Buying New Clutch basket/plates do i need special tools to install?

[TreyRiser]

I was about to by the Desmotimes clutch basket/plate combo and i noticed they offer a tool they call the Clutch Hub/Basket Removal Tool, i have never done this job before and i was wondering if i really need this tool to get the job done or is it an expense i can avoid? Thanks for the advice...

[He Man]

Youll need to secure the basket somehowas well as an impact gun or a second hand.

you can build one by getting your old plates and welding them together with a handle.

Alternatively, i have seen people just jam a wrench in between the baskets teeth and use that to hold the basket in place while they went at the nut.

[El Matador]

Youll need to secure the basket somehowas well as an impact gun or a second hand.

you can build one by getting your old plates and welding them together with a handle.

Alternatively, i have seen people just jam a wrench in between the baskets teeth and use that to hold the basket in place while they went at the nut.

Impact wrench FTW.

As for the clutch holding tool? just put the bike in gear and hold the rear brake 

[erkishhorde]

Impact wrench FTW.

As for the clutch holding tool? just put the bike in gear and hold the rear brake 

+1. Put the bike in a high gear and hold the rear brake.

Impact gun solves all problems.  The torque spec on the clutch hub nut is VERY high. You definitely don't want it coming off either. I've had it happen. It sucks.

[billg69gmc]

You can make the tool, it sorta looks frankenstein-ish, but it works. I got a few of the plates together and a piece of inch and a half flat stock. Used painters tape to tape the plates together, then drilled them for a small bolt/nut. Only needed three bolts to hold the plates together. Then drill for the metal handle. Wrap some electrical tape around the handle... tah dah!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32154204@N07/3184922373/#

I did my basket/clutch pack towards the end of winter. What a difference. I went for the hard anodized basket from LT. Still fairly quiet after a few thousand miles. The worse for wear part of the whole deal is the pressure plate. I could have continued with the old set up, but the pressure plate was getting extremely worn.

[OT]

Buy the 2-VALVE maintenance book from DesmoTimes -- it's full of helpful pictures and tips