81 GS450 needs new clutch. What to buy, where to buy it?

[Guest]

After some spirited riding and hard shifts, my stock clutch is slipping. Not surprised, really. It still seems OK in gear when you rip the throttle open, but it slips pretty badly on a hard/higher RPM shift in pretty much every gear. It didn't always slip, because I used to get the rear tire to spin and kick out on a 9k 1-2 shift.
(As a side note, I miss second a pretty good percentage of the time, but that may be operator error, thinking I can shift this thing like a modern sportbike. It's also tough to get into first sometimes, and I'll have to walk the bike forward a step to get it to engage.)
So, what clutch should I buy, and where should I buy it?
Is Suzuki stuff the way to go here? Something a little stouter than stock might be a good idea, since I built this bike to ride hard and have fun with, not to preserve a 100% original factory spec bike.
Are there any good write-ups on the procedure out there? I've found my Clymer manual to be almost useless.

[tkent02]

Try replacing the original springs.

After thirty years compressed they are too short, can't provide enough pressure.

While you are in there measure the clutch plates. Yeah, Suzuki stuff is the way to go. You don't even need heavier springs.

[Mr. Sinister]

Try replacing the original springs.

After thirty years compressed they are too short, can't provide enough pressure.

While you are in there measure the clutch plates. Yeah, Suzuki stuff is the way to go. You don't even need heavier springs.

Good idea, I hadn't even thought of that!! I imagine it's a fairly simple job, then?

[tkent02]

Very. You will probably need a clutch cover gasket.

[Mr. Sinister]

Very. You will probably need a clutch cover gasket.

I'm sure, considering every other gasket I'd have the pleasure of removing was basically petrified.

I've been wanting to paint my engine side covers, but I dread all the scraping that will surely follow once I pop them off. That and the potential for more broken bolts.

[Mr. Sinister]

Springs and gasket are on the way!!

[tkent02]

OK, the plates are usually fine, unless some PO slipped the crap out of them. The friction material can also get quite hard, like brake pads do after thirty years of not being used, that will make them slip a little too.

Usually the springs are all it takes.

[koolaid_kid]

If your clutch cover uses bolts, you may consider replacing them. Most of us go to stainless steel allen head screws. Much nicer, don't break, etc.

[Mr. Sinister]

If your clutch cover uses bolts, you may consider replacing them. Most of us go to stainless steel allen head screws. Much nicer, don't break, etc.

They're phillips-head screws, I believe. Not looking forward to trying to remove them. I'll definitely be upgrading them, good idea. I've already had several bolts break on this bike. I've owned plenty of old cars, but never an old Japanese auto or bike. I've found older Japanese steel to be utter crap, to be brutally honest.

[tkent02]

You have an impact I hope?

The little hand impact, not the air or electric one?

[Mr. Sinister]

You have an impact I hope?

The little hand impact, not the air or electric one?

I have an air impact gun, with variable speed and power. A light hand on the trigger usually does the trick.

[Thumper88]

Did they switch fasteners in 82? My GS450T has hex head bolts for the side covers.

An air impact gun does not produce the same results...totally different animal from an impact screwdriver.

I purchased clutch plates from eBay for my GS450T...work fine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-GS-450S-1980-1981-1982-Clutch-Friction-Plate-Kit-GS450S-450-/200871246256?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec4dbf9b0&vxp=mtr

Brand name is: Factory Spec by Raider

[cowboyup3371]

You need the impact driver (handheld jobbie) with a number 3 bit or you'll strip the head right out. Pick the tool up cheap at Harbor Freight and then go to Sears and get the better bits.

[Mr. Sinister]

Did they switch fasteners in 82? My GS450T has hex head bolts for the side covers.

An air impact gun does not produce the same results...totally different animal from an impact screwdriver.

I purchased clutch plates from eBay for my GS450T...work fine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-GS-450S-1980-1981-1982-Clutch-Friction-Plate-Kit-GS450S-450-/200871246256?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec4dbf9b0&vxp=mtr

Brand name is: Factory Spec by Raider

Not sure, but I would suspect these have never been out before, so I'd guess they're original.

Harbor Freight, huh? I've had some mixed results with their stuff.

[tkent02]

That's why you go to Sears to get the bits.