620 APTC swap for 800SS clutch

[rule62]

Is the clutch pack for a 620 APTC the same as the non APTC wet clutch?  I was speaking with CA Cycleworks and we determined that although the Ducati part # is not the same... that the part itself could be.  The difference in part #s could be just as simple as a difference in the number of plates.  So... any info at all concerning your experience with replacing the clutch pack on an APTC wet clutch is welcomed.  Aftermarket, OEM, otherwise?

Also, I want to increase the amount of clutch pull at the lever.  Yes, I said increase.  The 620's APTC clutch has such soft springs, that although the clutch is virtually effortless to pull, it has always seemed to have a lack of positive engagement to me.  I'd trade a bit of lever pull effort for a bit more bite.  That being said, I've heard that I can swap some stiffer 750 non-APTC springs into my 620 APTC clutch and have a nice blend of slipper + more bite.  Please let me know if you have any FHE.

Thanks.

[caperix]

The clutch basket and discs are of a smaller diameter.  The springs may be able to be swaped but no other parts will transfer.  I swaped the entire clutch from my APTC 620 for a 800 SS unit, would never go back with the improved feel and lack of clutch slip.

[rule62]

I scored an 800 SS clutch assembly.  Waiting for it to arrive.  Can you please describe your experience with swapping the APTC for the 800 SS on your 620?  Is there anything I should pay extra special attention to, or is the swap pretty much direct?  Please let me know.
Thanks

[caperix]

It was a bolt in swap.  The bolt on the clutch drum is going to be difficult to remove if you don't have an impact.  The primary gear on the crank should be replaced at the same time as the primary gear built into the clutch drum, ducati only sells these as a pair for alot of money.  I elected to risk it on mine, just make sure to check the the gears for rough spots on both.  Good luck with the swap, hope you injoy the new clutch.

[Dave328]

You must have scored the "other" 800SS assy on ebay, right? I got mine from ebay 2 weeks ago. The lever pull WILL be stiffer. I swapped out the slipper in my '06 S2r for the 800SS and after 150 miles I like it much more than the stock slipper.

[rule62]

You must have scored the "other" 800SS assy on ebay, right?

yep

Any issues with the swap besides what cap posted about?

[Dave328]

yep

Any issues with the swap besides what cap posted about?

Mine bolted right in without any issues. The gear on my basket was perfect. Only hiccup was not having the clutch holding tool to tighten the hub nut. Good thing I'm an auto tech and have the impact needed.

[ducatiz]

Wait -- you're swapping out an APTC clutch for a plain non-slipper type?

Why?

[rule62]

Wait -- you're swapping out an APTC clutch for a plain non-slipper type?

Why?

Some of the issues in the 2nd paragraph of my 1st post.  Lack of clutch feel, slipping when I don't want it to slip, not enough bite.  Confirmed by Cap and Dave.  Then, when pricing a set of plates... the APTC was $326, the non APTC came in at about $200.  IMHO the APTC wet clutch was more of a gimmick or a way to compensate for the somewhat "ham-fisted" clutch technique of a new rider who may have chosen the smaller bikes, than a real advantage. 

[ducatiz]

Some of the issues in the 2nd paragraph of my 1st post.  Lack of clutch feel, slipping when I don't want it to slip, not enough bite.  Confirmed by Cap and Dave.  Then, when pricing a set of plates... the APTC was $326, the non APTC came in at about $200.  IMHO the APTC wet clutch was more of a gimmick or a way to compensate for the somewhat "ham-fisted" clutch technique of a new rider who may have chosen the smaller bikes, than a real advantage. 

gotcha.  I haven't had much problem with mine, even after riding for a long time on older bikes, but the plates might make me change.. i have at least 2 or 3 regular clutches lying around..

[Raux]

i'm confused too. people pay serious $$ for dry slipper clutches and you are switching from a slipper to non-slipper?
With the right oil and good plates it seems the APTC clutch would be a bonus not a drawback of the smaller bikes.

[rule62]

A dry slipper clutch is a different beast.  Adjustable and awesome.  The cheaper APTC stock set-up on these smaller bikes is not everyone's cup of tea... at least not mine.  The lightened flywheel I've got helps enough with down-shift rev matching.  I think I'd rather manually slip the clutch with my grip on the lever than have the mechanism do it for me.  Please don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the APTC.  I just don't care for it.

[caperix]

The APTC is not a true slipper clutch.  A true slipper uses a ball and ramp setup that is tuneable thrugh spring pressure to decouple the engine from the clutch during decell.  The APTC relies on alot of slop in the basket with a ramp plate to take up the clearance on accell.  When, and in many cases if, the APTC slips it is putting extra wear on the clutch plates.  It does all come down to rider preferance, and with the increasing number of bikes ducati is installing this clutch into I do beleave I am in the minority in not liking it.

[rule62]

Does anyone happen to know the specs for the thickness of the plates?  metal / friction / overall stack?  I received the whole clutch assembly from an 800SS.  The plates all "look" like they're in good shape, I just want to check to see if I really need to buy a new clutch pack now, or if this one's still got life left in it.

[Dave328]

If you did get the set from ebay, he sent me some close up pics of the clutches. To me they looked almost new/plenty of "life" in them. The frictions looked to have the same amount of wear as my slipper discs with 3400 miles.