Forum

[Gaz262]

I've seen other members on this message board telling horror stories of the spragg clutch going & it needing a bank-loan to get it fixed etc etc.

What is it? Where is it in the engine? What does it do? When is it likely to go?

I have a 2008 Electra EFI which seems to be running as sweet as a nut at the moment, should I be worried?

[Mark M]

You've done it now... run and hide! Seriously, just type sprag clutch (one G) into the search bar and it should bring up some *ahem* lively conversations and opinions from the archive Messages!

REgards, Mark

[papasmurf]

[Leon Novello]

This one from an older model.

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[Gaz262]

Thanks guys. So basically it stops the engine turning backwards if it kicks back then?

I see the Indian chappie fitted the primary drive back in without the sprag? What difference would that makes to an electric start model?

I see our hosts offer an upgraded sprag but I thought that these newer EFI engines had an auto-decompressor for the electric-boot? Wouldn't that sort of reduce the risk of kick-back?

[papasmurf]

No sprag no electric start.

[Adrian]

All the while yours is working, enjoy, but if you're not already an expert, practice kick starting just in case, so if it DOES go you can simply remove it and carry on without. A.

[Gaz262]

So taking it out of the cardboard box & putting it back on the bike would be a good idea eh? It was so awkward to use as it sticks out sideways so far and seemed to have a lot of play in the joints!

Oh well - maybe just carry it with me when I'm out on t'bike.....

[Mark M]

Without being too technical the sprag clutch is a cheap way of fitting an electric starter motor and allowing the electric motor to disengage when the engine starts. The problem is that they're not very strong and particularly vulnerable to "kick back" which is where the engine fails to start normally and briefly turns backwards, subjecting the sprag clutch to reverse forces it wasn't designed to resist. There was a retrofit option of an improved relay which guarded against this kickback happening but others know more about it than me! Many folk who had problems with the sprag decided to go back to kickstart only and as a result Hitchcocks sell a number of parts ranging from a simple blanking plate for the electric motor all the way to a kit to remove any evidence the kit was fitted at all!

REgards, Mark

[Leon Novello]

It would take up more space, but a Bendix spring- type starter, as used in cars, would be more reliable.