Heavy Duty clutch or standard OEM replacement for 350X

[ClayW]

Ok. I know I have kinda asked this before, but I only got basiclly one response. I have a 85 350X. Needs a clutch. Clutch was smoked when I got it. I plan on buying new friction discs, springs, and metal plates. Should I go with the heavyduty clutch or standard OEM replacement. I dont really go thru clutches, however I do weigh 285lbs and seem to add some stress to the clutch. I know on a previous dirt bike I owned, my wife would ride it and it wouldnt slip at all. I would get on it and it would slightly slip until it warmed up. Yes it was a used clutch so it could have been close to needing a new one. But who knows. So, should I go with the heavy duty? I know Tim SR said that the big difference would be the tension on the clutch lever. Would make it tough on your left hand. Any and all opinions would be appreciated. I want to get one ordered and installed so I can ride this thing ASAP. Thanks

ClayW

[OldSchoolin86]

Get any pack you want just get the better springs. The extra strain on the left hand for a stronger clutch has betten well worth it in my experience.

[ClayW]

Thanks, thats what I was wanting to hear.

ClayW

[Curtis-Tecate3]

I have had good luck with Barnett products on both my 200X and Tecate. Just follow directions when installing and you shouldn't have any problems at all. By the way I did the whole kit, metal & fiber plates and the HD springs.

Curtis.

[clong]

Barnetts are the strongest clutch you can buy in my opinion and they will out last everything else on the bike.

[TimSr]

I must be in the minority, but I get several years out of a new standard OEM clutch provided the basket is in good shape. Nobody has ever accused me of babying my equipment. I wouldnt even consider going heavy duty for my use. Its not worth the added arm pump and fatigue. Ive never had a 350X, so I dont know if they are more prone to eating clutches than the 250R or the Yamahas, but Id try stock first, and then if you have premature clutch death, look at heavy duty. Ive found that an awful lot of complaints about clutch slippage and clutch wear can be attributed to being geared for street riding and then driving around all day on trails and manually slipping the clutch to keep from stalling. Ive also found that mechanically, the condition and type of your clutch basket has a lot more to do with clutch life, than the type of clutch.

[thefox]

I have never ridden a 350x but I know with they motorcycle that having a tighter cluch doesn't seem like as good of an idea after a days riding. I would much rather replace the cluch every 15 years instead of every 16 years if it meant having an easier time riding. With a tight pull at the end of the day your shifts might not be as good as they should be just from having a sore hand.

[OldSchoolin86]

People.... I never got arm pump from a stiff clutch spring and I never started shifting bad at the end of the day due to a stiff clutch spring either. They aren't that stiff. If your riding a machine with everything it has that extra tension on the pack will help a lot. A stock clutch being beaten all day just doesn't hold up the same. Even my trx250r with the hison basket and plate did better with the stiffer springs. Your better off trying the heavy duty springs first, then if you don't like it you can spend the 12 bucks and get the stockers instead of deciding when you burn another pack.

[jeswinehart]

i'd double check those metal plates clay. most of the time they don't need replacing. basically only if they are warped (or ouf of specs - most unlikely ) will they need replaced. don't go by the bluish colour so much.
clean them up good and lay on a mirror or any glass that you have and poke your finger around the edges on the plates. if they are warped one side will move up when you poke the other side.
if that test proves okay ,,, your're gonna hafta trust me on this one ,,,
lay each plate on your concrete and scuff it up some what on both sides and clean off again and they're ready for re-install.
those metal plates are rather salty.


john

[MO350X]

I just replaced the clutch on my '85 350X two rides ago.
NEW Honda clutch discs.
REUSED the steels.
NEW "20% heavier" springs.
Can't say I felt any real difference in lever effort.

Overall?
Two thumbs up for a VERY cost-effective replacement.
Works excellent.

[ClayW]

Where can you buy a barnett clutch at. I have only found a limited number of places to buy clutches. Thanks for the info guys.

ClayW