switching from wet clutch to dry clutch

[golgofett]

I am seriously considering upgrading to a 1100 from my 696.  How much adjusting is there with a dry clutch and what should I worry about switching from a wet clutch?  Also, as far as maintenance goes, i heard you have to remove the cover and clean out the dry clutch once and a while.  Is this true and is that the reason for the open clutch covers, besides sweet ass looks. 

[the_Journeyman]

My experience in wet v. dry clutch

I have a Monster 750 and a 900SS.  The dry clutch on the 900 is a bit grabby compared to the wet clutch and seems to engage/disengage with a good bit less travel.  The 900 feels far more authoritative on launches, even after you factor in the extra power.

I'll let someone with more technical expertise answer the cleaning question.  I just removed the gasket on the clutch cover and it is open maybe 3/16 of an inch.  I've had no problems so far, and there's plenty of nice jingle coming out ~

JM

[Porsche Monkey]

You will probably adjust during your first ride, especially if its stop and go. Its not really that big of a deal.  I have an open cover and never blow out the clutch.  

[Triple J]

^^

What those two said about operation and maintenance.

Wet clutches are a tad easier to ride, but a dry is no biggie. A little heavier lever pull, and a little more grabby but you get used to it quick. Open cover solves the clean out issues and looks cool too.

Besides the bling, which is cool, I actually prefer a wet clutch. Yep...I said it. 

[TwoWheelDuke]

You could adapt this dry clutch effect kit for the 848 and have the best of both worlds 

http://www.livevideo.com/video/Maxxi/F9A78BF0C0074B2499E7502779572F92/ducati-848-clutch-sound-soluti.aspx

[Duck-Stew]

You could adapt this dry clutch effect kit for the 848 and have the best of both worlds 

http://www.livevideo.com/video/Maxxi/F9A78BF0C0074B2499E7502779572F92/ducati-848-clutch-sound-soluti.aspx

Edited post to remove auto-play video.  Those aren't allowed here.

[sroberts152]

You broke the link. 

[Slide Panda]

Edited post to remove auto-play video.  Those aren't allowed here.

And auto play is just annoying anyways...

One think that you'll need to watch for initially is the loss of the slipper function provided by the ATPC in the wet clutch. You'll have to be more conscious of your throttle position vs speed vs gear.  When I went from a wet to dry, I most assuredly botched a downshift since I was used to the forgiveness the ATPC provided. Since then, I've gotten used to the last of slip, and I think I'm a mroe skiller rider for it, but there is a transition.

I don't think my dry clutch is grabby at all. Personally, I find mine quite linear and progressive. Also, (probably partly due to after market slave) the friction zone in the lever is wider. Don't know if it's the same for the 696, but a classic complaint of the wet clutches is the small friction zone on the lever, that was near the end of the travel.  On my bike the friction zones at about 25% of the lever swing at one end and 75% at the other.  This makes for easy modulation.

As far as service - they are a little more needy.  But that's totally offset by how easy it is to work on them. I replaced my clutch pack in 15 min w/o any additional hassles/mess.  Couldn't do that with a wet clutch

[TwoWheelDuke]

Edited post to remove auto-play video.  Those aren't allowed here.

Sorry about that.  I just wanted to post a link, but when I pasted the link, the forum software embedded it automagically, and I just let it be from there. 

[ducpainter]

Sorry about that.  I just wanted to post a link, but when I pasted the link, the forum software embedded it automagically, and I just let it be from there. 

Flash videos will auto play.

[somegirl]

One think that you'll need to watch for initially is the loss of the slipper function provided by the ATPC in the wet clutch. You'll have to be more conscious of your throttle position vs speed vs gear.  When I went from a wet to dry, I most assuredly botched a downshift since I was used to the forgiveness the ATPC provided. Since then, I've gotten used to the last of slip, and I think I'm a mroe skiller rider for it, but there is a transition.

+1, I always had a bit of adjustment time going back and forth.

[jwoconnor]

With a dry clutch, all of the fiber/crap doesn't end up running through your motor. It's a bit louder but easy to work on.

[junior varsity]

if you ever have to replace your clutch plates, a dry clutch is easy as pie. and not messy.

[minnesotamonster]

I just recently switched from a wet clutch to a dry clutch.

I use two fingers on the clutch (pointer and middle) and I am having issues shifting with the dry clutch. The dry clutch (on my bike at least) doesn't fully engage until the lever is touching the grip. This is a problem because when I use my two fingers to pull the clutch in the lever doesn't make it all the way to the grip, it just hits my pinky and ring fingers, making it extremely hard to shift.  When I use four fingers to shift the problem goes away, but it is extremely awkward and uncomfortable to use all four fingers.

Any way to make the clutch fully engage without pulling it all the way to the grip?

[ducpainter]

This has become a tech thread...

so off it goes.

Are you using adjustable levers?