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Lock up clutches


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Posted

It would be much appreciated if someone could school me on lock up clutches. I've looked on the interwebs and found a lot of info but pretty conflicting at the same time. 

Are they suitable for street riding? Which is what I'll mainly be doing.

How different is it's use from riding factory clutch, any specific DOs or DONTs?

Can you pull in the lever to shift when you're on the throttle?

Is a lockup necessary or are there other options?

I don't mean to be so green on this, but the most I've ever used/needed was HD springs. Bike is a Bandit 1216 turbo hoping to hit around the 200hp mark.  I appreciate any clarity I can get on this.

Posted

The only one I’ve used was weighted and set up to come in high enough in the revs that day to day around town it’s wasn’t noticeable. Completely useable as normal and locked up when used in anger / rev’s up.  From my brief experience they are adjustable by weighting the arms? 

Posted

TBH - they are really only needed if the engine can make enough torque to slip the clutch whilst in gear or you use an 'instant hit' of power like Nitrous that can shock the clutch into slipping. Adding weight to the arms is the usual 'tuning method' although that is a bit agricultural! When racing (for that is what they were designed for) tuning involves clutch stack heights, air gaps, spring pressures, preloads and arm weights, so a simple one fix solution doesn't fit every situation. First off a GOOD working std. clutch will hold a good amount of power, it torque that makes a clutch slip - then if required add a lock-up but be mindful of what use it'll get as, like most things, one set-up will have pro's and con's for others. And if drag racing, be prepared to burn up fibres and steels whilst dialling it in !

Posted

At 200hp on a bandit you should be able to get away with say 2 heavy duty and 1 standard clutch springs. Although saying that I run lockup clutches on my turbo road bikes with no problems whatsoever. 

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Posted

You only need one when the clutch starts slipping.

You hardly notice any difference with a normal clutch,  maybe a bit heavier clutch lever at high revs.

Keep adding weights till it doesn't slip anymore, doesn't have to be much.

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