Clutch advice

[Guest]

As far as I know, the PO had a Barnett clutch installed shortly before I got it. From everything I've learned it seems wise to changed it out for OE or EBC so the basket doesn't get trashed. I was advised not to hammer through the gears too much so as to keep the scoring to a minimum. I have found it a challenge to heed that advice, and think maybe it would be a good idea to remove it. Plus, I can't easily find neutral and it takes quite a while to warm up before the fibers stop dragging with the clutch in.
1. Can I replace just the fibers or do I have to do all of it? What do I look for to check the steels? I suspect the springs to be the stiffer ones.
2. Please throw in you .02 about your preferred brand. I'm always interested in the what and why of people's preferences.

[Big T]

The Barnett clutch pack has both steel and fiber plates, both of which are thicker than stock. So you need to replace both

I'd just go back to OEM. That's what I did

[cableguy]

I see kits that are complete with fibers and steels, and just fibers. For all I know the PO replaced the fibers only but I don't know. If I start by doing just the fibers will it hurt anything? I figure its at least going in the right direction but if there isn't any difference except thickness then it should improve. Am I on the right track? Like most on here I don't have a big budget, and it's tough to justify replacing parts that aren't broken yet, although I realize the basket will be shot eventually if I keep the Barnett.

[Billy Ricks]

You should be able to find specs on the thickness of the steel plates to go by in making your decision.

[bbjumper]

My GS850G had a Barnett kit in it when I bought it, I experienced the same symptom as you. I replaced steel, fiber and springs with OEM just because I didn't want to go in there and do it again. Works just like it's supposed to, smooth gearbox.

[exdirtbiker]

maybe a "near miss" .. but...
my Dad's 75 CB750 got a Barnett clutch.... every time the bike sat for a week, or months, we had to start in neutral, point it downhill, push, and bang into 2nd gear. with clutch "in".
bang.
putt-putt around the 'hood until she warmed up, then hit the brakes, throttle, and pull in clutch all at once to break it loose.
then it was good for a few days / week.
sound familiar ? ... never again !

was told "those plates suck up oil and get fatter when they sit. don't let the bike sit to cure the problem."

[cableguy]

Yikes! Mine's never been that bad, but I definitely have to hold the rear brake to keep it still at a stop before it warms up. Looks like a new clutch is in order.

[cowboyup3371]

Sounds like your clutch just isn't adjusted correctly. I'd do that first before tearing apart the entire thing.

[Big T]

Sounds like your clutch just isn't adjusted correctly. I'd do that first before tearing apart the entire thing.

You just haven't experienced a Barnett clutch pack

I changed mine back to stock after the 1st PNW rally. I started up for the ride, put it in gear and plowed about 15' of Gustav's gravel driveway before it stalled. Mind you, I never let the clutch lever out.

Why did I struggle with it for so long?