To open clutch, to not open clutch. That is the question

[fouramdesigns]

I have an 01' S4, I've been considering an open clutch, but I do ride in the rain from time to time. How will this affect the bike? I've learned from a Ducati guru in Pensacola, Fl website, to avoid the open belts, due to the rollers rusting over time, the same for the open clutch?  I plan to race the bike in the future.

[Spidey]

You'll be fine.  The springs might get rusty (get some stainless springs).  Lots of us ride in the rain with open clutches without issues.

You're going to race an '01 s4? 

[fouramdesigns]

Yeah, when I find a class. Trying to determine which parts will affect class. Just for a weekend relax. Thanks for the reply.

[Spidey]

You'd be hard-pressed to find a class where they wouldn't allow you to run an aftermarket cover.   Even spec classes will often allow you to change out things like clutch and oil side covers to protect against them cracking and leaking in case of a crash.

You'll also be hard-pressed to find a class where an '01 s4 will be competitive.  It'll still be fun though.  You'll find that you'll have to do some work to deal with clearance issues from the pipes and rearsets.

[amcloud]

Speedymoto sells SS springs and anodized caps for ~$20...that will fix the rust problem.

[hypurone]

Speedymoto sells SS springs and anodized caps for ~$20...that will fix the rust problem.

Last I checked the kit was 49.95 new, maybe used for 20.00...

[billruiz]

I bought Speedymoto stainless springs, caps and cover from the dealer...then rode my brand spankin new TriColore 100 miles....about 80 in the rain. After the first 10 miles I was more worried about all the crap being flung on my Ohlins shock 

[amcloud]

Last I checked the kit was 49.95 new, maybe used for 20.00...

$37 from desmoworks.com...I thought they were cheaper...still not much $$

[lagerman72]

I opened mine up this year only to find the springs that came with the bike were all covered with rust.  I put on the SpeedyMoto stainless springs and the bike is way easier shifting to neutral now and looks way better! 

[fouramdesigns]

I opened mine up this year only to find the springs that came with the bike were all covered with rust.  I put on the SpeedyMoto stainless springs and the bike is way easier shifting to neutral now and looks way better! 

Hmm, mine finds neutral by "accident" only, maybe there's the remedy.

[Speeddog]

If you're going to be tracking the bike, and it's relevant even to street riding....

Many of the open or semi-open covers don't protect the clutch very well if you go down on the right side.
Replacing a complete clutch assembly isn't cheap.

[BumpaD_Z28]

DO IT



~DaVe

[the_Journeyman]

I took the gasket out of mine 900SS, keeping the OEM cover.  Good amount of sound.  Cost?  $0.  dp suggested using the spacers from the gasket (if you don't the caps might rub the inside of the clutch cover) to keep the proper distance from the crankcase ~

JM