My ZX9R engine needs a new clutch, but i have just looked on ebay and there are plate kits, springs etc and i am not sure what i need to buy.

The problem i have is in 3rd and 4th gear at high revs, especially with a passenger, the clutch is slipping.

Is it definatly a new clutch i need or is it another problem?

If it is a clutch i need what parts do i need to buy, and will an EBC heavy duty kit be good enough for the job?

Thanks

aahhhh - the old BEC clutch problem

That'll be a car engine and gearbox you need to rectify that

(sorry - no help at all, but I couldn't resist it)

Usually it’s just the friction plates that need changing on a bike. You could try uprated springs too, it the pedal feels quite light. Clutches are very easy to change on bikes, buy a manual for that model. If you want to protect the clutch in the future it’s more down to good driving practice than anything, i.e. don’t put the power on till you have fully released the clutch, as slipping any clutch while keeping the power on is just going to wear it out badly, especially a BEC one.

EBC spring kits have a reputation for being super stiff to begin with but going a bit soft and squishy after a while.

Best option would be to take it all apart, measure the thickness of the clutch pack. If it's not too thin you could just replace the springs, personally I'd just put new friction rings in at the same time.

OEM springs have a better reputation than the EBC ones. Not sure if there are Barnett (sp?) springs available for your engine... Some people just put washers (or a second spring) under the springs to give more force but whether that is possible or not depends on the clutch pack design...

Ok guys thanks for the info. I will buy the EBC kevlar clutch kit and some uprated springs and try and get the job done over the weekend!!

My engine slipped like crazy past 8000rpm when I was first on the road. I looked at the range of engines that the manufacturer makes (Triumph in my case), and picked out a spring that was the same dimensions, but a lot stiffer (it is a spring from a touring bike). I have never had a bit of slip since - even when two up and doing a hill start! I would try springs before you try plates, as they cost peanuts!

I can recomend Barnett springs, think they were £10 plus vat and postage from TTS, my clutch slipped before I fitted them. Also make sure there is a bit of play in the clutch cable, mine started slipping when the cable managed to adjust itself leaving no free play.

I have Barnett springs on my ZX9 and there's no slipping. I would definitely whip the clutch plates off and have a look at them before buying new ones as it may just be the springs and you can have the thing stripped in about 10 minutes, I've had to do it loads of times, literally!
U2U me if you need any directions on how to do it.

[Edited on 5/10/09 by mistergrumpy]