Gertrude Gets A New Clutch - but...

[GrandpaDenny]

Replaced the clutch friction discs and springs - the old were definitely about gone. 93000+ miles, of which at least 30,000 was stop-sign-or-stop-light-every-block and stop-and-go traffic. One I bought some picks, getting the old discs out was easy as pie.

Now the "but" part. The spider springs are toast - there's only half of one left. I read somewhere that the big nut holding them in was 32mm so I ordered a 32mm socket, but it is bigger than that. Tried a big pair of channel locks (insert suitable shriek here if desired) but need to hold the clutch so the bike doesn't roll. Is there a suitable substitute for the Kawi special clutch holder tool?

I'd broken off two of the clutch cover bolts - man those things are in there and AIN'T coming out. BUT... they're not leaking, so I'm not sweating it right now. I needed to get the bike back on the road.

So Gertrude is back on the road. It feels weird to have the clutch friction zone in the middle where it's supposed to be LOL. New clutch works great. Looking forward to getting those spider springs replaced too.

Gene, be warned (LOL) I'm coming over this weekend. Look on the bright side, you're gonna make some money!

[ekap1200]

yea GOOD LUCK WITH THAT... Denny I am swamped. Can't help you for a few weeks.
Gene. Kap

[GrandpaDenny]

yea GOOD LUCK WITH THAT... Denny I am swamped. Can't help you for a few weeks.
Gene. Kap

Ok fine. Do you know what size that big honkin' nut in the clutch is? Oh and I was gonna ask you if you and your truck and trailer would be available this saturday, I want to go look at an '88 Concours in Vineland.

[ekap1200]

yea GOOD LUCK WITH THAT... Denny I am swamped. Can't help you for a few weeks.
Gene. Kap

Ok fine. Do you know what size that big honkin' nut in the clutch is? Oh and I was gonna ask you if you and your truck and trailer would be available this saturday, I want to go look at an '88 Concours in Vineland.

Denny , you will need the tool to hold the clutch . As for the trailer , it is loaded with all sorts of yard debris, Saturday we are having the family over for my greatgranddaughters birthday. I am sorry , but can't help you out at this time.

[GrandpaDenny]

Denny , you will need the tool to hold the clutch . As for the trailer , it is loaded with all sorts of yard debris, Saturday we are having the family over for my greatgranddaughters birthday. I am sorry , but can't help you out at this time.

do you have the tool? How's next weekend look for you? Congrats to your granddaughter! As for the Concours, from what he's describing he probably doesn't know how to use a choke LOL but in any case I've changed my mind about it.

Have fun at the birthday party! How old? (The kid, not you LOL) Say hi to Marie for me.

[VoyKimmer]

You can do it without the tool with an impact wrench. I used pneumatic but electric might work.

[GrandpaDenny]

You can do it without the tool with an impact wrench. I used pneumatic but electric might work.

I was thinking that. But then how do you hold it to torque it back down? Do you trust the impact wrench's torque setting?

[VoyKimmer]

Yes , it’s a big nut. Your not going to break anything with the size of that nut.

[VoyKimmer]

Yes , it’s a big nut. Your not going to break anything with the size of that nut.

I watched Carl do it on my 02. Spider strings were broken in pieces. I did it on my 96 . Just one spider spring was cracked and about to break. Just put it on its side stand so you won’t lose hardly any oil.

[ekap1200]

You can do it without the tool with an impact wrench. I used pneumatic but electric might work.

yes , but to torque to specs on assembly , its nice to have the tool.

[GrandpaDenny]

You can do it without the tool with an impact wrench. I used pneumatic but electric might work.

yes , but to torque to specs on assembly , its nice to have the tool.

What size is that nut? Not the one holding the handlebars, I know what size that is (6' 2" 280lbs)