Which is lighter, a wet clutch motor or dry clutch motor, if everything else were equal?
my guess is the dry clutch is lighter.
parts are about the same
the cover is a little smaller (and can be removed)
oil volume is about 1/4 qt less.
Probably a wash as far as the clutch parts go...
But, a wet-clutched motor does have a lighter engine case so if you're talking about the entire engine then I'd say a wet-clutched motor is definitely lighter.
that's a good point, i didn't even think of the whole motor and that was the question, duh...
Quote from: ducatiz on December 06, 2009, 04:14:52 PM
that's a good point, i didn't even think of the whole motor and that was the question, duh...
The OP has a 696 so I'm pretty sure he's considering a dry-clutch addition to the mix is what this question is about...
But I've been wrong before. Earlier today.
Quote from: Duck-Stew on December 06, 2009, 04:16:44 PM
The OP has a 696 so I'm pretty sure he's considering a dry-clutch addition to the mix is what this question is about...
But I've been wrong before. Earlier today.
Part of the question is that there are more aftermarket options for dry clutches too. Pick up an aluminum basket and clutch pack and you shave off even more.
I think in the end a dry clutch could easily provide a weight advantage.
Quote from: ducatiz on December 06, 2009, 04:19:51 PM
Part of the question is that there are more aftermarket options for dry clutches too. Pick up an aluminum basket and clutch pack and you shave off even more.
I think in the end a dry clutch could easily provide a weight advantage.
Agreed. The wet-clutch motor has a steel basket riveted to the primary gear so there are NO aftermarket options there...
This is really a trick question.
All the recent dry clutch motors have been 900cc and larger.
All the wet clutch bikes have been 800 and smaller until recently...the ST3 and 848 being the exceptions.
I know the 750 is about 15 lbs lighter than a 900, but like Stu said its because of the cases and cyls/heads being lighter.
I don't believe there is any significant weight difference in the clutch parts themselves.
Quote from: Duck-Stew on December 06, 2009, 04:21:47 PM
Agreed. The wet-clutch motor has a steel basket riveted to the primary gear so there are NO aftermarket options there...
hmmm interesting idea just came to me.
but yes, i have been contemplating a dry-clutch conversion.
I wonder if the 696 motor is easier to swap to dry than the older wet clutch bikes were, it might be a more appealing option if they are.
supposdily (my local shop says this is true) the 848 conversion kit if the shop is good can be used on practically any wet clutch bike in the last 6-8 years.
the thing i was told is that ducati has not changed the bolt pattern for the right side case in last 10 years for the wet and dry bikes, so with the conversion kit coming with a new right side casing that solves a lot of the problems of conversion. the only issue is when the conversion kit goes on sometimes on bikes that are not the 848 have the gear on the left side moved a little and then they have to shave the gear or something (not sure 100% on this but basically its not always that this needs to be done).
tranlsation= supposidly compared to the old conversion where you had to have all these custom parts/new engine cases, etc and new seals made, the new conversion kit does away with all that and 99% of the time should bolt right up in 2 hours of time.
look at it this way, to change out a perfectly good functioning wet clutch for a new dry clutch makes no sense at all technologically. you do it because you want the cool sound and aesthetics.. nothing wrong with that, but don't try to justify it with the whole "weight/perfermance" arguement its probagly a wash at that point.
seems the best idea at this point is to find a lightweight wet clutch.
Are there any aftermarket Ducati wet clutches? I've never seen any.
Quote from: ducatiz on December 07, 2009, 08:59:30 AM
Are there any aftermarket Ducati wet clutches? I've never seen any.
if not, i know a guy :D
I've asked before without a straight answer.... But, what is the benefit of a dry clutch over a wet?
Aside form the looks, is there a benefit? I know that the engine temp will be higher with the wet, but what else?
Quote from: DoWorkSon on December 07, 2009, 02:47:44 PM
I've asked before without a straight answer.... But, what is the benefit of a dry clutch over a wet?
Aside form the looks, is there a benefit? I know that the engine temp will be higher with the wet, but what else?
For a street bike?
Absolutely no advantage other than cool factor.
Quote from: DoWorkSon on December 07, 2009, 02:47:44 PM
I've asked before without a straight answer.... But, what is the benefit of a dry clutch over a wet?
Aside form the looks, is there a benefit? I know that the engine temp will be higher with the wet, but what else?
Quote from: ducpainter on December 07, 2009, 02:56:14 PM
For a street bike?
Absolutely no advantage other than cool factor.
I would say this is true for riding, but simple maintenance is far easier. Swapping the clutch pack is much easier on a dry setup -- you just need a set of hex wrenches, no oil draining necessary.
yeah but don't wet clutches last longer for regular street use?
^ not sure
Dry clutches were developed in racing for quick pack changes. One other point that hasn't been mentioned is the clutch dust/debris doesn't end up in the motor oil.
Quote from: ducatiz on December 07, 2009, 04:24:38 PM
I would say this is true for riding, but simple maintenance is far easier. Swapping the clutch pack is much easier on a dry setup -- you just need a set of hex wrenches, no oil draining necessary.
But you have to do it far more on a dry clutch...making it more time consuming and more expensive overall. Not really an advantage then I'd say.
Quote from: 1KDS on December 07, 2009, 04:55:11 PM
One other point that hasn't been mentioned is the clutch dust/debris doesn't end up in the motor oil.
This is the only benefit I can see for street riding.
Personally, I prefer wet clutches. I used to have dry clutch envy, until I owned one on an every day rider bike...that gave me wet clutch envy. I like dry clutches on bikes I ride every so often (due to the bling and sound), but not on every day bikes. I also loved the wet clutch on my 848. [coffee]
My experience with ducati dry clutches goes back to 1985 and I have not found they need more frequent replacement than ducati's wet clutches. Part of that might be the smaller friction surface on wet. If everything is working right and the riders not dropping the clutch all the time they should last the same.