Is This Clutch Basket Normal (Pics)

[Guest]

Have a look at the pictures below and you will see there is a spacer on one side of the weaker springs in this clutch basket (straight cut gears). There is no spacer on the stronger three springs.

Is this spacer normal or has it been inserted to close the springs up a bit by the PO. The clutch backing plates have not been apart as the original rivets are still in place. The spacer passes under the curved surface of the backing plate so I cannot see how it could have been inserted after the fact.

Any thoughts please? Has anyone got an 550 clutch basket with straight cut gears off their bike at the present time that could check this for me please?

Thanks















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[salty_monk]

I would think it's been inserted...

Those weaker springs could be compressed enough to get the right spacer in at an angle & then straighten it up so it can't come up I think.... bugger to do I'm sure but as long as it's the right size then it can't come out.

You'd stand no chance with the stronger ones...

Dan

[gearhead13]

I think what you are seeing there is just the aluminum of the basket that the spring pushes against.

[GSexpress]

I think what you are seeing there is just the aluminum of the basket that the spring pushes against.

This is correct.

[Suzuki_Don]

I think what you are seeing there is just the aluminum of the basket that the spring pushes against.

Should there not be a similar component for the three stronger springs as well then.

[Nessism]

Looks OE to me.

[blowerbike]

stock basket.

[Suzuki_Don]

These are pictures of my original clutch basket i have taken out of my 550 that does not have the spacer adjacent to the springs and the basket I obtained from the U.S. to replace my original one.




ABOVE: My original basket as removed from the bike yesterday -- no spacers adjacent to the springs




ABOVE: The clutch basket I purchased from the U.S. which has the spacers adjacent to the springs


Are there any ideas why two clutch baskets from the same year and model would be so different. Are there any 550 owners out there that has a clutch basket out of their bike at the moment and could put a picture up to put some light on this situation.

[salty_monk]

I still think someone has added them.... I don't think that is the spring pocket that you can see as suggested above.
Easy enough to check when it arrives.

[Nessism]

I don't think that basket has been modified because: 1) the rivets look identical to stock and 2) there are no scratches on the back plate or basket. Anyone that's tried to shim those springs before can confirm it's a bear to get that back plate installed back down, and some clamp scratches are to be expected during the process. My guess is the visual difference relates to Suzuki making some running change in the basket or assembly at some point.

[JEEPRUSTY]

From the line on the shims it looks as if they are made of wood.
hehe Naw that could never happen.

[GSexpress]

My guess is the visual difference relates to Suzuki making some running change in the basket or assembly at some point.

+1
It would be easier to take out less material from the hub, to eliminate the play, than to make obsolite a whole lot of springs by replacing them.

[niclpnut]

Here is a pick of a modified clutch.

It's from an 1100.

Shimmed and welded by previous owner.

[Suzuki_Don]

Here is a pick of a modified clutch.

It's from an 1100.

Shimmed and welded by previous owner.

Good job, that's what I hope to get done with mine.