building the 86 250R clutch

[jrooster]

So after a bit of research this is what ive come up with. Im thinking of going with the tusk clutch kit with the heavy duty springs along with the weisco basket. Then i will be doing the 89 Clutch upgrade kit. All these should work together right? Who has experience with Tusk? All clutches and baskets are the same on 85-86 250rs correct? Ive done a fair bit of reading and its mostly good i read.

[yaegerb]

Did the same mod a few years back and I do my research as well.

Steels and Fibers: Tusk is tusk, cheaper so you get what you pay for. Will it last....likely for a stocker, but be careful if you go big bore/heavy cylinder modification. I ALWAYS recommend going with OEM or Barnett plates, both are high quality and good reputations.

Baskets: Depending on who you ask Wiseco is average to OK. I went with a Barnett and it has held up to some serious abuse. I also like the fact Barnett riveted stainless inserts to protect the basket fingers from premature wear. Or....if your pocket book can handle it, I highly recommend Hinson.

89 Clutch upgrade is likely the best bang for the buck I ever did to my clutch. Cheapest I found was Honda of Toledo on Ebay...69.00 I think. I highly recommend this mod.

Yes they are the same.

[shortline10]

I just did a Hinson clutch basket on a customers 86 250r and I would highly recommend it .

[RoscoW]

Ditto to the tee what yaegerb did. OEM's, Barnet basket and 89 upgrade, The feel is so much better, I can actually tell when I need to change oil by the feel of the clutch pull.

Ross..

[jrooster]

Thanks guys. This will be my first clutch rebuild. If anyones real familiar with it id really appreciate a little walk through. Thanks again!

[Mosh]

May want to read this before you dig in. Most 85 and 86 R engines have clearance issues with aftermarket baskets. Its easy to remedy if you follow the instructions in this thread here.
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/94868-250r-clutch?highlight=clutch%20basket

[yaegerb]

So not only does the primary drive gear have to be beveled but I also had to heat my basket in the oven to around 400 degrees for approx. 5 minutes so that my basket gear would slide in. Once it goes in then place a thick book or heavy weight on top of the gear and let the assembly cool.

What they don't tell you is its an interference fit on the aftermarket basket. DO NOT try and press this gear into the new basket, you will ruin it. Picture below illustrating (this is pre-oven)

225046

[Dirtcrasher]

^ That's a great tip!!

If your gonna take off that cover, use OEM parts and you'll get the feel of a NOS 250R.

My only exceptions are Vesrah or Cometic for gaskets. I don't want their clutch or brake pads......

[Red Rider]

... but I also had to heat my basket in the oven to around 400 degrees for approx. 5 minutes so that my basket gear would slide in.Did you put the basket gear in the freezer as well to shrink it?

[yaegerb]

Did you put the basket gear in the freezer as well to shrink it?

You can, and its a good practice to do so. However, I did not for this application.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

If you go with a Hinson basket, be selective about what your friction material is. If I recall they specifically state to avoid Barnett friction material in their instructions and to use natural friction material. I'll see if I can dig up the paperwork on my Hinson basket to be sure.