Clutch Friction Zone

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hdrl1935
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Clutch Friction Zone

#1

Post by hdrl1935 »

I'm new to riding panheads, my dad gave me his 1958 FLH before he passed last year. Stock chain primary and 3 stud clutch hub and mousetrap. One thing that I can't remember is if there's an extra disc or two in the basket. I've adjusted the clutch and mousetrap per the "process" in the FSM a few times, and I can't complain about how easy the clutch is to pull in and hold. One general comment, and maybe this is the nature of mousetraps, but there's no "feel". It's hard to feel the clutch starting to bite. But besides that, is it possible through some adjustment to increase the ranking of the "friction zone"? It's very narrow and because there's little feel, its a bit of a struggle.
RooDog
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Re: Clutch Friction Zone

#2

Post by RooDog »

That is a tough question to address as feel is a subjective thing. Perhaps loosening the mouse trap booster spring, or tightening the clutch springs a notch or two will help.'
I like a MT setup, and a pair of extra plates help in the horsepower department, but not necessary in a lo-po engine.
I also have recently used all three clutches: The stock 10 spring, a Rivera Primo, and a Barnett Scorpion in my '68 FL, and have no issues with "feel" with any of them....
....RooDog....
panheadrider1961
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Re: Clutch Friction Zone

#3

Post by panheadrider1961 »

What are you used to riding? This is something you have to “learn” to do yourself it can be feathered or “ride the clutch” without momuntery grab just takes practice if all is setup right you should be able to pull lever in with one finger at what angle is lever in bar in relation to grip slightly down is better than slightly up better leverage with hand motion good luck
hdrl1935
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Re: Clutch Friction Zone

#4

Post by hdrl1935 »

Thanks Roo. I understand that feel is subjective and that because the clutch lever is physically isolated from the clutch via the mousetrap... Maybe it is what it is.

What I'm really interested in is increasing the friction zone width. Hopefully this image shows up, but I want to increase the width between 3 and 4. It seems pretty razor thin at the moment...
FrictionZone3.jpg
FrictionZone3.jpg (34.63 KiB) Viewed 295 times
RooDog
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Re: Clutch Friction Zone

#5

Post by RooDog »

Have you had the clutch apart to see exactly what sort of stack there is in there? OE had 3 steel plates, 3 fiber discs, and a 1/2 fiber cushion disc with springy fingers to help ease the clutch engagement, and reduce chatter. If that plate is absent your friction zone is diminished. Check it out....
....RooDog....
hdrl1935
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Re: Clutch Friction Zone

#6

Post by hdrl1935 »

I have had it apart although I didn't pay attention to how many friction discs there were. I know for sure that there is NO half friction disc however. So I have either 3 or 4 friction discs.

Should I get the half disc even if I have 4 friction discs?

Thanks for the responses!
RooDog
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Re: Clutch Friction Zone

#7

Post by RooDog »

3 1/2, or 4 frictions are common. The 4 are typical aftermarket, both with 3 steels. I would suggest you try to find the 1/2 disc, for cheap, and try it to see if that improves what you are seeking. The springy fingers ease you into engagement widening the "friction zone"....
DSC03482.JPG
DSC03482.JPG (238.71 KiB) Viewed 268 times
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