Clutch racket

[Kool_Biker]

What is the latest on the 79 Z clutch racket we have all suffered from at one time or another, please?
What is the remedy OVER AND ABOVE good carb synchronisation, replacing it with an '80 clutch part (better, but no longer available) etc?
Thanks in advance!
Aris

[Don]

You can replace the rubber 'pucks' in the '79 or '80 basket with new ones and quiet it down some . . . . for a time - The rubber doesn't last forever running in the hot oil


The ultimate, 'over and above', 'once and for all' fix though is to install an '81 or '82 ProLink clutch basket which uses springs in place of the rubber pucks, much like a car clutch does

I put a late model basket inb my '79 and the difference is literally night and day - I'm no longer embarrased sitting in company at a stop light . . . . plus, I can hear myself think ;)

Don

[Kool_Biker]

Hi Don and thanks for your quick reply!
From what I know, the 81 or 82 clutch baskets are no longer available?
In which case, do you know where I can get the rubber 'pucks' from?
Cheers, Aris

[Don]

Aris,

Six Center in the Netherlands provides a clutch basket rebuild kit for the early models - You need to order the one for a '79 or an '80 (whichever you have) as they are different. You have to drill out some rivets and tap the holes so you can put it back together with bolts

Honda hasn't had any clutch baskets for a long time - I bought mine used on eBay last year for $350US. I think Louis has both used and new ones he would sell you if you're interested in upgrading

Don

[Z Grand]

Louis hooked me up with a good one. I'm sure he has some -- give him a shout.

[Kool_Biker]

Thanks for the plentiful info! I will research the various options.

DSC07854.jpg

Regards
Aris

[NobleHops]

Aris,

I made a mess of my clutch assembly as I was not paying attention. I doubt you will fall prey to this given how detail oriented you have been, but pay close attention to the proper location for the two (? from memory - is it 2? 3?) longer bolts. That star shaped plate has very small circular marks that must be aligned with the correct bosses in that plate. Those longer bolts go there. Also: I would suggest chasing all of those threads with a tap before reassembly. Possibly mine were gunked from the prior use of locktite or something, but it never hurts.

N.

[Kool_Biker]

Thanks Nils, every bit of info helps so much.
This is a very old pic, a teaser . In fact my clutch is long assembled and deep into my engine.

As you might know, the latter was started about 10 days ago and was only recently mated to a test exhaust which made the racket audible for the first time.
But frankly, the racket is not priority no 1. I will go methodically into it, once the rest of the bike is rideable, and I have done few miles AND adjusted the carbs properly.

But I do remember doing these bolts right.

Thanks again for all your support!
Aris