Clutch springs... the ones on the back of the basket.

[Anonymous]

Howdy Folks.

I suppose I could ask this question anywhere, as far as I understand, all wet multi-plate clutches have these... But I'm a Suzuki GS750 guy, and wanna ask my fellow GS riders.

I understand the purpose and workings of the springs holding the pressure plate... But i'm interested in the ones on the back side of the clutch basket assembly (pictured below)

The basket (aluminum) is riveted to a plate (pressed steel) holding the primary driven gear between them (cast).

I can only guess since this part of the clutch basket is aways turning with the crank, these springs absorb torsional snaps put upon the drivetrain. (clutch engagement, engine breaking, etc).

Am I right? cause I can't think of any other reason why they'd be there.

Thanks.


This isn't a GS clutch, but these are the springs I'm talking about:

[KEITH KRAUSE]

I'd say you're right.
My basket on my '79 1000 was starting to rattle about 60,000 miles. I let it and it never seemed to cause a problem. Just the noise. During my rebuild, I had V&H install heavier springs and they welded the basket. No more noise and it handles hard accelerating better.

[focus frenzy]

yep you got it right, they dampen the shock loads of the firing impulses from the crank.\
with out them, there would be alot more stress on the transmission gears.

[scotty]

The spring in the photo look to be in excellent condition. When you examine yours they should not be smaller(9length wise than the spade they occupy. Please send the basket out for the upgrade if the springs are worn when you examine it.

[Anonymous]

loose spings and rivets

So is that why a bike may shift fine when moving, but when stopped and at idle the shift from first to neutral may be difficult? I have loose springs and loose rivets on my 82 gs1100e. I can move the gear while holding the basket.

[Jethro]

I always wondered what those springs were for! Now I also understand why welding the clutch basket is done, but does that put added stress on the tranny and clutch? I mean, if it's supposed to absorb shock and you weld it, it won't be absorbing the shock anymore.

[focus frenzy]

Re: loose spings and rivets

So is that why a bike may shift fine when moving, but when stopped and at idle the shift from first to neutral may be difficult? I have loose springs and loose rivets on my 82 gs1100e. I can move the gear while holding the basket.

it wont shift sitting still due mainly to the fact that the gear dogs are not lining up when the bike is moving all the gears are spinning and the dogs will line up as the gears are spinning.
it is not a real problem, but more the minor draw back of the way motorcycle transmissions are designed and work.
the design allows for you to go from first to second gear, then down to neutral.
it is done this way to prevent false neutrals on fast up shifts when taking off fast.
the gears could be machined to make first to neutral shifts easyer, but then there would be alot more false shifts where you go from first to second and get neutral by accedent.