Ducati Monster Forum

anyone remember the name of the company that makes those super expensive, handmade dry clutches? company has two names like magnavox & branson or something, and the website looks more like a piano maker or some high-end audio gear website. but i want to do a story on them.

Wagner-Lewis.

Testimonials (http://wagnerlewis.com/testimonials.html)

If you don't include that quote in your story i'm going to be severely disappointed.....

yes, wagner lewis! anyone have any thoughts on their claims?:

``The unique patent-pending stabilizer plate in the Wagner Lewis Lightweight Pro Clutch is the key to a clutch that works better longer. The CNC machined stabilizer plate in conjunction with other precision components allows your dry clutch to function perfectly. but it prevents the clutch plates from hammering the basket. The benefit to you is better feel and longer life. No matter how hard you use it, or how much you slip it.''

http://www.wagnerlewis.com/ (http://www.wagnerlewis.com/)

makes sense. stabilize the end of the basket by centering it using one of the inner friction plates and a outer plates oversized notch area.

yeah. but $2 grrand?  :o

Mr. Lewis (of Wagner-Lewis) was in my shop (Flight Cycles) years ago trying to get me to 'demo' a unit but I didn't have a project to install it on @ the time...

Kinda wish I had found something to install it on in hindsight.

like their video a lot. 

http://vimeo.com/38142210 (http://vimeo.com/38142210)

I'm really digging the finish on the pressure plate. That thing is gorgeous.  :o

on the home page there is a image of the ducati flat tracker, I never noticed before that the engine in that chassis is rotated backward. just an observation, carry on

I noticed that, too.  Interesting.


I wish I still had a Duc with a dry clutch so I could buy one of those hand made beauties!  Oh, and an extra couple of grand lying around.  ;)

It's rotated "backwards" to get the horizontal head out of the front tire's way.  If they don't do this, they can't get the correct suspension geometry (rake) for the track.

Probably helps with centralizing the mass somewhat as well...

And likely helps the swingarm and chain interference

Yeah, it's expensive, but if you nver have to replace any parts....

The pattern isn't anything unique - several manuf make plates with that same milling pattern. But the effect of the Type 3 ano is nice.

aside from a precision milling process and high end post treatment of the products,

how is this different from a 48T setup?

the outer rings sit together if you look closer. the second to last has a lip that slides over the last. like a bearing almost to keep the pack and basket stable.
simple design really

Unorthadux Racer?

Yeah.  I wonder if he's even interested in a sponsorship...  Hmmmm....

ahh the " stabalizer plate."

not sure if i could justify that!!!
2k and no slipper???!!!

I might do it for a trick street bike, or one I put a lot of miles on. Slipper clutches are nice, but not all that necessary for the street. I do kind of agree though...for $2K you'd think it would be a slipper.

Trick street bike Triple J  [evil] Hmmm.....

Email sent.  We'll see his willingness to provide sponsorship...

i highly doubt it.

he only makes ONE product.

For a street ride, you better ride a TON to use that clutch. 48T last long enough and then the stabilizer plate doing extra work too??
for the track i could understand.

If it was a slipper. No way I'd spend that much for a race/track clutch that wasn't.

That said, it sounds like it would make race starts a lot easier. Ducati dry clutches make it a pregnant dog to get a good, quick, smooth launch. I used to think it was just tough to get a good launch...an acquired skill I guess...until I rode an R6. Easy!!

I can help you with that.   :D

Its cool but its a solution in search of a problem.

$2000 buys a lot of tires and track days.

Or a weekend (mostly) a the California superbike school.

Or a shit load of replacement clutch parts ;D

But it is cool.