Most of my smaller engine experience comes from two strokes and off road 4 strokes. On off road bikes and ATV's I have always used a kit (springs, frictions, steels) and replaced it all every time. Is this the way to go on our bikes as well? Can the same results be had by replacing the frictions (in the vf's case possibly half of the frictions) and then the springs (vf7f has a pressure plate) and steels only if they are not in spec or show glazing or other damage? The reason I ask this is that sets of frictions only far out number the full kits and steel sets put together. How do you usually handle clutch service?
My personal experience with my 99 VFR800 92000km was that the steels were fine (unmarked), the friction discs were worn and I replaced them. I also replaced the springs (conventional coils) while I was there, but as I had no issue with slipping prior that was probably not needed.
Seems like off road bikes and ATV's take alot more abuse particularly 2 strokes with lots of clutch slippage and quite a bit more power to be had for relatively inexpensive. A fellow mechanic put it to me this way. For a street bike with a clutch that isn't being constantly abused, the frictions and steels can be looked at like brake pads (frictions) and rotors (steel) The frictions simply get replaced when they are worn down where the steels only get replaced if they are warped, grooved, or get thinner than spec. Steels should always be replaced as a set. There are some exceptions to replacing frictions as a set, as with one way slipper clutches that are frequently down geared harshly, the frictions on the sprag gear may be hardly worn where the other 3 or 4 might be worn and in need of replacement. Even in this case it is still desirable to replace them all, but if the few plates not on the sprag gear aren't replaced they can wear to the metal before the others are worn enough to cause any slippage. Anyhow the above info came from one individual, if any one has any corrections and or additions please speak (type it) up. Regards db
