Mr. Phillips of Grandeur Cycles contacted me when I mentioned, in a news report, that these clutches were dangerous is some circumstances, but they’re killer for jockey shift guys. I mean killer is a good way.
I was told Kirk Taylor was performing an Install and Ken Conte would be on hand to take some shots and this opportunity would afford all of us a better understanding of this system. At the risk to being scolded by Master Phillips I’ll attempt to explain.
This clutch affords riders the ability to clutch like normal or like a centrifugal clutch would respond. A centrifugal clutch automatically engages with increased rpms. Imagine if you have a suicide clutch and you’re at a stop on a hill, you’re in gear and you need to put your left foot on the pavement. That’s why they’re called suicide clutches. Unless you can grab neutral, if you move your foot, you’re underway, whether you like it or not.
This clutch disengages as soon as the motor slows to a particular RPM, so the suicide guy, high or reds, can remove his foot without fear of launch. They only drawback to this system is an aberrant revving with the bike in gear and no hand on the clutch lever. Can you picture that scenario?
If you’re in gear at a light and want to rev the engine, pull in the clutch lever first, or put your foot down on the suicide clutch lever. Simple. Be careful, if the bike is acting up, carb problems or you’re almost outta gas.
Okay, let’s install one with Kirk Taylor of Custom Design Studios in Novato, California. We’re about to feature one of his recent builds. Kirk has a good eye for Chopper class.
You have to pull your old pressure plate off. Loosen Jam Nut and Allen Adjuster, Shoulder Bolts and Springs and pull all your Friction Discs and Steels. You'll end up with a pile of BDL parts.
Next remove the drive dowells and replace them with the new ones supplied in the kit.
Now, here’s a Tip. They don’t tell you in their instructions: Not all BDL “3 Belt drives are the same. The Basket on the early ones is different.
Manufacturer note: Grandeur strongly suggest that you install a neutral starter switch when installing your auto clutch to prevent your bike from starting in gear. They offer a neutral switch (part number GRNSSKIT).
Re-install the Clutch Disc and Plates as follows: 1.thick plate, 2.disc (the fiber ones), 3. thin plate, 4.disc, 5.thin plate,6. disc, 7.thin plate,8. disc,9.thin plate,10.disc,11thin plate,12.disc,13.thin plate14.disc,15. Their Supplied Plate, 16.disc, Follow the order and finish with disc next to their supplied pressure plate ( pic 9a)
Manufacturer Warning: If your run a hudraulic clutch, do not pump the lever without the motor running. Hydraulic units are capable of neneratin a lot of force. You will bend something if you pump hard enough.
Install their new Pressure Plate with supplied 8-32 Screws. At this point check for proper clearance by pushing on the center of the Pressure Plate. You should have .070-.100 thou of movement (Regular Clutch set up) Tip # 2: FOR SUICIDE SET UPS YOU WANT TO HAVE .70-.080 thou. They are more finicky. Press with your thumbs like and measure with your calipers.
Install Adjust Bolt and Jam Nut. Adjust for proper free play, run in the adjuster till it touches, then back it out two full turns. Make sure your cable is disconnected or backed off. Make the adjustment. Give it a try, typical adjustment is 1 1/2 to 3 turns. Adjust the cable for a dime thickness of slack at the lever and GO RIDE!!!!!
–Kirk Taylor
Lisa Taylor
Custom Design Studios
56 Hamilton Drive # A
Novato, Ca. 94949
(415) 382-6662
www.customdesignstudios.com
TECH SIDEBARS:
If using a hydraulic master cylinder set-up: Remove the master cylinder cap (removal of the cap allows excess fluid to draw off). Turn clutch pushrod adjuster bolt in until it stops. You are pushing the hydraulic actuator piston into the seated position. Back it out three turns and lock it down. Do not pump clutch lever unless bike is running or you will force actuator piston out to the end of its travel and the clutch won’t work.
If the lever has been pumped on a hydraulic clutch, do not try to squeez the lever, or you WILL damage the Auto Clutch Assembly. Start the bike and rev it a few times. That should release the pressure.
If you are working with a hand or foot cable set-up: Back adjuster screw out until you do not have any lever or pedal (lever against the grip). Turn the pushrod adjust in until the lever begins to move and lock it down. You will not have any hand or clutch lever movement until you start the bike. Do not adjust any slack out of the cable after adjusting the clutch adjustment screw in the center of Auto Clutch.
Setting correct Auto Clutch end play is critical to operation. Failure to perform this step makes all of your work incorrect. The unit won’d be right unless you follow all the steps.
Make sure to follow all of Mike’s instructions.
Grandeur Cycle
P.O.Box 216
2200 NC HWY 67
Jonesville, NC 28642
Toll Free :: 877-224-6975
E-mail :: mike@grandeurcycle.com
http://www.grandeurcycle.com
