GSXR1000 Clutch Failure - Event Date: January/01/1900 - January/01/1900

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   We get about � a season on a stock clutch/stock wheelbase 160 RWHP 1000�s.
Here is a note we send to customers if they ask about potential causes for abnormal clutch wear:
The GSX-R1000�s have a VERY tall first gear ratio in the transmission. (It is almost like launching in 2^nd gear on other brands!) This is VERY hard on clutches� We drop 1 tooth on the front gear and 1 on the back for normal-sized riders with a stock wheelbase. Larger riders and/or long swing arm bikes should gear for 5^th in the quarter.
We will check the clutch every several outings to be sure that a single plate does not need attention.  If it does, we replace that plate and any others. We only replace the entire clutch pack after a catastrophic failure.
You are drag racing...you develop more heat in the clutch than you would imagine. (Over 750 degrees!) If the steels are not warped, they are fine�.do not worry about discoloration.
If the fibers are glazed or burned, replace the bad ones.
We also use 100% FULLY SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL ONLY!!!
Organic oils can�t take the heat generated by launching these bikes. 
As a general rule: If you need to leave the line at more than 3000-4000 Rpms, your bike is geared WRONG for your application, or you need to change your riding style. (You had also better have an Uncle at a Suzuki dealership or you will go broke purchasing clutches!!!)
Additionally, if you have a big cc engine or Nitrous, you need to investigate switching to a lock up unit with our S10-cck Clutch Cushion. The 1000�s basically have a 600/750-based road race (single launch per race) clutch pack. They will not take the additional power OR a very large rider for long.
Finally, The Clutch Cushion Kit can NOT repair broken clutch components!
If your outer basket backing plate springs are worn out, replace the outer basket.
The steel plates eventually damage the aluminum inner hub when launching from a dead stop on ALL motorcycles. This forms notches on the splines of the inner hub.  If the inner is notched to the point that the steel plates can not slide freely, they bind!  Where they bind effectively determines how much clutch you are using.
For example: If the 3^rd steel plate back from the pressure plate binds, you are only using the steels and frictions from that plate out to the pressure plate. The plates from this point inwards can�t be compressed thoroughly and they slip; this creates tremendous heat�.before long you have an expensive mess. 
We have found this to be the major cause of REPEATED clutch failure and excessive wear.  The inner basket is BROKEN, if the notches won�t file smooth��REPLACE IT!
They don�t cost much and will save you $ in the long run.

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Brock Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Dayton, OH Status: Offline Points: 232	Calendar Event: GSXR1000 Clutch Failure Posted: January/21/2003 at 6:51pm
	We get about � a season on a stock clutch/stock wheelbase 160 RWHP 1000�s. Here is a note we send to customers if they ask about potential causes for abnormal clutch wear: The GSX-R1000�s have a VERY tall first gear ratio in the transmission. (It is almost like launching in 2^nd gear on other brands!) This is VERY hard on clutches� We drop 1 tooth on the front gear and 1 on the back for normal-sized riders with a stock wheelbase. Larger riders and/or long swing arm bikes should gear for 5^th in the quarter. We will check the clutch every several outings to be sure that a single plate does not need attention. If it does, we replace that plate and any others. We only replace the entire clutch pack after a catastrophic failure. You are drag racing...you develop more heat in the clutch than you would imagine. (Over 750 degrees!) If the steels are not warped, they are fine�.do not worry about discoloration. If the fibers are glazed or burned, replace the bad ones. We also use 100% FULLY SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL ONLY!!! Organic oils can�t take the heat generated by launching these bikes. As a general rule: If you need to leave the line at more than 3000-4000 Rpms, your bike is geared WRONG for your application, or you need to change your riding style. (You had also better have an Uncle at a Suzuki dealership or you will go broke purchasing clutches!!!) Additionally, if you have a big cc engine or Nitrous, you need to investigate switching to a lock up unit with our S10-cck Clutch Cushion. The 1000�s basically have a 600/750-based road race (single launch per race) clutch pack. They will not take the additional power OR a very large rider for long. Finally, The Clutch Cushion Kit can NOT repair broken clutch components! If your outer basket backing plate springs are worn out, replace the outer basket. The steel plates eventually damage the aluminum inner hub when launching from a dead stop on ALL motorcycles. This forms notches on the splines of the inner hub. If the inner is notched to the point that the steel plates can not slide freely, they bind! Where they bind effectively determines how much clutch you are using. For example: If the 3^rd steel plate back from the pressure plate binds, you are only using the steels and frictions from that plate out to the pressure plate. The plates from this point inwards can�t be compressed thoroughly and they slip; this creates tremendous heat�.before long you have an expensive mess. We have found this to be the major cause of REPEATED clutch failure and excessive wear. The inner basket is BROKEN, if the notches won�t file smooth��REPLACE IT! They don�t cost much and will save you $ in the long run.