Heavy Duty Clutch with 6 gears

[RiderRocketman]

With all the blown clutches going around (including mine) I'd like a heavy duty replacement with an additional super-cruising gear. And less chunky shifting would be good too.

 

[Pegasus]

Triumph won't add a cruising gear because then they'd no longer be able to claim to be the top gear roll-on king of cruisers...and quite a few sport bikes too :wink:

 

[RiderRocketman]

I don't much mind if Triumph won't supply it but it's something that seems a neccessity - the heavy duty clutch at least, not 6th gear. Besides, put in a turbo or supercharger and it'll still be the roll-on King no matter how many gears you got. That's what I intend to do at least, but I gotta do it in pieces since I can't afford the whole shebang. Replace clutch first since it is definitely needed. Then fit blower later. Hehehehe...

 

[Rocketbikr]

RiderRocketman, and others having problems with factory clutch slippage, help may be just a few months away. I just got an e-mail response back from Chris Taylor at Barnettclutches.com. Barnett Tool and Eng. has made first-rate heavy duty clutch kits for a long time. They saved the day back in 2002 when many of us VTX riders (including me) were having similar clutch problems. Chris said they just recently started getting inquiries from Rocket owners so they are checking into it. A few more e-mails from some of the R3 Captains in need would likely help their decision.
Good Luck. Rocketbikr out

 

[RiderRocketman]

Yes, hopefully Barnett will come through soon. My clutch is getting worse but hopefully will make it through the season. I also tried contacting Barnett and they said something similar though they won't commit to anything right now. That's better than Bandit Machine who said they don't plan to support the Rocket or any Triumph for that matter. I also asked Alto but they didn't reply.

Barnett is likely to do it but let's give them a push and start askin' in droves. "Plow cattle can save your butt, but sometimes they need a prodding." :wink:

 

[joey fletcher]

Todd
If someone figures out how to jump the top gear limiter...the rocket would easily hit 150+

Just guessing on my part,,,but if it could pull close to redline....should be in the 165 range.

It has tall gears compaired to my SE V-Rod..at 60 mph....I try to shift up all the time...

Just my 2 cents worth

Joey

 

[RiderRocketman]

GOOD NEWS EVERYONE!

I will be working with Barnett to get a clutch kit out soon.
It'll be a stock replacement, not a 6 gear mod, which I think would require a bit more R&D. But this, they said they'd do within days after I get them my clutch parts.

I just gotta get my old clutch plates and springs out now.
I wonder if I could do that myself.
Do I need special tools to pull/install clutch plates and such?

Probably better make my dealer do it. I'd likely break Humpty Dumpty and then all the Queen's men couldn't put her back together again...

 

[RedR3]

Just looked at clutch removal in the manual, not too difficult. Save for having to remove the radiator. Replacement may be a bit trickier, it says you need a special tool for re-assembly, and specific order of the plates.

 

[RiderRocketman]

Guess I'll have to let my dealer tech do it. Should be able to get it done under warrantee. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks!

 

[RiderRocketman]

Ok, Barnett has finished with my clutch and I should be getting it back any time now. Only problem is my "clutch" problems don't have to do with the clutch parts. More likely my problems are in the transmission components, so I won't be getting my bike back all too soon to test out the new Barnett clutch parts.

I'll relay the info I got from them so if you want Barnett clutch parts for your Rocket, you can go for it. They will be listing a kit for the Rocket sometime on their site to be around $200 www.barnettclutches.com. For now you'll have to order the parts separately:

Friction plates: # K-900 RQ (8 required,$14 each), # K-900K (1 required,$14 each) and # HDP-13B (1 required,$14 each)

Steel plates: # HP-27-14 (9 required,$5 each)

Spring set: # MT-7-5 (1 set of 5 springs,$14)

Total parts cost = $199

Also some instructions from Barnett:

Make sure the friction plates are soaked in the oil that is used in the engine for about 5 or 10 minutes prior to installation.

You will note that one friction plate is a different size (# HDP-13B). This is the first plate installed and is green in color.

There is another green 'regular' plate (# K-900K) and it must be installed last (against pressure plate). This plate is made out of Kevlar and is less abrasive than the other plates in the clutch pack to prevent excessive wear on the pressure plate.

WET CLUTCH TIPS:
All friction plates using Barnett’s wet-type friction materials should be pre-soaked in oil for 5 to 10 minutes prior to installation. Use the same oil that will be used in the engine or primary. A longer soaking time will not benefit the clutch plates.

To ensure the best possible clutch life, always inspect the entire clutch assembly and replace worn or damaged components.

NOTE: The “oddâ€Â