[DucatiGuy]

Don't know how true this is, but I heard it from a fellow Duc rider and avid track user who swears by it... He said to use the springs from a 900SS on my 1098 to help lighten up the clutch. Supposedly the 900SS springs are easier to compress, which aids in clutch effort. Another even "cheaper" mod to help lighten up the clutch is to remove two of the stock springs. In the same way the NCR slipper clutch is setup, with 4 springs instead of 6. He claims the mod will have no adverse effects on the clutch, drivetrain or engine, which he has performed on numerous Ducati's (both street and track bikes) he's owned over the past 10+ years.

So what do you guys think of these mods? Anyone heard of them or have actually tried either or out?

 

[JohnnyDuc]

I don't know if I would take out 2 of the springs. I would talk to your Ducati mechanic who can tell you if the 900 springs make any sense.

 

[ckirkst2s]

Ride the bike more often & you'll get used to the clutch. Soon you'll wonder why some Ducati owners complain about a heavy clutch.

Actually I'm dead nuts serious ... I two finger the clutch most of the time on this bike. Maybe I'm used to my 750 F1b. Now that sucker takes some strength but again ... I'm used to it since I ride it.

Chris

 

[NewDuc]

Good idea

and keep in mind that there are usually trade-offs to anything that makes the pull easier...even aftermarket slaves etc.

I don't know if I would take out 2 of the springs. I would talk to your Ducati mechanic who can tell you if the 900 springs make any sense.

 

[hicks1098]

I'm just a wee guy and I can work the clutch like my job no complaints here... But then again I've been riding dirtbikes and quads since I could walk so that could make a difference. You guys just need to man up! Don't be girly girls!

 

[Big Duke]

NewDuc is right. Buy an aftermarket slave cyl. it will make a difference. Stock slaves are cheap.

 

[DucatiGuy]

The folks over at NCR addressed the Ducati heavy clutch with their newest slipper unit. The unit has only four springs, and the reasoning behind that was to simply offer an easier to use/pull clutch, with less moving mass/parts.

From the mouth of the bike testers.. "...race longer, ride harder..." It's a comfort thing.

If there's an NCR dealer in your area, and they're lucky to have one of the limited production New Blue bikes on the floor, try the clutch on that baby. It's like butter! A combination of a GP Brembo master, aftermarket slave, and their 4 spring slipper clutch. It's 50% less effort than a stock 1098.

The MPL slave I have on my 1098 offers a 30% reduction. The extra 20% may not be much, but for someone who rides in and out of NYC Tri-State traffic day in and day out, I'll take every bit of reduction I can get...