How hard is it to replace the clutch?

[r1owner]

I think I fried my clutch during the ULGP race at BHF the last time.  Started getting lots of chatter for the rest of the starts that weekend.

Is that even a symptom of a bad clutch?

BTW, the bike is an 01 GSXR 600.

So, how hard is it to replace (i.e. can a relatively mechanical guy such as myself replace it)?

Should I just go with the stocker again or any recommendations on aftermarket?  Probably going to race it for one more year.  Any ideas on cost on stock vs aftermarket?

[xlr8tn]

I used to have a 98 gsxr 600.  It was relatively easy to change.  Not sure if they still have the 3 little brass screws, but those strip real easy, so be prepared.  Take a look at the manual and buy what it say ahead of time.  Also, I would just put in a new stock clutch.  Remember to soak them in oil for a good hour or more.  Make sure you get a new gasket and have to grey sealer handy for places around the casing where there is a seam.  Get you one of the measuring calipers so you can check the width of the stack and each plate.  Check for warpage on these and replace as necessary.  Get a hold of a Haynes manual or similar with play by play pics.  I also make it a habit of snapping shots with my digital camera in case I have questions later.  You'll only learn if you try it once and ask questions if needed.  You may want to get some of the barnett clutch springs (concave ones that are stronger than stock) to prevent false neutrals and a more positive snap into gear.

-brent

P.S.  Make sure you place a rag or something under the clutch when working to prevent little screws from falling into the oil pan...It's happened to me before and there is nothing like going fishing for a screw with the telescoping magnet when everything down there is metal :)

[OmniGLH]

Hey Scott,

Clutch is a piece of cake.  Just go with stock Suzuki parts - order both steels and fibers.  No reason to risk slipping a warped or worn plate back in there.  Get a new case gasket too.  You can probably do the springs if you want (I never do) but they're only a few bucks each.  Let the new plates soak in oil while you're dismantling everything.

It all comes apart pretty easy.  Case cover comes off, the clutch-cable-mechanism comes out, and there's probably 4-5 bolts (I think my 750 had 5) that hold the basket together.  Bust those off (the clutch springs are behind them) and the center section of the clutch basket should come out.  Pay attention to the order in which you pull the old plates out - you'll want to make sure you put the new plates back in the same order (don't, and you'll wind up wasting your basket.)  While you're in there, inspect both halves of the basket for cracks or grooves.  There might be a little bit of grooving where the plates engage with the basket.  If there's grooving there, you might want to consider replacing the basket (same goes for any cracks.)  The grooves will cause the plates to hang up in the basket, and won't allow the clutch to engage smoothly.

It's really not scary at all - and when you finally get in there, you'll probably say to yourself, "That's it??"  Shouldn't take you more than an hour the first time you do it... and subsequent times will take all of 20 minutes.

Good luck.