Clutch Chatter

  

Clutch chatter is an audible grinding/chattering noise when the clutch is being engaged and the bike is starting to move. This is especially noticeable in sidecar applications.

Clutch chatter is something Indian tried to deal with which usually proved unsuccessful. Indian at 1 point tried self centering clutch release bearings which was a failure and didn't solve the problem.

  

We have been doing numerous studies and experiments with alternative clutch parts and come up with what has been a successful combination that we developed for racing and heavy duty sidecar applications (which certainly works with ease on a stock bike). We completely redesigned the clutch pressure plates and then made them from billet aluminum and hard anodized them for long life. This assembly captures the springs on both plates ensuring they remain positively located at all times even under heavy sidecar use. Not only is this assembly lighter (under 1/2 the weight of the original) but it is also more rigid which greatly reduces the chances of clutch chatter.

springs cockeyed in original assembly
springs positively captured in Kiwi assembly



Aluminum vs steel friction plates.
  

As far as clutch release goes, they both release about the same. Wear on either the aluminum or steel plates themselves over the studs is non existent on both types however the BIG advantage of aluminum over steel is its light weight of approx 12-1/2 oz (355 grams) while the steel assembly is approx 2-1/4 lbs (1035 grams), a whooping 2-1/2 times heavier.

Steel friction plates have several disadvantages. 1/ It tends to throw the clutch assembly out of balance (when compared with fiber or aluminum) which in turn will cause premature failure on the mainshaft bearings and clutch sprocket bushing. 2/ Increased weight robs horse power which translates into decreased acceleration. Today's engineers and designers design such assemblies for light weight which not only increases acceleration but also decreases vibration. Ideally one wants to minimize the overall weight, not add to it.

As far as their friction abilities go, both do about the same job.

**For primary cover fitting see "Primary Installation"**