Question about anti-hopping clutch

I have the KTM/Suter slipper clutch. Last track day it started slipping out of slow turns that required heavy acceleration. I replaced the clutch pack with Barnett performance clutch kit. The thing slipped some more and then just stopped grabbing at all. You can hold it still while in first gear! I eliminated the master and slave cylinders as a problem. The clutch pack seems fine, as did the one I took out. Do you all think that this pressure plate is worn out and causing the problem? I don't remember what it looked like new. I don't understand why the plates ride against steel friction plates but the outside disk rides against an aluminium pressure plate?
Seems like this would wear fast.
Thoughts, suggestion and solutions??? Please!!!

Hi drswade,

I have the same clutch fitted - did it at the beginning of the year and can remember that the inside of the pressure plate was not worn like that, (it was used when I bought it so not brand new).

I can't really help much but maybe you could contact KTM and ask if there is a tolerance for the thickness of the plate in that area, (like measuring a brake disc). It does look kind of worn down. I had a look in the instructions I got with the clutch and there is no mention of this dimension or of general maintenance as the clutch wears.

What's strange is that one would think that the way a clutch should be designed is for the plates to wear out - easily and cheaply replaced, not this part of the clutch - which will not be cheap to replace.

Keep us posted on this - I'd be interested to know what you find out.

Good luck.

bic

I've had issues with my clutch (still not sorted, back in its box!)

I did have some contact with the manufacturer, the last email is shown below, hopefully this might help you in some way.
René Föhn to me


show details Apr 15
Hi Jody
First of all I am very sorry that you have problems with the clutch!
Basically only KTM has the right to sell this clutch and is responsible for the support of the customers.
But the first version of the clutch was a fault of ktm and they make a very bad support to the customer to solve the problem.


Well I will help you that you will be happy with our clutch:

I guess that you have this clutch:





Well first please measure the thickness of the clutch package. I guess you will have 49.8-50.0mm
Further you don’t have the 1.0mm washer pos.17 or you didn’t mount it.
In this case the bolts pos.13 touch the release ring and the clutch slips!

So please let me know what situation do you have.


Thanks a lot for your effort

Best regards / Freundliche Grüsse

René Föhn
Maschinenbautechniker HF
Suter Racing Technology AG – Clutch Design
Mettlenstrasse 3, CH - 8488 Turbenthal
Switzerland

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel. Direct: +41 (0)52 397 10 75
Tel Reception: +41 (0)52 397 10 60
Fax: +41 (0)52 397 10 70
www.suterracing.ch

I have been staring at that pressure plate on my desk for a few hours now.
I absolutely think that refacing it with a bonded steel ring would work.
The problem is that there are few "one off" type guys around anymore.
Kicking myself in the ass for selling my CNC mill and lathe a couple of years ago.
If KTM can't solve this for a reasonable, and I mean like $200, I will go with a Yoyodyne or another type. Why would I want to spend the money on a product that fails like this. I know racing is hard on the thing but, Hellooooo! This is a racing clutch...

I want a slipper myself...but...mechanically...sure looks used up....asking KTM to do anything is a joke...I MIGHT...get my bike back after a month...for what I think is dealer AND KTM sheeeot..but..I STILL love my superduke regardless...I do understand the money involved too...sure is a crime to me...but...tinkering is what we do eh.???? Alot of good info on this rip...Waiting to hear the solution and how it worked out for ya bud...I hope for hte least money...though alot of effort...

Mike

Just wanted to let you all know the outcome.
I got and email reply from the same guy as Jody.
Rene was quick to let me know that they have the parts and can ship them post haste. With the sFR to dollar plus VAT it was going to kill me. Add the shipping cost and the fact that they may not even arrive in time, forget it.
I have ordered a Yoyodyne slipper and put in a lowish bid on the eBay slipper. Hedging my bets, so to speak.
The people at Hinson stated that they can add my order for Suter parts next time they order from Switzerland which will reduce the shipping considerably.
In any case, expect the KTM clutch to go on sale here in the near future. Used but with new parts, I guess.
Nothing like trying to figure out a new clutch ON race weekend!