DIY: Fit New Clutch Plates

It’s not a common job on modern road bikes, but replacing the standard clutch plates is a job you can easily do yourself and save a few Rand in labour charges while you’re at it.

Certain standard clutches are a bit weak to begin with but for bikes which are getting on a bit, ones which have been wheelied a lot or even raced, it’s not uncommon to feel the signs of it ‘slipping’. You’ll know if yours needs replacing because of the tell-tale sound of fast-rising revs when you accelerate but if you’re not sure, ride along in a higher gear and open the throttle wide. If everything is hunky-dory your bike will drive as normal but if the clutch is slipping the revs will rise out of proportion with the increase in road speed.

Replacing a standard clutch with a stronger one like this DP one ( on the first R1 the standard clutch can be a bit fragile) makes good sense on a race or trackbike too. The best part about it all is you’ll find it a much quicker job than you might expect.

1. CLEAN, TIDY AND SECURE

Make sure the bike is clean before you start and, unless you’re planning on replacing the oil and oil filter (if your clutch is burnt out these need replacing), lean and support the bike (see top tips) so the oil doesn’t spill out when you remove the clutch cover. If the clutch sits as high as this one it won’t be an issue but leaving it for 10mins lets the oil drain off further.

2. KEEP BOLTS IN ORDER

Unclip the clutch cable (if necessary) before undoing the cover bolts in a criss-cross fashion, placing them on a clean surface, in the order as you remove them. Not all bolts are the same length so replacing them in order is crucial. Use a piece of cardboard with holes in to help you.

3. EASY DOES IT