Hitchcocks Forum

I searched a previous version of this conversation but it was a hot blooded and rather contentious two pager so I decided to start again.
Just now I fitted three cork friction plates that I got from our hosts as the ones suitable for a 1956 Bullet 350. They weren't quite what I had envisaged as they appear to be solid plates with cork glued to them as opposed to the plates with holes that you poke cork plugs through like my early fifties Bullet had. However, they are cork and not ferodo or whatever the modern ones are. They are thinner than the originals and so I had to back off the adjuster several turns. They fit straight in otherwise and clear beautifully. The old ones seemed to have a combination of different arrangements of friction material. One was a more traditional multi pad number and the other two had four large pads on either side. The new ones are narrower and multi pad. The difference in clearance was dramatically obvious. No clunk as i clipped it into gear and I could almost feel the dogs in the box as I changed gears. I've only had one trip around the block so far but if it doesn't slip when hot I think I've made another giant leap forward.

Simon, it sounds as if your original plates were an odd mix. The 4 friction segment ones were designed for use in the big Twins and normally only one was fitted, right at the back, and the others would have been the multi segment type. The friction material itself was called Klingerite (I always think of Corporal Klinger in Mash!) and was quite a bit thinner than the others. Sounds like you have made progress! REgards, Mark

Hi guys----------Isn't Klingerite normally associated with gaskets and gasket material ??

I thought they looked like an odd bunch. Yes I'll have a bit of a run tomorrow and see how it performs once its properly warmed up.

A giant leap forward indeed! The clutch continued to clear beautifully and showed no sign of slippage. The old clutch would always take up with a bit of a lurch at the last second no matter how gently you slipped it. That is gone and the take up is lovely and progressive. I'd have to say that's the best £15 I've spent in a while.

Sounds good Simon, so is this Cork clutch available to fit an indian Bullet (500) ?

Yep looks like it. Part No.H89K
Highly recommended.

Did over a hundred miles today. Drove to a little seaside community called TeMata on the Firth of Thames 137 kms out of Auckland. The last third is a winding coastal road that required regular gear changes. The cork H89K plates are a total cure when combined with the anti cover flex tool. The gear changes remained light and easy. I can find neutral with total ease and the bike pulls away without any hint of the lurch that it used to do one being let in. Plus not a hint of slip. Folks your heard it here first. These 1930's era clutches (possibly earlier in fact) were designed for cork friction plates. The ferodo or whatever it is is not the right material for old english bike clutches with thin pressed clutch baskets. Not only does in not work very well it puts horrid abrasive sludge into the primary chain case. Do yourselves a favour if your clutch is binding and temperamental. Gets hot over a days ride or is not letting you change gears easily as a modern Jappa then blow fifteen quid on a pack of three and you will be rewarded.

oh plus VAT for you UK residents.