Slipper Clutch for VFR

Does anyone make a slipper clutch for the VFR, specifically the 5th Gen? I've not seen one, but I think this would be a great addition.

 

I think a heck of a lot goes into engineering a slipper clutch that works properly and they aren't a bolt-on affair for any motorcycle. I might be wrong but I think you are suggesting the impossible (unless you are filthy loaded with cash, then anything is possible)

 

JMO but I think the need (?) for a slipper clutch is higher on a track/race bike, not really necessary for a street bike. Although I used to know a guy who could not for the life of him downshift without chirping the tire on his XS1100. I just don't think he rode enough to get the hang of coordinating shift, clutch, and throttle.

 

I understand the track bike vs. street bike issue, but I ride my VFR pretty hard at times on some very twisty mountain roads, and would really like the added advantage that a slipper clutch would offer. Throttle blipping works if done perfectly but is still not as good in the real world as a slipper clutch. If its good enough for the Moto GP and WSB guys, then its good enough for me.

Anyway, I've done some research and have found 3 aftermarket outfits that make slipper clutch setups - unfortunately none make one specifically for the VFR. Yoyodyne lists kits for the CBR 1000, 954, 929, and 600 RRs as well as for the RC-51. Hinson and a company from Italy list them for the 1000 and 600. Does anyone out there know if the clutch on my 5th gen VFR is interchangeable with any of the above bikes? Knowing Honda's tendency to reuse existing parts when they will do the job, I suspect maybe the RC-51 or the 600 might be interchangeable with the VFR 800 - but maybe not. Any insights on this issue would be mucho appreciated.

 

Who Needs It ??

IF your downshifts aren't smooth, keep practicing......downshift earlier.

OR spend $1500-$1800 to cover up your mistakes.

 

Great idea. I'll give that a try. I'll post my findings.

 

The 01-05 CBR600F4 and the 5th and 6th Gen VFR800 clutches appear to use identical baskets (PN 22120-MBG-D00) and plates. So, you might be able to do it. The key would be to get the stack height correct, as slippers are very sensitive to this; Yoyodyne says that the stack height of the plates and discs (and judder spring/seat) should be just 1mm greater than the depth of the basket, for example. You might need to adjust with spacers, and I believe they sell kits for that.

If you do it, you should definitely document the procedure and post a how to, as this would be a first, I think.

Note: I just installed a Yoyo slipper on my RC51 (track bike) and it was both easy and a great improvement. But, that's a track (only!) bike and it's also a V-twin with very strong engine braking. I am trying really hard (and not entirely successfully) to ignore the OPs comments about how hard he rides on the street and the wisdom of that. :crazy:

 

Thanks for that info Chickwebb - I haven't been able to make the Service Honda parts lookup thing work for some reason. I will contact the slipper clutch vendors and see what I can organize.

As for the "editorial" comments about riding hard on the street, I guess we all have an opinion on that. I say riding hard and riding foolishly are two different things. I've been riding 40 years now and have never had an accident of any sort, so I think I have the difference figured out pretty well. But I hear what you're saying, so people, lets ALL be careful out there!!!

 

Update - I've found a manufacturer in the UK that is willing to make this happen for our VFRs if there is enough interest. No commitments of course, but if this product were to be produced at a price comaparable to what it costs for other bikes, would anyone out there besides me be interested? Send me a quick PM and I'll tally up the the numbers and let them know. STEVE

 

i think slipper clutches became "all the rage" with some high torque engines....big (liter) twins & larger displacement 4's.

maybe i'm wrong, but @ 781 cc's & 55 ft# of torque max....think ya need it?

 

I think it would be an asset when trying to corner smoothly, especially in low traction situations and/or when cornering agressively - on the track of course!! ;-) You're right that its not essential by any stretch, but its just one more way we can make the VFR the perfect all round bike - since Honda won't do it for us!!

 

speaking of unconcious downshifts........
I tend to keep the throttle fixed when downshifting.
no blips.....nuthin' fancy - just hold her steady / pull in the clutch / & drop it down a click or 2.
seems pretty smooth to me.

everybody do the same?

 

Nope, when I downshift I match the rpm's to the gear I downshift to, seems to me if the engine speed isn't changed, the rpm's will not be matched. A slipper clutch makes it easier to be a bit careless when downshifting more than a gear or two.

On second thought, I can see how that might work, as the engine is unloaded the rpm's could rise. Never tried it.

 

Zactly. :thumbsup:

 

Regarding this constant throttle shift method. Would the following be the correct steps?
1) Brake continuously
2) Hold throttle slightly open
3) Simultaneously pull the clutch.
4) Engage gear at this point depending upon amount of constant throttle you could be making a racket if not done correctly.
5) Disengage clutch. Disengage brake.
When you disengage the clutch do you let it open gradually?