Topic: 75 cb550 four which clutch to buy, racing or street?

[gerry113377]

I need to replace the clutch in my 75 cb550 four.  I saw 2 types.  1 for standard and 1 for racing.  The racing was cheaper and even came with springs so I was wondering if I could just use that for the street?  Or should I buy the standard?

[Bodi]

"racing" clutches lock up stronger than stock clutches, but they have a few problems for street use.
1 - tend to stick when unused for a while. I mean STICK! Getting the clutch to disengage on a cold engine gets really difficult. There's a risk of forgetting about this... starting the bike then pulling in the clutch and kicking into first gear with CLUNK and you're moving. Sometimes kickstarter jumps with the clutch pulled in will unstick it, sometimes you have to start it on the centre stand then get in gear and rev the motor whilst standing on the brake pedal to release the clutch.
2 - accelerated wear. The friction material wears down quickly from slipping. Racers don't slip it much - just one start from a stop in a typical race. Street riding requires fairly regular slipping: every stop sign or red light.
3 - grunge in oil. This comes with #2, the worn friction material ends up in the oil.

For street use the stock type pads are best. Get stronger springs if you need more grip, good exercise for your hands too.

[traveler]

Per Hondaman's tips, and my research.

The BEST way to go on a 550 is to get the stright cut clutch plates.  Later 550's used these ('77-'78).  If you want to beef it up even more buy some clutch plate SPRINGS from Barnett.  NOT the clutch plates, just the springs.

The combo of late model 550 plates and barnett springs will easily handle anything you throw at the motor, short of turbocharging (and there's a way to deal with that too!)

~Joe