Page 1 of 1

Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 10:29 am
by Paulnobodyimportant
In my 20 BHP TS1 I have a standard 5 plate surflex clutch, which is a bit stiff, but exaggerated by stiff finger joints that will only get worse with time. I've changed all the clutch and gear cables to the BGM friction free, which have only made a slight difference. So is there a lighter clutch assembly out there.

Gear change is also stiff, compared to my other lambrettas, but i think that may be down to the uprated spring in the layshaft or possibly a worn sliding dog, but I'll check these over the coming miserable dark winter months.

Out of interest, I have a 21BHP Monza with a standard 4 plate surflex clutch and standard spring in the layshaft and standard cables. Clutch operation and gear change is as light as a feather and I have had no long term issues with the clutch. I suppose I may have answered my own question, but would like to see what others have in the way of light feel clutch.

Gear box in both of the above is GP200 (SIL) with 42/19 sprockets

Thanks

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 10:44 am
by HxPaul

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 11:37 am
by Paulnobodyimportant
Hi Paul

Yes, I've read about them on the USA forums and the conclusion is that they are a waste of time

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 12:25 pm
by Toddy
You sure its not the Cable or routing Paul ? , i ran a surflex and found it quite light i now use the LTH cable on an AF cassette clutch very good

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 12:31 pm
by Covboy
re the stiff gear change- I had the same issue with my rb225...it was very difficult to change gear and made riding it a miserable experience

.I swapped the spring for a standard one and gear change is normal and nice to use now.

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 2:48 pm
by bazza3004
Regarding the uprated selector spring i believe they do become easier to use as time goes by

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 7:44 pm
by HxPaul
Paulnobodyimportant wrote:Hi Paul

Yes, I've read about them on the USA forums and the conclusion is that they are a waste of time


I had one on my Harley and it worked just fine

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:18 pm
by Rushy
Hi. I had trouble pulling my clutch due to arthritis in my hand and I fitted one of these http://www.lambrettaspares.com/spares/h ... r-(headset)-clutch-lever-for-all-standard-clutch-housings,-short-dog-leg-type,-mb/mrb0696k.html. With a new friction free cable i can now ride my scoot. On long runs with no problems.

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:24 pm
by Rushy
I think the first link wont work try thishttp://www.lambrettaspares.com/spar ... r-(headset)-clutch-lever-for-all-standard-clutch-housings,-short-dog-leg-type,-mb/mrb0696k.html

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:28 pm
by Rushy
Sorry for the links i don't know why they don't work. The lever is a dog leg from MB Developments fits without any modification.

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:43 pm
by Storkfoot
I couldn't get the link to work either but it is part number mrb0696k.

I wholeheartedly agree about the MB clutch lever. Possibly one of the best parts I have ever bought for a lammy. I also find MB clutch springs work really well and are easier to compress (they need replacing every year or so though, in my experience).

Paul, I have the same Surflex clutch and bhp TS1 as you and my clutch is very easy to pull and engage gear. I believe the MB parts make the difference ;-)

PS, just spotted your point about the stiff gear selector spring. That definitely won't help. Mine is just standard.

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:47 pm
by missing lynx
I use an easy clutch and find it very good it makes my 5 plate clutch with strong spring feel like a std clutch

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 2:14 pm
by Paulnobodyimportant
I was indisposed last night, but saw many of the replies last thing at night, so thanks for the input. In the first instance, i'll go for the MB lever, seems to have had some good write ups.

Toddy, as for cable routing its the same on both the TS1 and Monza. To make sure when I re-cabled the TS1 before the German Euro with the friction free BGM cables, I followed their routing diagram, which I knew anyway. However, once under the loop, I have always gone as the photo below describes, with gear and clutch cable going under the carb body. Plus, which AF clutch cassette did you go for, the expensive one or the really expensive one :D

As for the spring in the layshaft, its been in for at least 7000 plus miles, but I'll change that this winter and check out the sliding dog.

Cable routing as below

Image

Re: Stiff Clutch, is there an lighter one

PostPosted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 2:44 pm
by Toddy
Paul , I have the road version in mine