Kevlar Clutch Discs? Anyone?

Im lookin at getting a new clutch soon, and i came across the kevlar friction discs with stiffer springs.

Anyone ever run these kevlar discs? if whats your opinion on em?

I could get the standard cork and aluminum ones too, but im curious about these.

It would be cool to know some first hand info about performance....

thanks,
luke

We sell the Barnetts for some street and road racing applications. They are not the hot set up for drag racing

Just replaced my set up and like you, came across Kevlar, extra plates, heavy duty springs etc.... In speaking with several seasoned guys and ex drag racers....

Great kits for drag racing or in street racing setups where the need the extra plate biting, stronger springs high engine torques etc... but for street use, stick with the OEM/reproductions...

They they followed up with "They worked for 30 years in the old girl what makes you think they won't work now...."

Then there's this... Pending your age, left arm/hand fatigue.... These old beasts aren't hydraulic clutch, well at least my KZ900 isn't, and with heavier springs this will be harder to pull...

Just what I've learned anyways....

OMR

I hate the Barnett "Cork" discs. If you let them sit fore a while they squeeze out the oil and it is tuf to free them up again. I put them on my Z1R and they were nothing but trouble. Stick with the "stock stile" material discs for the street.

Old Man Rock wrote:

but for street use, stick with the OEM/reproductions...

They they followed up with "They worked for 30 years in the old girl what makes you think they won't work now...."

Then there's this... Pending your age, left arm/hand fatigue.... These old beasts aren't hydraulic clutch, well at least my KZ900 isn't, and with heavier springs this will be harder to pull...

Just what I've learned anyways....

OMR

"What He said" :ohmy:

I'm using Barnett carbon friction disks. 301-45-10010 I believe. As you'll find they cross reference to several bikes. Had issues getting Barnett to offer up stiffer springs than they offer for the Gpz/Zephyr. Hooked up way better after these were installed.

Have still slipped it on occasion so well see what options are out there next round.

Thank you for the feedback guys, ive learned so much from this site already, it's really helped me alot.

But ehhhh, my hands arent too old, i can handle a little stiffer spring if it means a little better bite.

I'll probably end up sticking with a good quality standard kit, and maybe some stiffer springs.


any recomendations?

"any recomendations? "

Start lifting weights and squeeze a tennis ball with your left hand to build up endurance....

No old man!

Im talking about a brand of clutch kit someone might have had good results with......not my hand.

I turn wrenches all day, i dont need to squeeze a ball.

550A2 wrote: I'll probably end up sticking with a good quality standard kit, and maybe some stiffer springs. Any recomendations?

Along with OMR's "Start lifting weights and squeeze a tennis ball with your left hand to build up endurance...." I'd say you need to start carrying a spare clutch cable along with the tools needed to install it at roadside.

No offense intended, but we're talking about a KZ550. Even with very spirited riding my original '77 KZ650 clutch went 36,000 miles before it needed to be replaced. I would think a KZ550 stock clutch would last at least that long if it is kept properly adjusted. It's your bike & money, but I wouldn't get too carried away with visions of higher performance from heavier clutch springs. My $0.02 Ed

I put heavy duty spring in my 650. I don't really know why, but i regret it every time i ride it. they suck bad.

No offense intended, but we're talking about a KZ550. Even with very spirited riding my original '77 KZ650 clutch went 36,000 miles before it needed to be replaced. I would think a KZ550 stock clutch would last at least that long if it is kept properly adjusted. It's your bike & money, but I wouldn't get too carried away with visions of higher performance from heavier clutch springs. My $0.02 Ed[/quote]

Alright, first of all thank you guys....

I know the clutch is slipping because the adjusters are in as far in as they can go without exessive slack in the cable.

unless there is another adjustment?

No offense taken, i just want my bike to ride good man. And it would kinda blow having to lift weights to have the strength to work the clutch.

Ill get er going