New clutch GS850GLT

[Guest]

When buying a new clutch. I see mainly the drive plates advertised. I have bought replacement drive plates and a new set of springs.
Not taken old one out yet, but was wondering if it's common or not for the driven plates to need replacing. Plus is it a good idea after cleaning the driven plates, to lightly rub with a fine emery paper on both sides before putting back together?
Regards
Pete

[cowboyup3371]

How many miles are on the bike? I know when I replaced my springs a few years ago, I didn't have to touch the plates at all. But you should still measure them and know they are in specs

[Steve]

I know the plates as "steels" and "fibers", not sure which one is "drive" or "driven".

Scuffing up the steel plates will remove any glaze that has built up.
It is recommended to soak the fibers in oil before installing them.

After installing all the new parts, there might be some high spots on the fiber plates that will wreak havoc on your cable adjustment. Not sure if anyone else does it, but I will torture the clutch just a bit to rub off the high spots. Roll the bike up against something that won't move. Use a wall, a tree or the bumper of a car, whatever you have handy. Put the transmission in 4th or 5th gear, rev the engine and slowly let out the clutch. Do this a couple of times, the fiber plates will be flattened properly. Be sure to check your cable adjustment after the torture session.

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[peterd123]

Done about 30K miles, but have some slipage. So replacing friction plates and springs, and any warped metal plates.

How many miles are on the bike? I know when I replaced my springs a few years ago, I didn't have to touch the plates at all. But you should still measure them and know they are in specs

[peterd123]

I think I would rather put up with a bit of regular adjustment, than taking a chance with new clutch getting scorched.

I know the plates as "steels" and "fibers", not sure which one is "drive" or "driven".

Scuffing up the steel plates will remove any glaze that has built up.
It is recommended to soak the fibers in oil before installing them.

After installing all the new parts, there might be some high spots on the fiber plates that will wreak havoc on your cable adjustment. Not sure if anyone else does it, but I will torture the clutch just a bit to rub off the high spots. Roll the bike up against something that won't move. Use a wall, a tree or the bumper of a car, whatever you have handy. Put the transmission in 4th or 5th gear, rev the engine and slowly let out the clutch. Do this a couple of times, the fiber plates will be flattened properly. Be sure to check your cable adjustment after the torture session.

.

[Steve]

Nothing is going to get scorched. All that happens is taking off the highest points, letting you get down to where you have more material contacting the steel plates.

Your "regular adjustments" will have very irregular intervals for a while. If you adjust the cable perfectly upon installation, you might have to adjust it before the end of your first ride, even if it's just around the block. You might have to adjust it again after another couple trips around the block, and possibly a third time, maybe a week or two later, depending on how much you ride.

My preference is to take about 30 seconds to slip the clutch a couple of times, adjust the cable one time, then enjoy riding for several thousand miles, trouble-free. Your bike, your choice.

.

[Nessism]

Most likely all you need is new OEM clutch springs. Dollars to donuts the fiber plates are still near the high end of the thickness specs.