Forum

[Frosty]

I need some information regarding a 1950 model G clutch. The operating mechanism, cable etc are perfect and the clutch is very smooth in action. The clutch works well with out slipping or dragging. The problem is that it’s very heavy. I’ve been riding old bikes since 69 (I did stop for lunch) and I know when a clutch is too heavy. I have a 57 Gold Star with a much lighter clutch.
I’ve bought 3 new springs from out host, part ST181 but still no different. I think the springs I removed were the same as the new ones but at 77p each hey ho.
All I can think is that there are too many plates. I know the 250 clipper only has two friction plates and one of those forms part of the clutch basket, therefore only one loose friction plate. My clutch has three loose friction plates plus the clutch basket which is also a friction plate.
My question is how many loose friction plates does a 1950 model G have? One for Anders maybe

The bike is a joy to ride besides the clutch.

Phil

[Norm]

Frosty, get three 1/4 inch nuts and drill the thread out and fit them under the pressure plate on the three studs, this will reduce the tension on the springs so it should be a lot lighter

[Frosty]

Thanks Norm,
I can do that but the clutch may hit the chain case, if it doesn't then it will work. I think the previous owner has fitted too many clutch plates. The bike isn't exactly a race horse and has little more power that the early Clippers which only have two friction plates one of which is the clutch basket. Mine has 4 friction plates, including the basket. I need to know how many plates it should have. If I have the correct amount then your solution may be the way forward. Ideally I want the clutch back to the way the manufacturer deigned it. Anders in Norway has a G and his clutch is light. In previous communications he hasn't mentioned doing any mods.
The joys of riding old bikes. I have a 1994 R100R BMW which I'm sure giggles at me when I have these problems.

[Norm]

Frosty 4 plates does sound too many and you can go back to three no problems but you have to remove a steel and a fiber plate. This will probably give you a problem with the length of the 3 posts the pressure plate bolts to. This also may mean you can't get enough spring pressure on the plates. It sounds like some PO has fitted a 4 plate clutch basket which is no big deal except for clearance issues on the outer primary

[Frosty]

The new springs are a little longer that the ones I removed. Looking at the coils I suspect the old springs were once the same length as the new ones. I’ve removed a friction and a steel plate and reassembled using the new springs (had to make a new shorter push rod). The clutch now feels great, like a normal clutch. I can kick the bike over compression without the valve lifter and with no sign of clutch slip, so it’s looking promising. Didn’t get chance to take it for a run unfortunately but I will next weekend. Fingers crossed it’s sorted out. Now just the brakes to make function. I suspect Indian brake linings, our hosts have linings in stock that actually have friction properties, unlike the ones currently fitted.

[Norm]

Frosty, if you can kick it over without clutch slip that is a pretty good indication that it will be ok

[Mark M]

Frosty, it is possible that your brakes may have the original pressed steel 6" shoes still fitted. If so, get rid of them and fit the later alloy type which should go straight in. This change alone will make a big difference, adding shoes from our Hosts with modern linings should transform them! REgards, Mark

[sideslipper]

I have a trick I used on trials bikes years ago which I have done on my own Model G with great success. I renewed my clutch pushrod with a length of 1/4 silver steel cut it into 3 sections of equal length with a 1/4" ball between each length to reduce the drag. Its best to hardened and tempered each end to reduce wear on the ball end. A ball is placed between the ends with grease and it works a treat and now has no drag and lever is very light. Its worth a try..