Open Dry Clutch - Sound seems, uh, unhealthy.

[kfmarshall]

All -
This is my first post outside of my introduction - my name is Kevin and I'm in Virginia.

I've got an S2R 1000, and I just put a new clutch pressure plate on.  I didn't buy the open clutch cover yet, because I haven't decided which one I want, but I did leave the stock cover off so I could see my handiwork. 

Bottom line, it looks pretty cool, but it seems like the sound isn't quite right.  There is almost a metal on metal sound when I'm riding and I back off on the accelerator.  I know the dry clutch is supposed to be a touch noticable, I just wanted to know if what I'm hearing is what I'm supposed to be hearing.

Sorry this is so vague, I'm unable to phoneticize the sound...

Thanks,

Kevin

[stopintime]

The sound is like a heavy tambourine?

Ducati signature sound according to most [moto]

I think it's a bit over the top, but I love the look.

Some guys have put spacers in between the engine cover and the clutch cover, to have just a little sound and to air the clutch.

There are also closed window'ed covers. http://www.matrixmotosports.com/products/ducati-type-i-window-clutch-cover

[Mike_D]

Kevin,
   I have an S2R as well with an open clutch and the metallic "clacking" sound you are hearing is normal.  Pure Ducati.  Post up some pics of your bike.  We like pics.   

[needtorque]

It is fine you will get used to it.  I love it personally.  The only thing I am always paranoid about is perhaps a wayward shoelace or piece of pant flapping in there.

[Slide Panda]

There is almost a metal on metal sound when I'm riding and I back off on the accelerator.

No almost - it is metal on metal.  It's the metal teeth of the drive plates rattling around in the basket.  AS folks have said, this is how it sounds.  You hear it more when you back off the throttle because you're just reduced the load on the clutch and the plates aren't being smashed against one facing of the basket

Unless you get a clutch pack that has teeth a little too big, and file them to *exactly* match your basket there's always a little play making the noise.  And even if you went through that hassle, the plate teeth wear eventually make noise.  Accept it, love it, and get a laugh when someone asks you if your bike is broken.

And where abouts in VA?  There's a pretty decent number of Monster riders and other Ducatisti in VA, though NOVA/DC Metro highest concentration.  No matter where you are pop into the CAM local board and check out the goings on.   

[kfmarshall]

And where abouts in VA? 

First off, thanks for all the responses.  I'm astounded at how active this board is.

Next, funny about the laughing at comments about the bike being broken - I got one today, after having the cover off for only 10 minutes.  I kinda like the clacking sound, I was just a bit worried about the sound when I backed of the accelerator - based on the responses, I'm no longer concerned.

I'm in South Riding, VA.  Just South of Dulles Airport.  I've been to the CAM link and I plan on joining in a ride soon. 

I've got a few pics, but upon trying to insert, I'm just seeing some [msg] tags.  Some trick I need to know?

Thanks again for the responses.

Kevin

[kfmarshall]

I've got a few pics, but upon trying to insert, I'm just seeing some [msg] tags.  Some trick I need to know?

Okay, now that I've read the FAQ, I see how to post.  I know - RTFM - sorry.  I'll set up a photo account and get to it.

Kevin

[billg69gmc]

If you want a quieter basket, you can purchase one from http://desmotimes.com/bestofthebest.htm
I put in the black, hard anodized basket with the barnett clutch pack. The tolerance of his basket is tighter than stock and very quiet. While it will not stay that way since all baskets take a beating from the plates, it stays quieter for a longer time. I have a few thousand miles on mine and it is just a subdued rattle as opposed to what it was sounding like prior to the swap. After 10k miles, the pressure plate was pretty worn out also.

[DucHead]

If you want a quieter basket, you can purchase one from http://desmotimes.com/bestofthebest.htm
I put in the black, hard anodized basket with the barnett clutch pack. The tolerance of his basket is tighter than stock and very quiet. While it will not stay that way since all baskets take a beating from the plates, it stays quieter for a longer time. I have a few thousand miles on mine and it is just a subdued rattle as opposed to what it was sounding like prior to the swap. After 10k miles, the pressure plate was pretty worn out also.

+1, although I've not noticed any wear in by pressure plate.

Also you'll come to love the sound of a dry clutch.  Outside of race bikes, it's rather unique.

[Slide Panda]

If you want a quieter basket, you can purchase one from http://desmotimes.com/bestofthebest.htm
I put in the black, hard anodized basket with the barnett clutch pack. The tolerance of his basket is tighter than stock and very quiet. While it will not stay that way since all baskets take a beating from the plates, it stays quieter for a longer time. I have a few thousand miles on mine and it is just a subdued rattle as opposed to what it was sounding like prior to the swap. After 10k miles, the pressure plate was pretty worn out also.

Different basket and plate materials will make for different noise and different wear.  Steel components get more of a clang noise vs aluminum which doesn't resonate as much, giving more of a rattle. 

But, at 10K your pressure plate was worn out?  That really shouldn't be if you have a driven plate on the outside of the stack.  Driven plates are the ones with the teeth on the inside.  If you have a driven plate next to the pressure plate, then a drive plate won't contact it.  I've got a stock plate with 18K on it in my parts box that I could put right back into service and a SpeedyMoto w/ 10k on the bike that's just fine.

Sure at 10k the bearing needs replacing - but the plate itself should last a long time.

I'm in South Riding, VA.  Just South of Dulles Airport.  I've been to the CAM link and I plan on joining in a ride soon. 

I know the area, used to work for AOL.  There's some CAMmers who live in that general area and people dfinietly head out that way going  to the twistys.  And there's the wednesday evening tire kicking in Arlington

[M900]

A few months ago, I was meeting a friend at a local pub in Charlotte, NC.  I was cruising into an open parking space, next to a dude getting off a new Harley.  The guy had a temporary license plate on his bike and was dressed in new Harley gear from head to toe.  The dude stares at the vented clutch cover and asks -
"what's that and why is it making so much noise?"

I tell him it's my clutch, he asks me why there's holes in it, and I tell him that I used a hole saw to drill vents into the cover.

The dude then tells me "I don't think you're supposed to do that."

[kfmarshall]

Okay, now that I've read the FAQ, I see how to post.  I know - RTFM - sorry.  I'll set up a photo account and get to it.

Kevin

Okay - after a quick bath, here is a picture.  Sorry about the lighting - best I could so on short notice.


Thanks again for all the responses.

Kevin

[fatwake]

Good looking Monster, Kevin.  Nice to have anoter Duc in VA!

[bryan8494]

nice pic...i'm thinking to do the same for my monster 695.  a quick question, for now could i take off the black plastic covers that cover the clutch on each side?  thanks.

[alexisonfire]

nice pic...i'm thinking to do the same for my monster 695.  a quick question, for now could i take off the black plastic covers that cover the clutch on each side?  thanks.

I wouldn't unless you want liquid all over the ground.  To the best of my knowledge, the 695 has a wet multiplate system.