « **Reply #7 on:** October 02, 2015, 01:48:48 AM »

i think you will be fine . I put over ten years on a clutch riding alot 3 to 4 days a week , never had any issues. just make sure your cable is adjusted correctly.