Clutch Basket

[lhanscom]

I'm going to try drag racing this year, and have heard that the stock clutch baskets in the gs's should be switched to the billet replacement if the bike is going to be run hard. First, do I need to do this? I havn't done any huge mods on my engine, so power isn't going to be much beyond stock. Second, where do you get them, and are they even available for my bike? Thanks!

[Billy Ricks]

Luke,
I've run mine hard since I've had my bike, bought it new in '85. 5,000 rpm launches haven't hurt mine. I am needing a clutch kit now but the basket has never given me a problem. I may be able to get my hands on some billet baskets if you a serious about wanting one. When I rebuild my clutch I'll replace my basket if a friend of mine still has the baskets he used to have. He had two or three of them a few years back. When I do my topend I know I'll need the billet piece.

[Motorcyclemodeller]

All you have to do is have the clutch basket welded. They weld the rivets that join the clutch hub gear to the basket and eliminate the spring slide that occurs between these two units. I makes for a more direct feel between the motor and rear tire also. When welded this unit will take double the stock horsepower.

Hope this helps,

8) Andre 8)

[Anonymous]

I have seen billett baskets with welded rivites and heavy duty springs but never a gear welded directly to the basket itself. Do you have a photo of that modification. Or do you know of a company that does that particular basked mod???

[Anonymous]

The gear isn't welded to the basket (steel and aluminium can't be welded together), only the rivets are welded to the backing plate. They weld the rivets to keep them from moving, and to provide a larger/stronger contact surface.

I personally don't agree with just welding the rivets making it capable of withstanding double the horsepower. A bone stock clutch can withstand 200+ horsepower...but not for long. A clutch explosion can destroy the engine, not to menton the possibility of flying parts and the oil slick you'll be driving in.
A billet basket will last a lot longer, but not really necessary for a lightly modified motor. The heavy duty hub kit (backing plate, springs and welding the rivets) should last several years with a mild motor.
Mike

[Anonymous]

The gear isn't welded to the basket (steel and aluminium can't be welded together), only the rivets are welded to the backing plate. They weld the rivets to keep them from moving, and to provide a larger/stronger contact surface.

I personally don't agree with just welding the rivets making it capable of withstanding double the horsepower. A bone stock clutch can withstand 200+ horsepower...but not for long. A clutch explosion can destroy the engine, not to menton the possibility of flying parts and the oil slick you'll be driving in.
A billet basket will last a lot longer, but not really necessary for a lightly modified motor. The heavy duty hub kit (backing plate, springs and welding the rivets) should last several years with a mild motor.
Mike

Thats what i have MIKE

[skip]

The gear isn't welded to the basket (steel and aluminium can't be welded together), only the rivets are welded to the backing plate. They weld the rivets to keep them from moving, and to provide a larger/stronger contact surface.

I personally don't agree with just welding the rivets making it capable of withstanding double the horsepower. A bone stock clutch can withstand 200+ horsepower...but not for long. A clutch explosion can destroy the engine, not to menton the possibility of flying parts and the oil slick you'll be driving in.
A billet basket will last a lot longer, but not really necessary for a lightly modified motor. The heavy duty hub kit (backing plate, springs and welding the rivets) should last several years with a mild motor.
Mike

Thats what I have been using for 16 years and many 1/4 mile passes (no wheelie bars or slick) it still performs well and no rattles or any thing.

[Anonymous]

My question Skip Is who else then is doing it the way you described

[Motorcyclemodeller]

8O
Yes the weld is only around the rivets, but for some reason the backing gear has alot less movement compared to a unwelded basket. You can't weld aluminum to steel. Sorry if my post misled.

8) Andre 8)

[Anonymous]

8O
Yes the weld is only around the rivets, but for some reason the backing gear has alot less movement compared to a unwelded basket. You can't weld aluminum to steel. Sorry if my post misled.

8) Andre 8)

thanks for telling us. The reason for less movement is that when a unit is modified in that way, heavier springs are used and ther is almost no movement compared to the stock units.