Boxerworks.com

Y'know, twist, what Ken in Oklahoma said makes really good sense. The later set-up is super easy on the pull (lever is very easy to pull) and is a stronger clutch, and all that stuff. It would probably be easier and cheaper, and certainly more successful in the long run, to switch up to a newer style clutch/transmission.

Chuey

I've used EZ Clutches on my /6 for many years but add one to a post 83 bike? You wouldn't even be able to feel the clutch engagement!

Not a good idea at all.

I have a thumb joint injury that makes operation of even the later type clutch ('92 R100R) a really painful business.

An easier-operating clutch than even the later type would still be welcome for poor souls such as me! To that end, I've emailed Craig at Bench Mark Works to see if the Easy Clutch could be made to fit later machines - I'll let you know if it can.

There must be many guys (and gals) who have some kind of difficulty or disability operating the clutch who would welcome an aid such as the Easy Clutch or, if necessary, a more complicated hydraulic affair.
Don't dismiss the idea just because "most" people can manage the clutch easily. Some can't.

I shouldn't be too hard to rig up something - remember that you don't need the leverage of the stock arm as you have the leverage in the master/ slave cylinder ratio.

Some of the Jap clutch slave cylinders I have seen are low profile pancake shaped to fit behind the side covers and would fit in the available space at the back of the box.

It wouldn't seem to be too hard to make a bracket to hold them which could be bolted to the box using the lever pivot holes, with the slave cylinder working direct in the clutch rod /thrust bearing cap.

Best place to start would probably be a Jap bike recycler, to see in you can find a suitable master/ slave cylinder combo - it would be easy from there.

Although the later clutch uses different parts, the lever is very similar and the mechanics are the same. I would think an adaptation of the EZ Clutch could be pulled off fairly easily, with a lot less hassle than starting from scratch with hydraulics. Mechanical advantage is mechanical advantage whether its hydraulic or wire.

A prompt response from Craig at Bench Mark Works regarding the Easy Clutch...

Sorry but changes in the frame design which cut down the space available makes it impossible to use or fit on anything past 1983.

[/i]
I'm disappointed but watching this thread very closely.

Eat spinach. A much simpler solution.

Eat spinach. A much simpler solution.

BazBro wrote:A prompt response from Craig at Bench Mark Works regarding the Easy Clutch...

Sorry but changes in the frame design which cut down the space available makes it impossible to use or fit on anything past 1983.

[/i]
I'm disappointed but watching this thread very closely.

I don't have a "late" frame to look at, but I'm wondering if the frame interference could be avoided by fabricating a lever arm (out of steel) with a dogleg which would clear the frame interference.

I'm also wondering about a custom clutch cable which would "locate" the lever arm at the transmission at a different angle. True, the new angle would not be the "prescribed" right angle but, per an earlier post of mine, so what. I don't see it as a show stopper.

And I wonder if a shorter lever arm, either modified or custom fabricated, might clear the frame obstruction. The mechanical advantage would be reduced, but we're talking EZ clutch here which encompasses a 2:1 advantage in and of itself.

Finally, I'm wondering about a custom clutch lever perch to fit on the R/H handlebar. You would have to choose whether to use the right hand to operate the clutch or front brake, and olperating the clutch lever and throttle at the same time when staring out might require some extra dexterity, but I reckon with practice that it could be done.

And then there's the already suggested possibility about fabbing a mount for a hydraulic slave cylinder from a Japanese bike.

If not being able to operate a clutch easily threatens being able to ride the bike then some kind of creative solution would deserve a try first.


Ken

Magura makes a conversion kit for dirtbikes which covert a normal cable actuated clutch to a hydraulically actuated clutch.

You can see an example here:

http://www.btosports.com/p/MGHC

This won't "bolt up," but with some creative fabrication, someone could probably make it work.

We have hydraulic clutches on all of our dirt bikes, and they are so much better than cable.