Some questions about clutches

[Timmy Tucker]

So I got my first monster, a '99 M750, and after much elbow grease, have started riding it the last few weeks. I'm not really digging the feel of the clutch at all, and am curious if what I am experiencing is normal for these older wet clutch bikes?

1. There isn't much of a friction zone. The first 3/4" or so is fully engaged. The next 1/2" or so is the friction zone. The rest of the clutch travel is fully disengaged. The friction zone really feels like it's more of an on/off switch than a proper clutch.  It's obviously rideable, but it certainly doesn't inspire confidence during very low speed stuff. I've been practicing some of my MSF stuff, but between the clutch and the super touchy throttle, it's a real challenge. Is there any way to make the friction zone wider?


2. The clutch pull is quite stiff. This is not at all unexpected or uncommon, but I have some hand issues (along w/ short little sausage fingers), and after 20-30 minutes in lights/traffic, my left hand is screaming. This is exacerbated by the fact that neutral is damn near impossible to find when the bike is running. Adj. levers are on my bling list to help with the reach issue. Does an aftermarket slave cyl make enough difference to be worth the $$?

3. On the issue of slave cylinders... I have my eye on this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Clutch-Slave-Cylinder-Gold-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem19bcc8fecfQQitemZ110541471439QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_3785wt_1066

I remember reading somewhere that it was not recommended to move up to the 30MM bore, due to some possible complications. Don't remember what they were or where I read it. Any thoughts? Any opinions or experiences with the Ducabike brand?

Thanks to all in advance.

[Slide Panda]

1. That doesn't sound abnormal. My 620 had a very small friction zone that was very close to the end of the lever travel.

2. Not so sure on this. The 620 had the newer ATPC clutch which has a super light pull. You're bike won't have that. But haven't not ridden an older wet clutch monster I'm not sure.

2a - Have you thoroughly bled the clutch slave? having trouble finding neutral is a common symptom of a clutch that doesn't 100% disengage.

2b - A larger bore slave will make the lever pull lighter, but the price is that more lever travel is needed to achieve the same stroke on the slaves piston. For you, might be a bonus as it will make the friction zone wider on the levers travel.

3 - No FHE with the brand. As I said in 2b, the bigger you go, the more lever travel you need to move the piston the same distance. Go to big and you won't be able to 100% disengage the clutch.