Barnett Clutch Kit

[tubarney]

Does anyone have any experience with these? Does the black/blue plate go first or last?

[Racer x]

Better call them and ask. I have used these kits a lot and never seen a black clutch plate. I don't think it matters. But better check with Bennett

[DmbShn41]

A quick Google returned this:

http://www.barnettclutches.com/servi....aspx?faq_id=6

It's just a general FYI for clutch service from Barnett, not specific to the bike. Looks like bike specific instructions may be enclosed with kit. Have your taken bike apart yet? Does it have a blue/black plate in it originally? I haven't gotten to mine yet, so I don't know specifically. Obviously Racer X is a good resource as I'm sure he has seen his fair share of 250 clutch kits...let us know how it turns out. I've been eye balling this kit mainly cause I want to upgrade/replace the clutch in my bike.

[tubarney]

I sent Barnett an email. Their reply can be found below. I'll post a little review of the kevlar clutch for road use in a few hours.

"Bradley, the plates are in fact exactly the same. Makes no difference how you install them. The difference in the color is just that they are from different lots. The green and black adhesives are just different
ones that were used at different time. The greenish color is the one we are using at present. Both work equally well. The blue/black color was discontinued due to EPA regulations here in the ‘wonderful. state
of California! If you look at the dates on the individual bags, you’ll see the one plate was made at a different time...."

[Ghostt]

Are you upgrading the clutch springs themselves as well?

Upgrading to performance clutch springs by Ghostt

Choosing Clutch Springs

Barnett aftermarket clutch springs for a 1985-1989 ZX-600, Part # 501-50-05055. You can view them online at the Barnett catalog, here: http://www.barnettclutches.com/produ...&clutch_cc=600 They can be ordered through your local dealership, or at a number of online sources. Here is one such online catalog: http://www.exoticsportbike.com/6001.htm

Another option is the EBC CSK10 (see http://www.ebcbrakes.com/motorcycle_..._springs.shtml). This kit isn't quite as stiff as the Barnett, but is better than stock and usually a little cheaper. The kit does include six springs, while the ninja 250 only uses four.

[tubarney]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

Are you upgrading the clutch springs themselves as well?

Yes, new frictions, steels and springs. I've had the kit for a while now, just been waiting for the moment when the old clutch needed replacing.

The Barnett clutch is as smooth as OEM. The force required to pull the clutch lever back is about 50% more with the new springs but its not so hard that you will get tired in city peak hour traffic. Seems like a pretty good replacement for the stock set-up.

[Ghostt]

The weak link so to speak of is the springs, the plates and steels Kawasaki uses in the Ninjette bigger brother's like the KZ1000 ETC...

Kawasaki uses weaker springs, due to its a beginner's bike, this causes could cause slippage at high RPMs, as experienced with the EX500.

Upgrading to the ZX600 springs is a common upgrade on the EX, and I believe it should be as well on the Ninjette as well.

And we must also keep in mind that the Ninjette only uses 4 springs!! So it needs all the help it can get.

[Racer x]

I am thinking about having a custom cover and clutch drum made. I would like to use a zx6 clutch. The release mechanics would probably need to be changed to hydronic and a new side cover would need to be fabricated. It's about 1400 bucks from what people tell me.

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by Racer x

I am thinking about having a custom cover and clutch drum made. I would like to use a zx6 clutch. The release mechanics would probably need to be changed to hydronic and a new side cover would need to be fabricated. It's about 1400 bucks from what people tell me.

Would be awesome to see, but not at that cost, too bad.

[Racer x]

Yes a bit pricy. Five or six springs are the thing that is needed. Or a lock up. But that requires a new cover also. That is the money part

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by Racer x

Yes a bit pricy. Five or six springs are the thing that is needed. Or a lock up. But that requires a new cover also. That is the money part

I've done the spring modification to both my EX and Ninjette it's definitely worth while investment.