Hi All,
I have been researching the forum regarding the use of these plates verses the stock RD plates. I had a YZ clutch in my 73 that I purchased from Chuck Q when he was still in business. I sold that bike and am slowly getting my 75 RD up to snuff. That stated, what is the best brand clutch to purchase in regards to cost/functionality/reliability? I purveyed some other forums and heard horror stories of some of the cheap brands exploding and taking out bottom ends, don't want to go that route. Was thinking Yamaha OEM, but have some time as I cannot wrench due to rotator cuff surgery, looking at all options before pulling the trigger. I wanted to get feedback from who performed this and where they purchased.
Thanks, Brian
I run Kevlar frictions by Barnett for RD400 in my TZ. They are a little grabby but they'll never slip. I also use Barnett springs, but just three of them and three stock springs. Your 75 should already have the 7 plate clutch in it, unless you are building some monster of a motor you shouldn't have anything to worry about as long as your frictions and springs are good.
I run the el cheapo caltric FZ plates, and a few of my bikes make plenty of HP.. never an issue.. More than likely any reports of 'clutch discs grenading bottoms ends' is a result of a shitty install & the owner blaming parts vs themselves :twocents:
Quote from: m in sc on January 04, 2025, 11:02:49 AMI run the el cheapo caltric FZ plates, and a few of my bikes make plenty of HP.. never an issue.. More than likely any reports of 'clutch discs grenading bottoms ends' is a result of a shitty install & the owner blaming parts vs themselves :twocents:
I've used those too, no problems here either.
I found this on eBay for a 1987 to 1992 FZR1000. Has 9 friction discs, 8 steel discs and 6 springs with free shipping. Seems pretty reasonable.
(https://i.postimg.cc/nX4dLWb4/IMG-6997.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nX4dLWb4)
im not sure if the steels will work, never tried, (would be good to know) and the springs def wont. but the frictions will.
this is saved for my own notes:
(https://2strokeworld.net/wp-content/uploads/general-tech/fz-cluthes-for-rds.jpg)
I read in the forum tech section that the steel plates can vary in thickness based upon model these are sourced from and advice was to use the stock OEM. It is a pain draining oil, removing side cover and stack-up for reassembly. Will most likely just use friction as you had advised and keep my steels (will inspect for any hot spots or bluing prior). Thinking stock springs are adequate, used Barnett springs in the past and significant pull required.
as joe said, you can use 3 and its ok. but stock springs will be fine .. the fz frictions give a LOT more surface area vs stock, so you get more grip needing less preload on the spring. the steel thickness is really the 6 vs 7 plate clutches. you can mix and match as well. 0.02
I bought these for my R5/RD350 motor.
Pricey but it includes everything.
https://www.economycycle.com/shop/yamaha-rd250350400r5ds6ds7-parts/engine-related/clutch/econ-performance-heavy-duty-clutch-kit-rd350400/