Author Topic: Slipper Clutches  (Read 2273 times)

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Offline BomberMann650

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Slipper Clutches
« on: February 23, 2016, 03:07:04 PM »
Do slipper clutch conversions exist for 75 cb550f bikes?

Recent oil change revealed a need for a new clutch, if I can upgrade to a more modern clutch I'd like to.

Or are Ebc plate kits all thats left?

Thanks ya'll

Offline Steve_K

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2016, 03:50:57 PM »
I don't think so.  Too old and other new clutches would have all the wrong sizes.  I can down shift with some revving of the engine to match road speed to the engine.  For me, it is fun, old school tech.
Steve
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76 CB 550, 73CB750, 86 GSX-R750, 16 Slingshot
Old rides:305 Honda, CL350, 74 CB550
 05 SV1000S, 88 CBR600,92 VFR, 88 Hawk GT, 96 Ducati 900SS, 98 Kaw ZX6R, SV650

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2016, 04:10:14 PM »
That's what I suspected.

when replacing clutches, I need the cover gasket, the friction plates, steel plates, and springs right?

Online jonda500

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2016, 04:25:18 PM »
I only replace the friction discs and the cover gasket (and only when the clutch is slipping). I reuse the metal plates as they don't wear out! -and I reuse the springs as I don't do drag racing starts and like my light clutch lever action.
John
Remember that an ignoramus is only someone who doesn't know something you just learned yesterday!

A starter clutch thread:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,122084.0.html
1972 CB500K1 original 4 owner bike
1972 CB500K1 returned to complete/original condition
1975 CB550F built from parts - project thread:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,149161.msg1711626.html#msg1711626
197? CB500/550 constructing from left over parts
1998 KTM 380 (two stroke) recent impulse buy, mmmm...

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2016, 08:07:53 PM »
good to know

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2016, 08:08:50 PM »
Anyone using a hydraulic clutch lever on their cb's?

Offline bwaller

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2016, 04:20:36 AM »
OEM springs are available too and they're cheap, change the springs too. They're under tension all the time and yours may be 40 years old.

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #7 on: February 25, 2016, 10:59:31 AM »
Might as well since it's all coming apart.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2016, 10:30:27 AM »
That's a good practice to change springs and discs.

Yes, there are no slippers commercially available for the CB's.  Just good old fashioned, rev-matching and clutch-feathering.  I am sure that Brent could give tutorials on his "best practices" as he must have a mastery of it with his vintage racing. 

I have not yet owned a modern bike with a slipper clutch, and gotten by on my best efforts and practice at the track, where it really matters.  Most of us, I suspect are not putting as much demand/doling out punishment on our drivetrains as racers.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline bwaller

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2016, 12:19:49 PM »
Stuff wears out but OEM parts, including cables, are available from Honda. Steel plates warp and glaze over time. There is no need for a hard to pull slipping clutch. Do yourself & your bike a favour.  ;D

I can't speak for everyone racing these bikes, but I modified the 77/78 clutch to accept an extra disc & plate, all OEM. That & stock springs offers smooth action and has never slipped even with double the original power.

I never liked Barnett systems, but I did buy a set of their springs in case and have never used them.

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #10 on: February 27, 2016, 02:12:39 PM »
Stuff wears out but OEM parts, including cables, are available from Honda. Steel plates warp and glaze over time. There is no need for a hard to pull slipping clutch. Do yourself & your bike a favour.  ;D

I can't speak for everyone racing these bikes, but I modified the 77/78 clutch to accept an extra disc & plate, all OEM. That & stock springs offers smooth action and has never slipped even with double the original power.

I never liked Barnett systems, but I did buy a set of their springs in case and have never used them.

How did you double your CB's hp?

Offline Bodi

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #11 on: February 27, 2016, 04:06:26 PM »
"How did you double your CB's hp?"

Cash injection!

Offline bwaller

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #12 on: February 27, 2016, 04:26:35 PM »
That's partly true Bodi.  ;D  Actually the 550 could be described as a workhorse. There really isn't anything secretive, most of the power is released in head work and improved breathing. That & good engine building processes.

BM650 I have a thread somewhere in the HiPo section
« Last Edit: February 27, 2016, 04:33:24 PM by bwaller »

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #13 on: February 27, 2016, 04:27:34 PM »
Brent has been very open about his mods in his thread over in the HiPerf section of the forums .
MRiech or is it MReich has been the master at work on his top end to provide the needed mods to breathe and mix the fuel air and exhaust output to make the results possible. Brent has put together a consistent and winning combination in VRRA racing over the past many seasons.

David

Stuff wears out but OEM parts, including cables, are available from Honda. Steel plates warp and glaze over time. There is no need for a hard to pull slipping clutch. Do yourself & your bike a favour.  ;D

I can't speak for everyone racing these bikes, but I modified the 77/78 clutch to accept an extra disc & plate, all OEM. That & stock springs offers smooth action and has never slipped even with double the original power.

I never liked Barnett systems, but I did buy a set of their springs in case and have never used them.

How did you double your CB's hp?
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Slipper Clutches
« Reply #14 on: February 28, 2016, 12:52:04 AM »
That is outstanding!