My Kove 450 Rally February 2024

[Amsterdam]

No idea, I just asked for a new set at the agent, so was completely sure he'd not flog me a set for a Lambretta, however, full honesty here, I did not check that!

125-smoker-lighties must just learn not to use the clutch when riding anything bigger, but to be honest so must an older gent who has a big thumper himself - but oh well, after all a clutch is a consumable hmm?
This is the 2nd clutch I buy in my life now, the other one was just to make sure I had piece of mind when I bought a used 500 - which only improved me finding neutral with the new set, it was fine otherwise.

Since this is the 2nd one that you buy I presume you borrowed the ones for the 701?

 

[2StrokeDan]

Ja wragtag Bart, your name is not Bart "The clutchplate" Steffels.......

And stop blaming young laaities for wrecking your clutch..

On our upcoming trip, I'll teach you how to ride.

 

[BuRP]

Lol yeah, that bike (701) ate clutches, had to modify the springs (+15% stronger) and replaced that narrow anti-shudderr plate shite with a normal (used) plate - and only then it was fine!
Still in there now with the current owner .... but that's a repair of an inherent shortcoming, with EBC ready to supply the better parts needed.
I still have those plates, they measured the exact same thickness, still dunno exactly what was the problem .... so yeah, 3rd set!

 

[BuRP]

I'll teach you how to ride

Amsterdam will have that opportunity also, soon.... and hey, I'm never too old to learn!

 

[dirtWarp]

And then it happened......

I've lent my bike on several occasions to several people, ranging from lighties to senior citizens.
We all ride different styles, and therefore we also use our clutch different, and use it for different reasons!
I use the clutch to pull away & stop of course, changing gears too, and will modulate it a bit when the going gets so touch that I need to feather it to prevent stalling.... and that's about it!
I never (ever!) use the clutch to modulate the engine's power like 125cc racers do, nor do I use it when I'm seriously on the throttle, in fact I regard doing that as complete lunacy!
But someone has done this, clearly so..... causing the clutch stack's thickness to go down by 0.9mm, and I noticed it starting to slip at maximum torque, in the lower gears actually.

Below is what came out, mileage just over 6000km - it actually still looks good but is not, the lot has worn too thin now.
Oh well, a new set of plates (steel & friction) sorted that, ex-stock from Offroad Cycles.

View attachment 928250

So, if in future you ask me for a spin when next we meet please don't take it personal when I'll refuse such?

I won't ask for a spin then, as I abuse clutches.
And steering dampers
And front wheels


Dankie dat ek jou 500 vir 2 weke kon ry in Namibië

 

[BuRP]

And front rims

Corrected that for you
Clutch still is fine though, damper also... so you'll have to try harder next time...

 

[dirtWarp]

Corrected that for you
Clutch still is fine though, damper also... so you'll have to try harder next time...

Daai pampoene kan die hammering vat
But of course there are limits to clutch "abuse" and no way of knowing what transpired with your Kove

 

[BuRP]

no way of knowing what transpired

Will tell you over a campfire, remote desertish somewhere, with prying predator eyes on our backs thus me wearing crocks so I can run faster than you