Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: golgofett on August 20, 2009, 03:18:36 PM

Title: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: golgofett on August 20, 2009, 03:18:36 PM
I am seriously considering upgrading to a 1100 from my 696.  How much adjusting is there with a dry clutch and what should I worry about switching from a wet clutch?  Also, as far as maintenance goes, i heard you have to remove the cover and clean out the dry clutch once and a while.  Is this true and is that the reason for the open clutch covers, besides sweet ass looks. 
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: the_Journeyman on August 20, 2009, 03:33:11 PM
My experience in wet v. dry clutch

I have a Monster 750 and a 900SS.  The dry clutch on the 900 is a bit grabby compared to the wet clutch and seems to engage/disengage with a good bit less travel.  The 900 feels far more authoritative on launches, even after you factor in the extra power.

I'll let someone with more technical expertise answer the cleaning question.  I just removed the gasket on the clutch cover and it is open maybe 3/16 of an inch.  I've had no problems so far, and there's plenty of nice jingle coming out ~

JM
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: Porsche Monkey on August 20, 2009, 03:36:11 PM
You will probably adjust during your first ride, especially if its stop and go. Its not really that big of a deal.  I have an open cover and never blow out the clutch.  
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: Triple J on August 20, 2009, 03:44:33 PM
^^

What those two said about operation and maintenance.

Wet clutches are a tad easier to ride, but a dry is no biggie. A little heavier lever pull, and a little more grabby but you get used to it quick. Open cover solves the clean out issues and looks cool too.

Besides the bling, which is cool, I actually prefer a wet clutch. Yep...I said it.  [coffee]
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: TwoWheelDuke on August 20, 2009, 04:22:12 PM
You could adapt this dry clutch effect kit for the 848 and have the best of both worlds  ;D

http://www.livevideo.com/video/Maxxi/F9A78BF0C0074B2499E7502779572F92/ducati-848-clutch-sound-soluti.aspx (//http://)
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: Duck-Stew on August 20, 2009, 05:16:14 PM
Quote from: TwoWheelDuke on August 20, 2009, 04:22:12 PM
You could adapt this dry clutch effect kit for the 848 and have the best of both worlds  ;D

http://www.livevideo.com/video/Maxxi/F9A78BF0C0074B2499E7502779572F92/ducati-848-clutch-sound-soluti.aspx (//http://)

Edited post to remove auto-play video.  Those aren't allowed here.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: sroberts152 on August 20, 2009, 06:08:50 PM
You broke the link.  :(
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: Slide Panda on August 20, 2009, 06:13:59 PM
Quote from: Duck-Stew on August 20, 2009, 05:16:14 PM
Edited post to remove auto-play video.  Those aren't allowed here.

And auto play is just annoying anyways...

One think that you'll need to watch for initially is the loss of the slipper function provided by the ATPC in the wet clutch. You'll have to be more conscious of your throttle position vs speed vs gear.  When I went from a wet to dry, I most assuredly botched a downshift since I was used to the forgiveness the ATPC provided. Since then, I've gotten used to the last of slip, and I think I'm a mroe skiller rider for it, but there is a transition.

I don't think my dry clutch is grabby at all. Personally, I find mine quite linear and progressive. Also, (probably partly due to after market slave) the friction zone in the lever is wider. Don't know if it's the same for the 696, but a classic complaint of the wet clutches is the small friction zone on the lever, that was near the end of the travel.  On my bike the friction zones at about 25% of the lever swing at one end and 75% at the other.  This makes for easy modulation.

As far as service - they are a little more needy.  But that's totally offset by how easy it is to work on them. I replaced my clutch pack in 15 min w/o any additional hassles/mess.  Couldn't do that with a wet clutch

Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: TwoWheelDuke on August 20, 2009, 06:18:00 PM
Quote from: Duck-Stew on August 20, 2009, 05:16:14 PM
Edited post to remove auto-play video.  Those aren't allowed here.


