GS450 clutch kit?

[Guest]

At some point, I would like to go over the clutch, and get it working right. It's not too bad, but sometimes it doesn't shift to the next gear. I've noticed it more on hotter days, when the bike is warm...but I'm not sure if it's a real problem, or if I'm getting lazy with my shifts. A local guy, that's been riding all kinds of bikes for probably 40 years or so, recommended Barnett...but I can't seem to find a complete kit by them for my bike, just a spring set.

I've done some searching on here, and maybe I'm not using the right criteria, but haven't found the results I'm looking for. What would be the recommended/most popular clutch kit for the 450's??

[Agemax]

suzuki plates and suzuki springs. cant go wrong with that!

[Mekanix]

Replace your clutch basket with that of any GS500 and then change the oil pump gear from yours over to that one.

Then use what ever kit you want. Highly likely to find one for the 500 vs 450.

Plates for the 500 and 450 and 400 at the same part number.

The 500 has longer springs and a better feel.

[Nessism]

How much freeplay at the lever? Maybe adjust the clutch so the plates fully release while shifting? Ever adjusted and lubed the helix?

Not sure about the 450 per say, but GS bikes in general have very robust clutches. It's not unusual for the plates to last 100,000 miles. Sometimes you need new springs along the way though. At any rate, don't assume you need a clutch just yet. Worst case, pull apart the clutch and measure everything. Dollars to donuts the plates are fine.

[tkent02]

A lot of us never use the clutch at all when shifting. Something else isn't right.

[schmitty78]

Replace your clutch basket with that of any GS500 and then change the oil pump gear from yours over to that one.

Then use what ever kit you want. Highly likely to find one for the 500 vs 450.

Plates for the 500 and 450 and 400 at the same part number.

The 500 has longer springs and a better feel.

Interesting proposition here. I'll definitely consider that for the future.

[schmitty78]

How much freeplay at the lever? Maybe adjust the clutch so the plates fully release while shifting? Ever adjusted and lubed the helix?

Not sure about the 450 per say, but GS bikes in general have very robust clutches. It's not unusual for the plates to last 100,000 miles. Sometimes you need new springs along the way though. At any rate, don't assume you need a clutch just yet. Worst case, pull apart the clutch and measure everything. Dollars to donuts the plates are fine.

I haven't done any measuring or tinkering with the clutch or lever myself. I did have the shop put a new clutch cable on for me though (an OEM one, that I ordered with the intentions of installing myself). Not to say that they didn't do it right, but the freeplay seems ok...and the guy I mentioned earlier said it was about right. No, I have never adjusted or lubed the helix. I will check the freeplay, and go from there, I suppose.

[GTalley]

Have you tried bikebandit.com or oldbikebarn.com?

[schmitty78]

Have you tried bikebandit.com or oldbikebarn.com?

bikebandit, yes...but not oldbikebarn.