S2R 1K Clutch Problem

[rendler]

I have a S2R 1K and between the abrupt throttle and not much clutch engagement to feather the clutch,  1st gear launches are difficult. As I let the clutch lever out the clutch begins to engage and a fraction of an inch later the lever is all the way out.  This bike has a lot of torque and I need to be able to feather the clutch. Does anyone else have this problem? I have a service appointment and if the length of clutch lever engagement can't be improved I'm considering selling the bike. 

[superjohn]

I think this may be common to dry clutches. My 900SS is not exactly easy to launch in 1st gear either. I think it's adjustable to a certain point, but apparently the real benefit comes from adding a slave cylinder to the clutch, though I've not tried it yet.

[mojo]

This belongs in the Tech section.  You'll get more responses there

[rendler]

I derbyed this in the Tech section. I tried removing it from the General Forum but I guess I don't have the authority. Would the moderator please remove this post? Thanks

[He Man]

Thats how ducati's are. And before you start thinking about selling the bike, do realize that launching from the light has become a form of art. Thats how drag racing got invented. You dont just launch a bike out of no where. You need lots of practice to properly launch in 1st gear. Though a jap bike may be 10x easier and smoother, its not a ducati.

Also if your front isnt a few inches of the ground, you aint launching hard enough. you shouldnt be on the clutch for more than 3/4 of a second if you are launching it from the light as hard as you can. Thats about as fast as I can do it right now. I have a friend who can launch his 695 like a mad man. hes got 4 bikes on me before i even kick it into 2nd.

[Monstermash]

IS the bike totally stock? If so, you may want to consider dropping a tooth on the front sprocket.

How many miles on the bike? Has all the maintenance been done? I only ask because maybe the clutch needs to be bled.

[superjohn]

I derbyed this in the Tech section. I tried removing it from the General Forum but I guess I don't have the authority. Would the moderator please remove this post? Thanks

There should be 3 options at the very bottom of your page for locking, moving, or removing the topic.

[Oldfisti]

+1 on the clutch bleed. I had a similar problem with my s4r. My problem was with the basket however. I was running the sintered clutch plates and they were so grippy they beat up the basket so the plates would not smoothly engage/disengage. The clutch was like an on/off switch. I now use the aluminum plates with no issues.

[mmakay]

The aftermarket clutch slave cylinders (Yoyodyne, etc.) lengthen the friction zone by roughly 30%.  That can help improve the clutch feel, too.

They also look WAY better than the stock unit!   

[rendler]

Thanks for the input. The bike has a DP slipper clutch and a Yoyodyne slave. The slipper needs adjusting as it will disengage when launching in 1st.  I"ll mention your ideas when I bring it in for service. 

[Oldfisti]

FYI - I think the DP slipper came with a sintered plate set. Also I'm not sure there is a slipper adjustment. It only works on decelleration anyway. Check out this post to see how a slipper works. It's not a Duc but almost identical. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.yoyodyneti.com/Product/Hub_and_base.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.1130cc.com/forums/showthread.php%3Ft%3D99946&start=65&h=399&w=600&sz=23&tbnid=I4f-W8-UO10oFM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=135&hl=en&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dducati%2Bslipper%2Bclutch%26start%3D60%26imgsz%3Dlarge%257Cxlarge%257Cxxlarge%257Chuge%26gbv%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN&usg=__q7rwb65kNMsDTgskd8VDGjURpUM=

No matter what your clutch can be fixed to feather properly whatever the cause. Good luck and keep us posted.

Here's a better shot of the ball & ramp setup on the hub:

[Monstermash]

The aftermarket clutch slave cylinders (Yoyodyne, etc.) lengthen the friction zone by roughly 30%. 

Are you sure about this? I've had an Evo slave on every Ducati I've owned and I've never noticed any difference in the friction zone.

Where did you get this information?

[Howie]

Are you sure about this? I've had an Evo slave on every Ducati I've owned and I've never noticed any difference in the friction zone.

Where did you get this information?

This would be true for '00 and older monsters.  In '01 Ducati increased the bore of the slave.

[Mash]

I've owned my '06 s2r1k for about 700 miles now, and I can relate to the 1st gear launch problems.  I stalled a few times, and was just inconsistent coming off the line when I first got the bike.  I have, however, gotten used to it and am pretty good at it now.  Mind you, almost all my riding is in heavy traffic areas with lots of cars, lights and hills (Northern Virginia), and I've gotten a lot of practice.  Just give it some time and you'll be golden.

I installed a 30mm yoyodyne clutch slave at about my 200 mile mark.  I have about 500 miles on it now.  It didn't change the friction zone at all.  It did lighten the clutch pull a little, but I still have to use 3 or 4 fingers on the lever.