Topic: Clutch Job.

[Lostboy Steve]

So this past summer I put about 3000 miles on the 550 after the rebuild. I used the original clutch because, to be honest, it looked great, as did the steels. Initially it worked well. I had no problem with it at all. Towards the end of the season it seemed to have a "delayed" release under heavy acceleration, and slippage in high rpm areas. I assume the clutch has "hardened" over the past 21 years even though the bike was stored indoors. I ordered all new clutches, steels and EBC HD springs as the bike is a tad bit more than stock. Hopefully all of this will solve my problem. Anything else to look out for when I'm in there? That is, if I ever get time to do it.

[crazypj]

Drill some holes in hub to allow more oil flow, helps keep things slightly cooler in the middle of the pack

[phil71]

slippage can be shot springs preventing positive friction.

[Bailgang]

slippage can be shot springs preventing positive friction.

+1 The clutch in my 550 slipped like crazy even after I realized I was using the wrong oil yet my micrometer was telling me all my clutch plates both steel and friction plates were still well within spec. New springs did the trick along with sandblasting the steel plates to give them some etch. Even under hard acceleration with both me and my wife on the bike the clutch doesn't slip.

[camelman]

Clutch basket fingers often get worn with little indents where the clutch discs contact the basket. Those wear spots manifest as vague clutch control, false neutrals and inconsistant clutch engagement. I file the fingers smooth if I see that there's wear using a simple hand file. Not all clutch baskets show wear of course, and a little wear isn't an issue. More than half a mm would be noticeable though.

[dave500]

check also the end float on the assembly,try and rock back and forth in and out the whole thing,under that circlip is a thin shim or two,you might need another or thicker one to take up any slack,also you can check the slack in the rivetts,any back and forth from the basket to the main large gear wheel is to be minimal,ive never seen one that hasnt some,like one degree,if its real sloppy it needs to be replaced or re rivetted,or drilled out and bolted.