ragtop69gs Posted February 14, 2014 #1 Posted February 14, 2014 I want to upgrade the clutch on my wife's trike to prevent slippage, but I DO NOT want to increase the amount of pressure it takes to pull the clutch lever. Has anyone found a way to accomplish this ? She has wrist problems and a harder clutch would make it un-ridable for her.
Kirby Posted February 14, 2014 #2 Posted February 14, 2014 I'd like to know about this also. Is it possible to change out the caliper with one from another bike that may have a larger piston in it? Anybody know?
MikeWa Posted February 14, 2014 #3 Posted February 14, 2014 I want to upgrade the clutch on my wife's trike to prevent slippage, but I DO NOT want to increase the amount of pressure it takes to pull the clutch lever. Has anyone found a way to accomplish this ? She has wrist problems and a harder clutch would make it un-ridable for her. I don't believe there is a significant increase in lever pressure with either the Barnett spring conversion or with Skydocs upgrade. I did the Barnett on mine and did not notice any difference. I am thinking about ordering some heavier springs, just because, and see how that feels. Mike
ragtop69gs Posted February 14, 2014 Author #4 Posted February 14, 2014 I'd like to know about this also. Is it possible to change out the caliper with one from another bike that may have a larger piston in it? Anybody know? I think you meant to say master cylinder, not "caliper, I too have thought about that approach, it would require a book listing the bore sizes of various units. I don't believe there is a significant increase in lever pressure with either the Barnett spring conversion or with Skydocs upgrade. I did the Barnett on mine and did not notice any difference. I am thinking about ordering some heavier springs, just because, and see how that feels. Mike I agree that the difference is small but it is a harder pull and I don't want to risk making her wrist worse (ganglian cyst)sp? . If I can't find a solution I guess I'll just have to start carrying a spare set of steels & frictions while on our trips.
Flyinfool Posted February 14, 2014 #5 Posted February 14, 2014 I know the PCW and Skydocs kits will increase pull at the lever, I do not know about the Barrnet. But the simple physics are that IF you clamp the clutch pack with more pressure It will also take more pressure to release the clutch. It may help a bit to replace the half disk with a full disk. This will give you more square inches of surface area doing the gripping without raising the spring pressure. The slipping is caused when the stock spring weakens with age. You may want to replace the stock spring with a new stock spring every few years just to keep it fresh. IF she lets you know immediately when it starts slipping, you should be able to just do a spring change on the road. You have to be slipping it pretty bad for a long time to actually wear out the clutch. If you are going to look for a different master cylinder, you would want one with a smaller piston diameter to reduce lever pressure. A simple test is while at highway speed, in 5th gear, pull full throttle for just a few seconds, that is where the slip will first show up. Then you can fix it before it becomes a problem.
Sylvester Posted February 14, 2014 #6 Posted February 14, 2014 Try this http://www.efmautoclutch.com/ It is highly recommended and works great.
Flyinfool Posted February 15, 2014 #7 Posted February 15, 2014 Try this http://www.efmautoclutch.com/ It is highly recommended and works great. Interesting, 'not for me, but interesting.
ragtop69gs Posted February 15, 2014 Author #8 Posted February 15, 2014 Does anyone know the bore and stroke of the RSV clutch master?
Cougar Posted February 15, 2014 #9 Posted February 15, 2014 I might look into that , thanks !! Just wanted to say my wife loves the EFM auto clutch. We had it installed on her 800 Volusia Trike, and it performs great - no stalling - no problems. This has allowed her to enjoy riding this summer, without having to master a regular clutch. We would recomment this product to anyone. Thanks also for your prompt delivery of the clutch. Ed - W.V.
mralex714 Posted February 15, 2014 #10 Posted February 15, 2014 I want to upgrade the clutch on my wife's trike to prevent slippage, but I DO NOT want to increase the amount of pressure it takes to pull the clutch lever. Has anyone found a way to accomplish this ? She has wrist problems and a harder clutch would make it un-ridable for her. This might be worth a look if tour budget allows it. It would eliminate the need for a clutch. http://www.efmautoclutch.com/index.shtml
Cougar Posted February 15, 2014 #11 Posted February 15, 2014 I wonder if it is a whole new type basket as well ? that could possibly eliminate the whine . will call them soon.
