LCGB Forums

Hi,

What is the optimum thickness for a 5 plate clutch pack without the top plate? I also use MB clutch springs but there seems to be none available at present. What springs would you guys recommend for a nice progressive feel, with no slip and not requiring two hands to pull the lever in? It's going in a Rapido 225. Thanks.

I normally use the MB springs too but have found that the Readspeed are similar in function and work well in 5-plates, whereas many of the other uprated springs become coil-bound before allowing full travel. The feel is also very similar.

Adam

Adam_Winstone wrote:I normally use the MB springs too but have found that the Readspeed are similar in function and work well in 5-plates, whereas many of the other uprated springs become coil-bound before allowing full travel. The feel is also very similar.

Adam

I can't speak for reedspeed as I've never used them, but i did some tests on most/many of the other springs available; the results are on here somewhere. Adam is right though, people talk about soft and hard springs but that doesn't really tell you what you need to know.

For several years now, on TS1 and GT186, I have used the same set up with no issues beyond worn out plates after many miles. AF machined rear sprocket, Surflex 5 plates and MB springs. If set up correctly (often you may need a thinner steel or two to get correct separation) it is a good set up, certainly for up to 20hp.

I do accept that the MB springs do need replacing every year but they are a service item.

I've found that if you use the 3.2mm thk dia springs with a 4-plate & sprocket machined out for 5-plates, you get an amount of creaping forward as you cant compress the springs fully, 3.0mm thk dia springs with sprocket machined out, reedspeed red 5-plates & atomic spider works well on my TS1 230

Standard plates are 3.5mm and standard steels 1.5mm. 4 plates and 3 steels should be 18.5mm total. You should be able to fit 5 thinner 2.6mm plates and 2 std 1.5 steel & 2 thinner 1.2mm steels, giving 18.4mm total, in the same space. Separation should be better by using a thinner top plate and more 1.5 steels over 1.2 steels. If you do mix the steels fit the thicker ones first.

Thanks for the replies. I've managed to get some MB springs, so I will build a 5 plate following your advise.