S4R Clutch Questions

[XTR]

I've searched here a bit and cant seem to find any previous posts that address this particular question.

I've picked up an '04 S4R for my wifes newtoher bike. I've got a couple of questions both relating to the clutch.

1. Is there any way to make it easier to pull?


This bike has a Ductai Performance Clutch Pressure Plate and the springs and caps have been changed to make them pretty. It also has an open cover. I know the rattle, clatter, ching, ching noise is one of the characteristics of the bike, but I'm looking for a way to make it not so much. I love the look of the dressed up clutch. I'd like to be able to have it visible but not so noisy.

2. Does anyone know of a cover that is more closed than open with a lexan window to show off the bling inside that might cut down on the noise?

[Speeddog]

Clutch pull can be made easier with an aftermarket slave, I've used a Yoyodyne for *years* with no issues.

You could also remove two of the springs, but on an S4R that may allow some slipping.
Perhaps some of our S4R owners have done that and can comment.

There is a cover with a window, but IIRC it's also fairly open.
I don't recall who makes it.

[Slide Panda]

I've searched here a bit and cant seem to find any previous posts that address this particular question.

I've picked up an '04 S4R for my wifes newtoher bike. I've got a couple of questions both relating to the clutch.

1. Is there any way to make it easier to pull?


This bike has a Ductai Performance Clutch Pressure Plate and the springs and caps have been changed to make them pretty. It also has an open cover. I know the rattle, clatter, ching, ching noise is one of the characteristics of the bike, but I'm looking for a way to make it not so much. I love the look of the dressed up clutch. I'd like to be able to have it visible but not so noisy.

2. Does anyone know of a cover that is more closed than open with a lexan window to show off the bling inside that might cut down on the noise?

You've got 3 or so questions there..

1.  A larger diameter piston in the clutch slave will do that.  This means going after market.  There's a few options but the most popular is Evoluzioni

1.5 Less noise - close fitting friction plates in the basket will minimize the noise.  Also different plate and basket material combinations have different noises. 

2.  Rizoma.  http://www.pjsparts.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=24_32_210

[JohnnyCanuck]

I pulled 2 of the opposing springs out of the clutch on my 04 s4r and rode it that way for probably 10,000km, with a few track days thrown in there with no slipping.  It was like night and day as far as the effort required to pull in the lever.

[FLSTFI_E46]

Clutch pull can be made easier with an aftermarket slave

anyone one has the STM slave and can describe the pull difference from stock slave ?

[LA]

I used to have a Evoluzion on my old S4R. I couldn't really tell any difference.

LA

[Howie]

If you have the newer slave, the one that has the part in the middle that looks like it can be removed with a hex key, you will probably not notice a difference.

[blue tiger]

The complaints of clutch lever effort for me are funny (at least from men). I'd estimate that my S4RS lever effort is at least three times easier than my RoadKing. Try that beast in stop and go traffic a few times and you'll have a very tired hand and forearm.

[FLSTFI_E46]

If you have the newer slave, the one that has the part in the middle that looks like it can be removed with a hex key, you will probably not notice a difference.

I do have the newer stock slave so replacing it with an STM one will not make a difference.  I think I'll hold off on the purchase.

I'd estimate that my S4RS lever effort is at least three times easier than my RoadKing. Try that beast in stop and go traffic a few times and you'll have a very tired hand and forearm.

+1 ... in my case, S4RS vs. Fatboy 

However, I'd like a more lighter pull on the S4RS not because it's hard to pull but rather the ease of it during aggressive riding.

[vwboomer]

I pulled 2 of the opposing springs out of the clutch on my 04 s4r and rode it that way for probably 10,000km, with a few track days thrown in there with no slipping.  It was like night and day as far as the effort required to pull in the lever.

I tried this today as I'll be puttering around RA tomorrow. Did about 250 miles this afternoon and it was fine. Up until I hit 7-8k at full throttle in the first 3 gears.
I personally would like to lighten it cuz after driving my gasgas around it's a nightmare getting back on the Duc. The tennis elbow i developed last fall makes it even worse.

[Monstermash]

I've used the Evo slave on all my Ducatis. It is definately makes the pull lighter.

As far as an "open" cover with a window I can make you something if you like.

Here is my stock cover I modified and I could do something similar and add the lexan. Let me know.

[Rameses]

Most likely, anyone who is concerned about the noise of an open clutch is never going to get close to slippage with two springs removed, so I'd say that's the best bet.


And to the comment about the clutch pull on the big Hogs, I'd probably never notice it.  B/c I'd dump the thing on the side of the road and walk the rest of the way after half a mile.   

[blue tiger]

And to the comment about the clutch pull on the big Hogs, I'd probably never notice it.  B/c I'd dump the thing on the side of the road and walk the rest of the way after half a mile.   

Ouch !!! The sad thing is I've got very few comments on my 08 Tricolore. When I ride the RoadKing (which is very customized) I get about a handful every where I go. The coolest thing is that where I ride I have seen 0 duke's in the last 2 months. About a million Harley's. That's why the RoadKing has been collecting dust.

[stopintime]

This one might be it for you, but I think you have to open it from time to time to clean the glass and blow out the dust.
 http://www.matrixmotosports.com/products/ducati-type-i-window-clutch-cover

[XTR]

Wifes new scooter.  As for the clutch pull and guys whining, yea, my favorite bike is my FXDWG, and it has 3X the pull of the new Duc.

Not sure why my link isn't connecting to the pic.  Maybe it's in the SMF 1.* I know it used to work in my 0.9* version.

Anyway, you can see pics at http://www.onlinehumidor.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=662&g2_imageViewsIndex=1