CaptainJoe Posted February 15, 2014 #12 Posted February 15, 2014 I want to upgrade the clutch on my wife's trike to prevent slippage, but I DO NOT want to increase the amount of pressure it takes to pull the clutch lever. Has anyone found a way to accomplish this ? She has wrist problems and a harder clutch would make it un-ridable for her. You could replace the stock clutch springs every season for +20 years for the cost of that auto clutch. fibers and plates if in specs wouldn't need changed. Over $1K Ouuuuuch!
Cougar Posted February 15, 2014 #13 Posted February 15, 2014 I was seeing $695 that is still and ouch tho
Cougar Posted February 15, 2014 #14 Posted February 15, 2014 Jeff: We modify the clutch you send us, the complete assembly. We bolt our pressure plate to your basket, the pressure plates all look the same, just different sizes to match the clutch basket. You can see what they look like on the web site. 695.00 plus shipping. You don't have to use the clutch lever if you don't want to, let the motor go to a idle, then just put it in first gear and give it gas. You still have to shift, but you don't need to use the clutch if you don't want to. The clutch pull is very little up to around 2/3rds the engine rpm. Thank you for the interest in EFM Auto Clutch
ragtop69gs Posted February 15, 2014 Author #15 Posted February 15, 2014 (edited) We are seriously considering the EFM setup, looks like it could be just what I'm looking for. Pricey..yes, but what would you spend to keep the wife happy and the bike running in top form? Some things to be aware of if using an autoclutch setup If you park the bike while it’s in gear, it can roll on an incline since the auto clutch is not engaged. I need to come up with an easy way to set the front brake, which shouldn’t be hard to do. Several people have suggested wrapping an inner tube around the front brake to hold it. Because the bike will roll when parked in gear, it’s easy to believe it’s in neutral when it isn’t. It’s important to always make sure it’s in neutral before starting so it can’t take off on its own, especially if you’re using a choke. Inability to push start the bike if you find yourself with a dead battery. Edited February 15, 2014 by ragtop69gs more info
Cougar Posted February 15, 2014 #16 Posted February 15, 2014 Jay, please keep me in the loop on this, as I will be most likely doing this as well. Thanks, Jeff
CaptainJoe Posted February 15, 2014 #17 Posted February 15, 2014 (edited) I guess $695 is not as bad. The $1 K I saw must have been for a Harley? The only negative thing I read on them is they won't hold your bike in place when you park on an incline in first gear. Trikes have a parking brake? Edited February 15, 2014 by CaptainJoe
Sylvester Posted February 15, 2014 #18 Posted February 15, 2014 I have not installed the auto clutch but a good friend of mine has had one in his 05 RSV since new. He has some muscle issues, but this has allowed him to ride all these years without issues. The concept is real like a centrifugal clutch and it engages solidly. I would put it on my bike when the time comes.
Cougar Posted February 16, 2014 #19 Posted February 16, 2014 Just picked up a 04 complete clutch basket from pinwall for $104 so I can send that off and the Trike won't be down while waiting :-) still wont be riding for a bit anyways living in IOWA LOL
Carbon_One Posted February 16, 2014 #20 Posted February 16, 2014 Just picked up a 04 complete clutch basket from pinwall for $104 so I can send that off and the Trike won't be down while waiting :-) still wont be riding for a bit anyways living in IOWA LOL Looking forward to the product report once installed. Jay I've used mc inner tubes on the front brake lever and if getting the right size they work good. Currently I use a male/female Velcro strip. Just pull back the lever and then attach the Velcro strip. Larry
Cougar Posted February 16, 2014 #21 Posted February 16, 2014 (edited) You got it bBo. maybe even photo's Yes there are lots of ways to hold that front brake lever when you put your mind to it . Here is another way : http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-lock/grip-lock/ Thanks to Sylvester and mralex714 for bring this alternative clutch idea to our attention. Jeff Edited February 16, 2014 by Cougar
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