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[The rider formaly known as Lone Rider]

I have tried every conceivable modification known to stop the clutch slipping on my 525 Bullet.

Stronger springs, stronger springs with washers under to give a little pre - load, five plate conversion, all plates and clutch drum replaced, Mr H's clutch improvement kit, with six stronger springs.

ATF, normal 20/50.

And guess what. Still slipping!!!

All in a vain attempt to save monies by not getting a Newbi!

[John M]

Have you replaced the cable? I had a Kawasaki trials bike and had no end of clutch problems, turned out the cable had deformed and was not releasing properly.

[Barry N]

Say Formerly Lone Rider, are you aware of Barnett clutch plates? They seem popular with the American Bullet boys (go to www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum and put "Barnett" in the search box). I was going to try them for my 612 upgrade, before deciding to go the whole hog and get the Newby (chain version) from our hosts. A lot of money I know, but that'll put an end to any clutch problems! But if Barnett plates are available in the UK they sound like they might be worth a shot. (Maybe ask Hitchcocks if they can source them?).

[The rider formaly known as Lone Rider]

Thanks for the replies. It's the straw that has broken the camels back. This has been on going for over two years.
I have probably spent over £300.00 on the Enfield clutch and all it's modifications. No, it's a Newbi for me. Should have got one in the first place. I can't even use half throttle!!!

[Norm]

Easy test for slipping clutch, I'm assuming 4 speed, remove the outer cover put the kickstarter back on and if you can kick it over without the clutch slipping then it is an adjustment problem not the plates

[John M]

My 350 Bullet trials bike uses the original three spring clutch without any problems, I know you are knocking out a lot more power, but a six spring clutch slipping at half throttle sounds like something is wrong somewhere, presumably it will be the only components that you haven't changed. Sounds as if something is holding the plates apart very slightly, a badly routed clutch cable, bent or deformed pushrod, sticking actuating arm? It only has to put the slightest amount of pressure on the clutch to cock it up. When I had the problems with my Kawasaki I had changed every single part of the clutch including the basket before a £10 clutch cable cured the problem!

[The rider formaly known as Lone Rider]

In the beginning there was this standard 500 RE Classic. After a few engine mods, the standard clutch started to slip, so a five plate conversion was fitted. This slipped too, so Mr H's stronger springs were fitted. Three strong, and three normal. The clutch slipped. Six stronger springs were then tried. It slipped. Then six stronger springs with two washers under each spring were tried. It slipped.

A five speed box is now fitted with a complete new clutch and five plates, upgraded engine to 535 and 32bhp at rear wheel. It slipped. Having to return to six stronger springs without washers as I have now broken two clutch leaver brackets as the strain on the leaver was too much. Mr H's clutch "improvement" kit is now tried with springs that now sit over the plates. Surely this will work. It slipped. A completely new set of five clutch plates, including the drum are fitted, and six stronger springs fitted. Yes, yes, you may be ahead of me by now...... it slips! Although I did for the first fifty odd miles almost manage 3/4 throttle before it gave out.

The bike is usable, and goes quite well until I want to overtake or give a bit of welly going up hills. Come the end of the year this lot will be going in the box under my bench, never to see the light of day again. As soon as funds allow I will fit a Newbi. Hopefully it will do a far better job.

[Scalyback]

Might be worth checking the shape and operation of the clutch handlebar lever very, very carefully.



If it is distorted and does not have enough travel, or is worn, then you will have problems.

[Alan R]

Hello matey !!------------ haven't seen you and your Oppo. for a while.............Do you want to call-in at my place and let me have a look for you....fresh eyes and all that ??..........FREE choccy bikkies while they last ............Alan R

[simon]

Damn fine offer that! Sounds like something is fundamentally wrong with the setup as whilst I had slippage when I first put my lightly warmed Bitsa together the addition of the three heavier springs fixed it and even the installation of the cork friction plates hasn't caused any issue. It sounds almost as though you've never had the clutch adjustment so that the plates are actually completely compressed. Have you installed the cover stiffener? I know that the extremely limited range of adjustment without it meant mine was initially either unusable or slipping.