Recommendation on clutch
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 70
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From: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Recommendation on clutch
Hi everyone.
I think is time to replace the clutch discs on my 97 Dyna and I was wondering if I should go with the stock one or have a little upgrade.
The engine has some mods and sometime I think the clutch slips a little, maybe is just because they disc are worn (50000 miles on them).
Is there a heavy duty spring I should put? Al I could found is the SE one for 98 and later models.
Should I go with stock discs or barnett? Any other advice?
Best regards
Matias from Buenos Aires.
I think is time to replace the clutch discs on my 97 Dyna and I was wondering if I should go with the stock one or have a little upgrade.
The engine has some mods and sometime I think the clutch slips a little, maybe is just because they disc are worn (50000 miles on them).
Is there a heavy duty spring I should put? Al I could found is the SE one for 98 and later models.
Should I go with stock discs or barnett? Any other advice?
Best regards
Matias from Buenos Aires.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
I was in BA in the mid 80's. I didn't speak much Spanish at the time, but a dock worker who didn't speak any English saw my Harley shirt and we talked motorcycle. He had a "45 Chopper."
Anyway, I think sticking with the factory clutch should be fine. I think Barnett are probably OK, but I've had less than stellar results from some of them and the Harley ones always seem to work out OK for me. I don't know how your clutch relates to mine, but I have clutch disks and metal disks inbetween. If your's is like that, be sure to measure the thickness of the metal disks too, as they will wear. Mine were right at the minimum thickness spec at about 60K miles and I put new ones in and added one extra metal disk on advice from the dealership.
Anyway, I think sticking with the factory clutch should be fine. I think Barnett are probably OK, but I've had less than stellar results from some of them and the Harley ones always seem to work out OK for me. I don't know how your clutch relates to mine, but I have clutch disks and metal disks inbetween. If your's is like that, be sure to measure the thickness of the metal disks too, as they will wear. Mine were right at the minimum thickness spec at about 60K miles and I put new ones in and added one extra metal disk on advice from the dealership.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
From: N.E. Ohio
s.
When I did my clutch plates I went with stock OE discs. My motor has a SE slip in cam, SE carb, module and Kerker mufflers, They had discontinued my spring (87 FLHTC). The replacement was a Screaming Eagle one. It was really a strong spring. It was uncomfortable to ride in traffic. I am no wimp either. Everyone that I asked said the same thing. The guy at the dealership tried selling me one of those easy pull things. I had heard bad thing about them breaking. I ended up putting the old stock one back on. I have no problems with slipping. I go 320lbs and my old lady is 130-140lb. Plus leathers etc.
I want to say that it was probably around 50-60,000 when I did them.
When I did my clutch plates I went with stock OE discs. My motor has a SE slip in cam, SE carb, module and Kerker mufflers, They had discontinued my spring (87 FLHTC). The replacement was a Screaming Eagle one. It was really a strong spring. It was uncomfortable to ride in traffic. I am no wimp either. Everyone that I asked said the same thing. The guy at the dealership tried selling me one of those easy pull things. I had heard bad thing about them breaking. I ended up putting the old stock one back on. I have no problems with slipping. I go 320lbs and my old lady is 130-140lb. Plus leathers etc.
I want to say that it was probably around 50-60,000 when I did them.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Can you describe in what way it was remarkable? Not trying to be funny, just curious to know what you like about it.
Matias,
The clutch in my bike is not only stock but the 1990 original, except for the addition of a stronger Barnett spring, to cope with my S&S 107. That gives 107TQ, so unless your motor is giving significantly more a stock clutch should be fine.
I haven't checked, but I would guess there is a minimum thickness below which the friction plates should be replaced? I told my builder, who installed the 107, don't replace things that are still serviceable. Don't 'fix' your clutch if it is still fine!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
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From: Northern Ontario
Graham there is most times no noise at all going into 1first gear, grabbing action is super smooth and when torqueing on the throttle between gears there's 100 % grab. This could be me comparing the new clutch to my old clutch which had extra plates and still had lots of thickness on the plates but I'm a beleiver in the carbon fiber Barnett clutch running atf fluid.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Yes, there's a minimum spec on the plate thickness, both for the fiber and metal plates. When I pulled my inner primary, I measured the plates and my plates were right at the minimum thickness spec so I replaced them with stock HD and put an extra plate in.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Lynn, well along with Dr Hess and looking at Barnett's website you have me intrigued! I didn't know about extra or CF plates. Have you got an eight or nine disc pack (he says, trying to sound knowledgable!)?