[atomicjoe23]

I've got a buddy with a desert racing buggy (think UTV sized buggy) that's using RC51 power. . .the thing is great and they love it. . .the only problem is that they are having a hard time with the clutch. . .they keep having to replace the clutch plates. . .a LOT!!!

Do you guys have any tricks/tips to help out with clutch life???

Here is an article featuring their buggy in Off Road Magazine if you wanna check out the buggy. . .

http://www.off-roadweb.com/features/0904or_creating_a_super_utv/index.html

Thanks!!!

 

[SubSailor]

The only possibilities I can think of are:
1. Change to higher performance plates (kevlar or carbon-fiber) that might last longer.
2. Increase final drive ratios to allow more torque multiplication to reduce slippage.
3. Reduce vehicle weight for less stress on the clutch.
4. Redesigned clutch with more plates (more surface area).
And...
5. Go to a Hayabusa motor. They have large clutches and way more torque and HP.

 

[atomicjoe23]

Thanks SubSailor. . .

do you have any recommendations on the redesigned clutch, i.e. is there one already out there???

If this was an R1 or R6 or even a GSX-R I would know or at least know where to look. . .but I personally don't have an RC51 (although I've wanted one for a while now) and haven't really looked too much into their aftermarket for that reason. . .

 

[SubSailor]

No, item 4 was a hypothetical on my part.
Usually the clutch with Barnett kevlar plates and stronger springs is more than enough for street and track use with bikes.
You'd need a redesigned clutch basket and cover to accommodate a more plates.
So items 2, 3, and 5 are the practical choices.
Actually item 5 ('Busa motor) is the real choice if your rules allow.
If it will smoke the tires off a Mini or Smart car, then a buggy is no problem.

 

[atomicjoe23]

The buggy I'm working on is gonna be powered by a 'Busa engine. . .I'm not sure why he didn't use one though. . .probably the rules because his buggy is the size of a UTV and he is probably limited on the displacement would be my guess as I haven't looked at the rules of his class. . .

. . .does anyone know if they make a lock-up clutch for the RC51. . .I know they make them for the commonly drag raced bikes, but not sure about the RC51 that would definitely solve the problem. . .

 

[SubSailor]

I'm betting...no.
There's not much work being done on the RC51 since Honda ceased racing it.
About the only person I know that has redesigned major components is Durbahn in Germany.
And his components are geared towards more track performance (lighter weight etc.).

 

[jgos929]

I would have to agree with the weight being an issue. Using a stock 51 clutch to move something that weighs easily 3 or 4 times more than what it was built for has to be whats killing you.