What's up guys, got my very first annoying question for you!

So, I've ridden evos since I was a 14. Getting back on the bike, I decided to go with a Shovelhead project that turned out pretty good (if I do say so myself). However, the eliminator I have on the bike now is not doing it for heavy traffic days - even after trading in for a fancy cable, making all the proper readjustments, and starting a forearm workout regimen. So I think its time to reconsider.

FYI: Its a late-78 FXE-1200 with a rachet 4-speed and primary belt

From my research, I've narrowed it down to two options: old school mousetrap or diaphragm clutch conversion.

Mousetrap
The first benefit of this is, of course, the old-school look. As you know, these later-model Shovies did away with the mousetrap for the eliminator which I currently have. Installing it may require some fab work, but because its a ratchet-4, I figure it will be a minimum. I don't have much experience with these, but to me the installation seems simple enough - I think I may even be able to keep the clutch arm I used with the eliminator. Do y'all have any experience retrofitting these? Any problems you can anticipate? Also, will I be able to keep my current plates?
I spoke with a seller who fabricates his own kit on Ebay and he said he has 1 kit that will make it essentially a bolt-on, but is selling it for $400. It's steep, yes, but manageable for me at the moment. Especially considering that I don't have a welder or mill on hand, it will save me a lot on foreseeable/unforeseeable trips to the shop.

Diaphragm Clutch Conversion
I didn't think about this one, but doing research, some folks suggested that this will make the clutch easier to pull than even a well adjusted mousetrap. Here's a link for the kit on JP (same one from Vtwin, made in Taiwan) https://www.jpcycles.com/product/630...conversion-kit. It is cheaper, but honestly, if I'm going to take the plates out I'm going to use the time to install a Clutch Tamer along with it, adding another $70. It still turns out to $150 cheaper than the Mousetrap. Since I haven't used an old school mousetrap, I have no frame of reference for how much easier this pull will be. But I do know that I will miss the look of the springplate since I don't have a primary cover, but I can get over it eventually.

Conclusions?
That's about where I'm at. I'm finding it hard to make a decision because I don't have much knowledge on the alternatives, but I want to try to make a decision before that Ebay kit gets away from me. What do y'all think? Any experience with an old-school mousetrap on a Shovie? A diaphragm clutch? Which do you think will give me an easier pull? Any concerns that come to mind?

Until then, safe riding,
Eli

 

are you saying the stock 78 clutch is too hard for you? a stock bike would just have a hand clutch and coil spring pressure plate. they used the mousetrap back when they first changed from foot clutch to hand clutch in the 60's(?) but not needed when they figured out the hand clutch in the 70's. the diaphragm pressure plate is what they went to in the EVO days, and yes is a smoother release.

I have an evo with diaphragm clutch and shovelhead clutch lever, and it's a workout. I also have a shovelhead with springs and a 1982 clutch lever that is easy to work. It's the clutch lever that makes it easy.

long story short, change the clutch lever and keep the stock clutch, and don't worry about a mousetrap or changing to a diaphragm clutch.

 

the diaphragm kit works real well and the effort is 1/3 of the springs

 

Sounds like the belts getting tight on you when she heats up in traffic. Set up right the stock stuff with a few changes like the tamer, alum. pressure plate and clean clutch plates I can get a 2 finger clutch on a shovel. You want to drop the money the diaphragm kit works well but beware the cheap ones the hubs wear fast.

 

The ergonomics of the clutch lever is important. If you hold your arm straight out in front of you and make a fist you should feel nothing, but holding your arm out and point your fingers to the floor and make a fist you will feel the tendons pull up to your elbow. That being said try to make sure your clutch lever is inline with your forarm as best you can. Allow the muscle in your hands to build up rather than inflame the tendons in your arm. Maybe this will help a little.

 

I do have the stock lever. After some more consideration, from this thread and one I put up on Chop Cult, I think I'm going to try for a readjust and upgrade my lever/cable with this bar swap I'm about to do. If I'm still having problems, I'm looking into using that $400 for that mousetrap I was about to buy to upgrade to a "pro-clutch" from Evolution Industries (from here). I haven't heard much about them, but they are headquartered right down the street from me and their kit includes a high-quality diaphragm upgrade. I just reached out to them to ask about open-belt compatibility, parts sourcing, and finishing options. If I decide to go with them I'll start a thread to fill y'all in. Thanks for the feedback!

 

what difference does a 82 lever have

 

I used a Rivera Pro Clutch for years..if you ever use one, you will never attempt to use a stock 4 speed clutch again...the one you posted is similar...

 

My 65 Pan uses the Mousetrap assembly and I do not think it is any easier to pull on than either my 78 FXE or my 84 FLH. Plus setting a mousetrap clutch assembly correctly can be trickey if you are not familiar with them.

Buddy of mine has a custom 76 FLH with the Rivera Pro clutch. Easy to set up, easy to run and is really smooth