Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Blue on December 31, 2009, 01:25:55 PM

Title: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: Blue on December 31, 2009, 01:25:55 PM
So, I am currently working on my winter maintenance on my monster.  After cleaning out the clutch basket and disks I stopped short of installing the clutch cover.  I am thinking about running it open with no cover this season.  Issues?  Zombies?
What I got...
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3949768344_b1a68026a3.jpg)
What I like...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/4169588860_fe26625778_o.jpg)
Will my foot be shredded?
M900 dry clutch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLy0jNKew2Y#normal)
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: Speeddog on December 31, 2009, 01:36:29 PM
Well, it could grab your shoelaces, I've heard of that happening.

If you fall on that side with no cover, it's very likely going to blow at least one spring post off of the hub, probably trashing the pressure plate as well.

If you manage to get part of your body in between the clutch and the road, it won't be good.

That said, lots of folks run completely open, apparently without issues.

YMMV.
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: scduc on December 31, 2009, 01:46:05 PM
I would think running without the belt covers would be a greater risk. However, many on the board do. most have no problems. There are risks to everything. some smokers go thru life and live to be 80, then get hit by a car. I say if you like the look of no cover-- go for it. ( I dont think your toe's get close, unless you have a size 18 foot and you ride with the foot peg under your arch.)
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: He Man on December 31, 2009, 04:32:21 PM
Runing open belt cover and open clutch without any way to protect the clutch is more of a what if factor.

What if a rock gets caught in it?
What if someone gets caught in it?
What if blah blah blah.

But i will say, open belts..honestly ive only seen it happen once in my entire life, that was to magnus' bike. My bike always runs an open belt cover.  The DS1000 motors have a shield around the belt thats built into the casing, and most small rocks that hit you will probably hit the belt and skip off anyway. Thats the only real worry and to be honest, ive eaten shit on the right side a few times and never had a rock catch in it.

Clutch cover though...your shoe lace can get caught in it if you arent weraing the right shoes...if you go down you are defintely grinding something off. if you go down with the engine reving high, somethings going to violently break off. Just not worth it if you go down. but hey if you have some type of anti going down device,  and you dont wear laced shoes when riding, i dont see why not.
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: NAKID on December 31, 2009, 06:35:53 PM
Shoelaces have no business being anywhere near the clutch. Proper boots only...
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: supertjeduc on January 01, 2010, 12:57:29 AM
I am riding like this for the last five years with laces  ;D

(http://supertjeduc.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p161638076-4.jpg)

I like to live dangerously  [evil]
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: Raux on January 01, 2010, 01:14:39 AM
Quote from: supertjeduc on January 01, 2010, 12:57:29 AM
I am riding like this for the last five years with laces  ;D

(http://supertjeduc.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p161638076-4.jpg)

I like to live dangerously  [evil]

that rearset is beautiful
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: CapnCrunch on January 01, 2010, 06:42:59 AM
32k miles and no problems
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: ca122r on January 01, 2010, 07:22:18 AM
who's rearsets are those? thanks.
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: supertjeduc on January 01, 2010, 08:11:13 AM
Old rizoma's
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: Paul W on January 01, 2010, 01:46:06 PM
I only wear leather pants on my bike, and have recently just put on an open clutch cover....a couple of times I have felt my pants touching the cover, and just starting to catch on the clutch underneath.
In the leather it is a minimal worry, but if you were wearing jeans you could get in trouble if you had no clutch cover IMHO.
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: NAKID on January 01, 2010, 02:31:10 PM
Quote from: Paul W on January 01, 2010, 01:46:06 PM

In the leather it is a minimal worry, but if you were wearing jeans you could get in trouble if you had no clutch cover IMHO.

Not really, the clutch spins counter clockwise, so it shouldn't grab the pants, it would only slap them in a downward direction...
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: erkishhorde on January 01, 2010, 04:46:24 PM
Switching to one of the star-type spring caps that links them all together could help reduce any chances of something catching- less surface area to grab stuff.
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: CapnCrunch on January 01, 2010, 08:19:43 PM
silly chicken heads ridin with pants and boots!

youz gots to rock the short and flip flops if you wanna snag the fyne honies!!!
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: Blue on January 02, 2010, 12:46:03 PM
Thanks for all of the info.  I spent about 5 minutes with some Mother's on the pressure plate to clean it up a bit.  I think I am going to give it a shot without the cover this season and see if I like it.  And since was -24 this morning, I have plenty of time to think about it.  Thanks again.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/4238775454_0d82e72164_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Riding without a clutch cover
Post by: aaronb on January 02, 2010, 12:52:52 PM
i got a pair of jeans that don't really care for an open cover