Open clutch covers...
 

Seriously considering purchasing a little 'mechanical porn' with one of these gorgeous pressure plates which you can fit without a cover at all and wondered whether anyone had any advice on there practicality? Just a bit concerned about dirt and damp getting in with it being open or is there nothing to worry about?

Thanks.

http://carbon-trader.com/plates.htm

Look as if they'd be good for protecting clutch posts in the event of a lowside, but I'm not sure that I'd want to fit one with no cover at all. They've got some serious castellations on them that could easily catch your toe and either do it some serious damage or flick your foot off the footrest when your in the middle of a three figure sweeper.

To be honest, the pressure plate itself is not my cup of tea, I'd prefer one of the DP or MPL ones, but I'd still fit a guard of some kind even if it was just one of those that fits like a collar around the rear of the plate or an STM toast rack one.

As far as weather, dirt and damp. Well, the clutch generates enough of it's own dust so dirt getting in shouldn't be a problem, it would be centrifuged out anyway. The springs might go rusty, but you can get stainless ones. I wouldn't think there are any more issues that with any open clutch cover

[Edited on 22-2-2006 by Jools]

I echo what Jools points out.
The protecting of the spring posts is nothing new. Many do it.
What really concerns me is the trapping possibilty. Toes wouldn't last five minutes and what happens if you should have laced shoes........
Whatever you fit, get a cover to.

Umm hadnt thought of the safety issues although I never wear anything but my boots when riding and the footrest is well clear but nevertheless I suppose you never know and one accidental move could see my pinkies disappearing off my foot with alarming speed!

I find it hard to believe a manufacturer could use this as a selling point - never mind rider safety, suppose you leave you bike ticking over to warm up on your drive and a curious child comes to look at your lovely Ducati....

Does not bear thinking about.

Looks well manufactured mind and they seem to do some nice stuff.

I've been very happy with a plate and cover from these guys:

http://www.mpl-tuningparts.de/

Cheers - Frank

Dont forget the noise. My clutch is now louder than my Termis

Mmmmm agree with previous comments. Not to keen on the design, the cost or lack of cover. Makes my toes curl up at the thought of that clutch plate spinning and no cover :o

For about the same money I did this on my 749.

Paul,by all means get yourself one of those bling plates,just use a vented cover to show it off.
Just won one of thes beauties on ebay for £53.

Very nice mate, very nice... Ive already got one but was thinking of flogging it but you guys have convinced me of the need to keep it covered, would give me nightmares otherwise I think.

Rar! Finally took some piccies of my setup...