Clutch damping springs

[Mekanix]

If you look at the back of the clutch basket there are 6 springs.

3 are thick.
3 are thin.


I've noticed when turning the engine over by hand by the clutch basket that there is some play and I can push against the spring pressure.

How do you know when these are worn?

Can they be replaced? if so how do you rivet the plate back in place?

[cowboyup3371]

I know on my clutch springs, there is a service limit mentioned in the service manual as well as the Clymers. But maybe I'm thinking of the wrong thing as I'm not sure what bike you are referring to.

[Mekanix]

Its an 81 gsx400l and in the back of the clutch basket there are 6 springs that are used to take the shock out of the clutch. Kind of like a damping system.

It seems to be the same clutch for all the twins from 1981 on.

I went through the manual and all I can find is the clutch spring free length.

[GregT]

Some movement is normal on motors which have seen use. The twins don't seem to give as much trouble here as the big fours do - they're notorious for it.

The traditional (butchers) method of tightening the springs is to spread a couple of the visible coils with a wedge...often shaped like a cold chisel.
It can work - for a while at least. Probably longer on the twins.

I didn't tell you to do it...OK ?

[Mekanix]

lol sure :P


I was thinking of replacing the small springs with 3 of the same size as the larger ones.

I think I can grab them and wind them out.

I know that even with this twin that I can bottom out the springs just on take off or when lugging the engine in high gear.

It just doesn't seem to be able to take much torque. Or maybe I'm making a problem out of nothing.


Now that you mension it I have read a frew threads about these springs in the larger bikes.