Ducati Monster Forum

So after a 200mile ride this past Sunday my poor left hand started to cramp up, I presume because of the clutch pull (stock at the moment).

In order to alleviate this would you folks recommend going with an after market slave cylinder (Oberon, STM, ERV) or going the FREE route, which is simply to remove a couple of springs from the clutch cover?

Are there any negative side effects with the latter?  I would think there would be a bigger likelihood for clutch slippage? If going the aftermarket slave cylinder, is it better to get a 28mm or 30mm?  What is the difference?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

thanks.

What bike?  What motor?

Removing two springs can technically cause clutch slip and uneven pressure but plenty of people have done it on a dry clutch with no ill effects.  I haven't read of anyone doing it on a wet clutch but I don't see why you couldn't.  Messier job since you have to drain all the oil.

Scott

Sorry  "Ducati blah blah Monster" in my profile does not help much.

2007 S4Rs - Testastretta.

Dry clutch for me so that mod would be a 10min job for me.

a slipper makes for a incredible pull that is super easy on the hand...


just saying  [evil]

Have done both TSS slipper and STM 30mm slave.
Clutch pull much easier
Bank Acc a little batthered
 ;D priceless

removing two springs will work ok if the clutch has the capacity to handle it.  If it does slip you can preload the springs with washers, as the clutch performance is all about seat pressure, not spring rate as such - seat pressure is a multiple of spring rate and spring preload.  softer springs are longer or have more coils tho, so you can end up with coil bind issues too, so you need to look at that if adding preload.

we tried a 600 years ago and it didn't work.  maybe with sbk springs it would.  the 750 is also fairly close to the edge as std, so i don't think that'd work.  maybe replacing the steels with some thinner ones and getting an extra friction plate in too would work ok.

i've ridden a 1098 with only 3 springs and it only slipped a little, so there's a fair bit of reserve there.  but they do have an extra plate.

removing two springs is certainly the first thing i'd do.

Thanks for the info on wet clutches Brad, I've never seen anyone post something who actually tried it.  Though sometimes after sitting in traffic for a while on my 800 I've been tempted.

Scott

I went with a 30mm STM slave to alleviate the heavy pull. I have since installed a Yoyo Slipper which feels the same. So unless you find a slipper that has less springs or specifically states it is a lighter pull, I would not expect a slipper to reduce lever effort. 

I would be leary about removing 2 springs as our bikes have a fair amount of oooommph and what could be perceived as ok initially, may actually be slipping enough to accelerate the wear rate and then by the time you actually feel it slip, it's too late and things are smoked....  Just my .025 cents worth and 30 years of riding experience.

I've had mixed results with removing the springs. On some bikes the clutch will slip on hard acceleration.

The slave cylinder will help. There are really no down sides except for the additional cost. Our favorite is the OBERON Clutch Slave Cylinder 29mm (http://www.motowheels.com/italian/myproducts.cfm?parentcategoryid=442%7CDucati&productID=6677&showDetail=1&categoryID=502|Clutch%20Slave%20Cylinders&vendoridtodisplay=0&filterFor=&collection=168%7CEuropean%20Motorcycle%20Parts). Easy clutch pull. Easy to find neutral. Easy to install and a very good build quality. Price is very good too at about $125...

The easiest clutch pull I have ever experienced is with the SURFLEX Slipper Clutch w/ Plates: Red  (http://www.motowheels.com/italian/myproducts.cfm?parentcategoryid=442%7CDucati&productID=2262&showDetail=1&categoryID=1047|Clutch%20Assemblies&vendoridtodisplay=0&filterFor=&collection=168%7CEuropean%20Motorcycle%20Parts) . It uses softer springs. It us few lbs lighter than the stock set up and the slipper function comes in handy as well...:)

-M

Thanks for the replies everyone.  As far as the mm, I've seen 28mm, 29mm and 30mm?  What is this in reference to?  The higher the mm the softer the clutch pull?

It's the diameter of the piston.

Yes.

The downside to the larger piston is it *may* become more difficult to find neutral and/or less smooth shifting, due to the shorter distance it moves.
Usually only a problem if you've got the lever adjusted very close to the bar.

Thanks for the replies everyone.  [thumbsup]