clutch plates and springs measurements

[Guest]

Ok, got clutch plates and springs off on 81 450, and everything looks pretty good, no chips or anything like that on any teeth or the basket. Measured length of springs are 38.8 to 38.9mm and look good. Drive plates are between 2.97 to 3.0mm thick, and claws are all 15.8 to 15.9mm. Driven plates are 1.53-1.58mm thick. Everything is within the limits according to the manual, except driven plate thickness is close (1.54-1.66mm)(this bike only has 17,700 miles on it) So do I neeed to replace anything or can I just clean everything? With what and how should I clean everything? terrylee

[terrylee]

Help!

Anyone have any answers for me? I was hoping to put clutch back together today? Thanks much? terrylee

[Nessism]

Those dimensions seem fine. I'd take some sandpaper and rough up the steel plates to give them some tooth and consider replacing the springs regardless of the free height if the clutch was slipping before.

[TheCafeKid]

Call me a cheap ass, or foolish, or lazy, or maybe lucky, but I beat the dog snot out of my GS most of the time and I have YET to buy one that needed new plates or fibers. Springs, FOR SURE, but these old clutches seem to hold up pretty well.. Of course I dont buy GSs that spent their previous life doing hole shots and wheelies either..

[terrylee]

Thanks guys for the answers! I'm not sure about slippage, cause this is the wife's project bike and it has not been on the road yet. But I was having trouble gettin it to go in gear (up and down) unless I slightly let go of clutch lever and then it would click in. I bought a new clutch cable and that seemed to help alittle. I think I will order a set of springs and see if that hepls. And I will clean the metal plates real well. Thanks again! terrylee

[terrylee]

Put clutch back together after cleaning metal plates and unstalling new springs, and it seemes to have made a big difference in it shifting. Much smoother up and down shifting. Just need to tweck the cable and hopeful it will be fine. (Still not able to put it on the road yet). Thanks for all the advice guys! terrylee