RM370 clutch slipping

[Toolboy]

Gday all,

I need help with info on the possible cause of my RM370 clutch slipping.

The engine has just been rebuilt, with brand new clutch plates, both drive/driven, new clutch springs. I have checked and double checked that the clutch hub shims and spacers are there, all equip in tolerance, gear oil is motorcycle oil.

As soon as go to kick the bike over it hits the compression and the clutch slips. Any suggestions please as this has been driving me nuts for the past few months and the 1000000000000000000000000 times i have had the clutch cover off.

Appreciate any help

Tim

[oldfart]

Check the thickness of your plates, as they  need to be 2mm thick  the service limit is 1.85mm.
I have been down this path before  and  found the after market plates were too thin, thus the top hat was bottoming out on the hub.
Put a rag between the primary gear and clutch hub ( remove spark plug ) and turn the back wheel over  ( in gear ) while observing what's going on with the clutch cover off 
2 person  job

[JohnnyO]

Yeah aftermarket plates are generally too thin, measure your complete original stack (fibres and steels) with verniers and measure your new clutch kit, it needs to be as thick or thicker than the originals. I had to add an extra plate in my 370 to bring it up to spec.

[Toolboy]

Thanks for the info guys.

Yeah they are after market plates, i will remove and measure.

Are the OEM plates you buy from Suzuki 2mm thick??

Thanks

Tim

[TT5 Matt]

that might have been the aftermarket peoples thoughts to run an extra plate for a tad more surface area and no need for supper heavy duty clutch springs,shame they didnt put all that on the box the parts came in

[Toolboy]

Added an extra plate and that has solved the clutch slip issue,
After a few kicks the 370 fired up and a quick test ride up the street, shifts smooth with good clutch operation
Tomorrow i will get out for a proper test run
Thanks guys appreciated

Tim

[Toolboy]

Finally after many many months of problems with the clutch the 370 is fixed and now looks the part after a test ride in the mud an soft terrain.
Thanks guys for info and help on the clutch plates.
Now just 1 size smaller main jet and 370 will be ready to race





Tim

[gt96]

Nice looking RM.
Is that a 370B swingarm and tank?
Also neat chain guide/tensioner.  Did you make or buy?
Cheers

[Toolboy]

Gday GT96,

Yeah it is a real mix,,,76 frame and front end, 77 engine, tank & swingarm.

I think the tank is a B model with the offset,,is that A model..??

The chain guide is a chinese ebay buy after hearing stories on this forum about possible rule changes to covering chain access.

This is how the bike looked when i purchased;





Tim

[Davey Crocket]

Hey Tim, you'll have to put a decent muffler on that if your going to race it.....new rules come into play in a few months....94 db I think.....and a sprocket cover....I dont want to sound like a nazi. ....nice bike by the way.

[Toolboy]

Gday Davy,

I did have a longer muffler fitted but tried this one off my TM400 that i had sitting around,,,it didnt sound too bad but i suspect the longer muffler will have to go on for racing.

So will the clubs have decible meters at race meetings to determine what is above 94?

I wouldnt think you could just walk up and say "too loud" without prove!!!!!!!

Yeah i know about the sprocket cover from my other post...going to build one this week since 370 covers seem pretty rare.

Cheers

Tim

[Davey Crocket]

The noise thing is a Australia wide....we do have a decibel meter and to be honest clubs have been noise testing in Qld at certain tracks for the last year or so. Those little pickle type mufflers wont cut it. GMC on here does a nice long muffler for your 370....awesome pipe aswell.....tell him I sent ya. Cheers.