Can I Use My Bike When One (or more) of the Clutch Springs is Missing?
 

Related to my "snapped thread" post.... (clutch spring bolt snapped in the post)

Is it possible/wise to use the bike with only 5 clutch springs fitted? Or maybe even just 4 if I remove the one on the opposte side to even the pressure up a little?

I remember reading somewhere on this ere interweb of someone who was riding round with just 3 springs.

It would only be a stop gap measure until i can have someone with a steady hand and a sharp drill-bit get the little bugger out. That would probably be a trip up to Tecmoto in a couple of weeks after my exams.

Advice needed for a clumsy numpty please :D

[Edited on 13-5-2006 by zhed44]

I've got no experience of this but, buggering things up further is only gonna cost you more...think on it. ;)

i dunno - if i use the car instead, then £8 congestion charge and £4 per hour for parking soon adds up :o

as long as the clutch does not slip you should be ok but get it fixed ASAP

i had a similar problem on my last 748 - a slow speed drop onto its side smashed the useless carbon cover and broke a spring/retainer. With the cover off and carbon bits cleaned out i limped from home to daytona near kings cross about 3 miles mostly in 2nd gear - it is not easy as getting the clutch to engage/disengage was not really happening so it was good timing and luck mainly. if you are AA member or something get them to take it to get it fixed daytona ot wherever is closest - riding it is tricky/possibly dangerous and do you need further problems?

take off the opposite spring,keeps it balanced
and its fine

I run my Superlight with 4 springs. Makes for a nice easy clutch pull. Haven't had any slipping despite a dozen or so trackdays like it, however the power my bike makes is considerably less than yours.

There's been many a trackday incident that has meant that a full compliment of clutch springs is unavailable ;) - as long as you remove a single or an opposite pair it should get you home - I wouldn't recommend that it stayed that way for too long though.

Tim

Ducati Corse have been running 4 spring slippers for donkeys years. Need I say more?

thanks for all the advice.

looks like i'm going to keep riding it for a while, until it's fixed, but the remaining question is - do i remove the opposite spring or not?

BTW: luckily, the springs are brand new.