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Clutch plates life expectency

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Dan Gardner, May 1, 2021.

  1. Dan Gardner

    Dan Gardner Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    How long are clutch plates expected to last?

    My XJ650J has 30,000 miles. I assume the clutch plates are original equipment.
     
    Dan Gardner, May 1, 2021
    #1
  2. lostboy

    lostboy Well-Known Member

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    That is like trying to guess what will brake next on your car next. Clutches work till they are out of spec and start to slip. Then it is time to inspect and repair.
     
    lostboy, May 1, 2021
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  3. tabaka45

    tabaka45 Well-Known Member

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    How you ride makes a lot of difference. My Honda 750 has 43,000 miles and no clutch issues. But I've heard of aggressive riders having to replace clutch plates with 20,000 miles or less. I'm what most would call a very conservative rider.
     
    tabaka45, May 1, 2021
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  4. Dan Gardner

    Dan Gardner Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    It seems like if I adjust the clutch lever so that it doesn't make a huge CLUNK when I put it in gear then it gets slippy. Just wondering if a clutch rebuild is a reasonable idea.
     
    Dan Gardner, May 2, 2021
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  5. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    open it up inspect the thickness and see if plates are warped or dirty.
    measure spring length

    you should replace the bolts at this time , springs also,
    the bolts take a beating the springs get weak. could be all you need is springs and bolts and maybe the gasket. and a cleaning of the metal plates.

    as far as how long they last depends on how hard you are on the clutch.

    i can ride around all day with no clutch slip but if i go up hill from out of a slow corner and go all almond joy i can get the clutch to slip in the higher rpm shift.

    will be diving in this weekend to see what i have going on in there of course it has 40k miles on it and the po never put in a clutch in the 15 years he owned it.

    clutch replacment is considered a rite of passage in the motorcycle world.
     
    XJ550H, May 3, 2021
    #5
  6. Dan Gardner

    Dan Gardner Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Thanks XJ550H.

    Follow up question: If you're in there measuring the springs and replacing the bolts, wouldn't it just make more sense to spend a few bucks and replace the springs, bolts, and friction plates and get it over with?
     
    Dan Gardner, May 3, 2021
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  7. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    the bolts a yes on replacment.
    and if you have the cover off may as well change plates bolts and springsl .
    with that said if you look at Chacals complete clutch rebuild kit you will see parts you would not think to change.

    BASIC CLUTCH REBUILD KITS contain at least the following items:
    - clutch cover gasket
    - full set of the clutch springs and their securing hardware
    - full set of primary and secondary (where required) friction discs
    - clutch boss spring (where required)

    COMPLETE CLUTCH REBUILD KITS contain at least the following items:
    - everything included in the basic rebuild kits, and…
    - full set of the primary drive plates
    - the clutch boss drive plate (when used)
    - the clutch boss retaining ring
    - the pivot axle shaft return spring and circlip
    - the pivot axle shaft oil seal and washer
    - the pushrod bearing and shim washer
    - the special clutch drum lockwasher

    In either of the above kits, You also have the choice of standard or hi-performance components:
     
    XJ550H, May 4, 2021
    #7

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