It's been suggested that I can clean up the plates and remove burs on the basket (pics attached) and that should result in a few more miles, which I might do - if only to familiarise myself with the bike. However, the aim is to replace the clutch (plates and basket) within a couple of months - any advice on sources of clutch parts that won't sting me too much? Thanks.
Removing the burrs will do nothing imho. That is a pretty worn clutch basket. Difficult to clean the scallops out accurately without machining, which would be expensive, and then you'd have some really loud dry clutch rattle unless you fitted plates with oversize tangs. In all honesty, I think your only solution is to replace.
I'd be looking at one of the aftermarket aluminium clutch baskets that are available online for ~£85 or so. I fitted a K-bike one to my ST4s, and it seemed quite good quality - no idea of longevity yet as it's only done approx 100miles so far.
Make sure any aluminium basket you choose, clearly states ‘hard anodised’ and ideally marketed under the trade name Ergal. There are a lot of cheap fakes available on eBay. Andy
Not sure if the steel basket is still available from Ducati. It certainly gives you flexibility to use aluminium backed organic friction plates or steel backed ceramic friction plates. If you buy an aluminium basket, your only choice is the aluminium backed friction plates (if you want it to last more than a few thousand miles) which I believe only come in organic. Not an issue with normal road riding but ceramic can take more punishment. Andy
I’ve bought clutch bits and pieces from this guy on eBay. Good prices and good service. Despite the name the clutch parts I bought weren’t used, they were new. https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/useditalianparts Thst basket is shagged, best change it. Most likely your friction plates will be shagged as well but the steel plates will probably be ok. When you get a new basket, make sure it comes with 8 new bolts to secure it. Do not reuse the old ones and make sure you use loctite on them too. You’ll also need a clutch holding tool to hold the basket while undoing the nuts, don’t waste money on a plastic one, spend a little more and get a metal one. Oberon do a very good one although it’s pricey but you only get what you pay for in this world
Thanks Sev. As I don't plan to do this too often, I'd rather not buy the service tool. With an engineering background, I should be able to avoid doing so, but would be grateful for a bit more detail on the metal + spacer plates option?
The clutch basket part no. is 19810271A (assuming all model years are the same). It's listed at £170.35 inc. vat. Stein Dinse have one in stock with a price of €181.50 but that's before adding postage and import duty. I wouldn't touch aluminum if it was my bike. Some people put aluminum timing gears on Guzzis and they can start to fret as soon as 10,000 miles. Perhaps it's a bit too old school and frowned upon but can't you just put the bike in first gear and stand on the back brake whilst turning the the bolts out with a breaker bar? The gear teeth are hardened and it's a progressive torque load. Improvised tools look good though. Ducati seem to have a special tool for everything. I can't help but think that a lot of them are unnecessary.
I agree with @Sev It only needs basic metal work skills ..... which is good , because it's all I've got .... Here's a link to my effort ...... two tools in one really Everything is doubled up , and I made the handle long enough to butt up against a length of broom handle , that passes through the foot rest hangers for bracing . https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/home-made-ducati-tools-post-your-pics.76097/
Good perspective on production efficiency vs. workshop use. I'd never really considered that. Steel still seems like the more appropriate material for the job to me. Just my take but then I'm not really into modifications either.
I enjoyed reading that. Thanks. As you may of gathered I'm of the durability mindset! I expect the clutch on my Guzzi to last for at least 60,000 miles and hopefully longer. Bearing in mind you've got to take the engine out to change it though.. I guess at the end of the day it's all about application and intended use. Sorry David we're possibly going a little off topic here!
Hi If you fit an aluminium basket you can fit Suzuki gs/gsx range friction plates as their ally and a perfect fit for less than half the price, I’ve been running them for years, the plain plates don’t fit though.
Hi all Although I’ve used this site before it was a long time ago so I seem to be loading as a new member So hello all
Hi Geoffrey, you were right. I stripped the clutch cleaned up all the plates/basket and reassembled which made absolutely no difference (but I am now so much more familiar with my clutch!). Pack height was 35mm so 1mm below the minimum, which is my problem. New clutch now ordered... do you happen to know torque setting on central 32mm nut? Thanks.
I don't have an ST2 manual. I have an ST4 manual which bizarrely lists two torque settings for the clutch drum nut. M25 x 1.5 is 128Nm +/-5% M20 x 1.0 is 186Nm +/-5% Suggest if you haven't an ST2 manual (which you may be able to download free online) Measure your thread and be guided by the above.
