clutch springs

[hikermikem]

I'm going to replace the clutch springs on my '82 1100G (per the excellent advice of the folks in this GS community) & was wondering if anyone had any advice about whether or not to use OEM or aftermarket springs.

I searched briefly at Dennis Kirk & found some inexpensive ones that claim they're 10% stiffer than OEM.

What's the opinion of you guys??

Thanks,

[mmarshall13098]

this probably depends on what type of riding you do...just normal riding...OEMs or the Dennis Kirks should be fine...unless someone else here knows something about the Dennis Kirk springs??? "high performance" springs might make the clutch lever a little stiff for normal riding

[t3rmin]

Indeed stiffer springs equals stiffer lever. My wife could barely depress the lever on my 650 after putting aftermarket springs in. I got used to it, though, and really appreciated the extra clutch grip. You could do anything to that bike without a hint of slippage.

I think I got mine at cyclepages.com. Terrible website, but good prices and they have a few different spring types to choose from.

[Steve]

I have only changed springs on bikes intended for 'normal' street use, but in my case, 'normal' has included a 980-pound bike that gets loaded with about 400 pounds of people and stuff, and pulls a trailer.

Stock springs have sufficed and have made a noticeable difference from the ones that came out. \\/

All you should need is the new springs and a clutch cover gasket and you will be back in business.


.

[t3rmin]

Well yeah I don't mean to imply OEM style springs aren't adequate. I've got a set right now waiting for installation into the 700. But, for comparison, when I replaced the clutch on my 750 with OEM parts, I could get it to slip under certain (extreme) conditions, unlike the 650 which never slipped, ever. Granted, different bikes, but the 650 had similar power output, if not more torque down low.

[don_gibb6512]

The PO had installed Barnett clutch springs in my GS1100ET and I'm definitely going to something easier as soon as I can get to it. They're great until you have to actively use the clutch, like in "stop and go" traffic or in the twisties. Ugh. "Popeye" I am not.

[focus frenzy]

don't forget the stress it puts on the clutch cable that was not designed for a 60% stiffer clutch. (10% each! ) I have done the so called 10% stiffer spring thing once and wont go back.

I currently have a 82 spec clutch set up in my 83 1100E and I have yet to get it to slip on its own.

[hikermikem]

don't forget the stress it puts on the clutch cable that was not designed for a 60% stiffer clutch. (10% each! ) I have done the so called 10% stiffer spring thing once and wont go back.

You bring up a good point - I was thinking I would go with the 10% stiffer spring, but hadn't considered the cumlative effect on the rest of the components, such as the cable.

I think OEM is looking like the correct choice.

thanks for all the input!

[chef1366]

I used the Dennis Kirk springs and they worked fine. At least until I modded my engine and had to go to HD clutch springs. I still have them if you want them. Still like new.

[Road_Clam]

I'm going to replace the clutch springs on my '82 1100G (per the excellent advice of the folks in this GS community) & was wondering if anyone had any advice about whether or not to use OEM or aftermarket springs.

I searched briefly at Dennis Kirk & found some inexpensive ones that claim they're 10% stiffer than OEM.

What's the opinion of you guys??

Thanks,

If your OEM clutch springs performed excellent for 25 years, don't you think you should put the same set back in with confidence?

I am a proud OEM replacement spring user. I am dam glad I did it. Don't even think about Barnett springs for a street clutch, the pull is BRUTALLY stiff, and a waste of time unless you are going up the drags every Sunday with your "G".

The OEM springs are cheap ,money too (like $4 a spring).

[feelergaugephil]

I have got dennis kirk clutch springs (81 GS1000G) and they work fine.

[salty_monk]

I have EBC? ones from Z1. They are a little stiffer but work fine. You can always mix & match 3 & 3....

Dan