Sorry about that.  I just wanted to post a link, but when I pasted the link, the forum software embedded it automagically, and I just let it be from there. 
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: ducpainter on August 20, 2009, 06:23:43 PM
Quote from: TwoWheelDuke on August 20, 2009, 06:18:00 PM

Sorry about that.  I just wanted to post a link, but when I pasted the link, the forum software embedded it automagically, and I just let it be from there. 
Flash videos will auto play.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: somegirl on August 20, 2009, 08:36:35 PM
Quote from: yuu on August 20, 2009, 06:13:59 PMOne think that you'll need to watch for initially is the loss of the slipper function provided by the ATPC in the wet clutch. You'll have to be more conscious of your throttle position vs speed vs gear.  When I went from a wet to dry, I most assuredly botched a downshift since I was used to the forgiveness the ATPC provided. Since then, I've gotten used to the last of slip, and I think I'm a mroe skiller rider for it, but there is a transition.

+1, I always had a bit of adjustment time going back and forth.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: jwoconnor on August 21, 2009, 09:34:20 PM
With a dry clutch, all of the fiber/crap doesn't end up running through your motor. It's a bit louder but easy to work on.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: junior varsity on August 22, 2009, 06:48:48 AM
if you ever have to replace your clutch plates, a dry clutch is easy as pie. and not messy.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: minnesotamonster on October 18, 2009, 05:13:52 PM
I just recently switched from a wet clutch to a dry clutch.

I use two fingers on the clutch (pointer and middle) and I am having issues shifting with the dry clutch. The dry clutch (on my bike at least) doesn't fully engage until the lever is touching the grip. This is a problem because when I use my two fingers to pull the clutch in the lever doesn't make it all the way to the grip, it just hits my pinky and ring fingers, making it extremely hard to shift.  When I use four fingers to shift the problem goes away, but it is extremely awkward and uncomfortable to use all four fingers.

Any way to make the clutch fully engage without pulling it all the way to the grip?
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: ducpainter on October 18, 2009, 05:20:26 PM
This has become a tech thread...

so off it goes.

Are you using adjustable levers?

Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: Raux on October 19, 2009, 09:33:34 AM
Quote from: minnesotamonster on October 18, 2009, 05:13:52 PM
I just recently switched from a wet clutch to a dry clutch.

I use two fingers on the clutch (pointer and middle) and I am having issues shifting with the dry clutch. The dry clutch (on my bike at least) doesn't fully engage until the lever is touching the grip. This is a problem because when I use my two fingers to pull the clutch in the lever doesn't make it all the way to the grip, it just hits my pinky and ring fingers, making it extremely hard to shift.  When I use four fingers to shift the problem goes away, but it is extremely awkward and uncomfortable to use all four fingers.

Any way to make the clutch fully engage without pulling it all the way to the grip?

yeah, get pazzo shorty levers  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: minnesotamonster on October 19, 2009, 09:43:11 AM
I like the way you think  8)
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: ducpainter on October 19, 2009, 10:54:18 AM
Quote from: minnesotamonster on October 19, 2009, 09:43:11 AM
I like the way you think  8)
I take it you're not using adjustable levers now.

The bleed down screw can be adjusted and may give more 'action' on the clutch lever. You do it the same as a brake master.

I suspect there is air in the system though.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: minnesotamonster on October 19, 2009, 11:46:25 AM
I only have the stock adjustables, with the 4 position dial. Air in the system would cause this even though it shifts perfectly with the lever fully pulled in? Maybe I'll try that before I get new levers which I was planning on buying anyway.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: Slide Panda on October 19, 2009, 11:56:40 AM
Air in the line could have this effect - it reduces the overall effect of pulling the lever on the slave proportionally. How much air, determines the proportion. A little and it might be fine if you pull the lever enough (all the way to the bar for example)  - but it should be full disengaged at, say 90% of the way to the bar, for example.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: minnesotamonster on October 19, 2009, 12:38:34 PM
Gotcha. Thank you. Yeah it definately doesn't fully engage until the lever is touching the bar.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: Slide Panda on October 19, 2009, 12:44:32 PM
Humor my OCD  ;D - when you pull the lever the clutch DISengages - well it's supposed to at least  ;) When you let the lever out and the plates come together, the clutch is engaging.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: minnesotamonster on October 19, 2009, 01:07:09 PM
  :-X

pardon my ignorance.
Title: Re: switching from wet clutch to dry clutch
Post by: Slide Panda on October 19, 2009, 01:10:54 PM
It's a small thing.. but there was a tech thread that ran around in circles for a while because people were using engage and disengage to talk about the same effect. Could have been solved in a couple posts, but that little linguistic hiccup ran it into a 2nd page.