Worn Clutch at 18,000 miles on RT SM5?

[ThreeWheels]

My clutch began slipping and now at 18,000 miles it seems to be close to needing a replacement.

I don't do burnouts, and I don't ride the clutch.

Nor do I brake with the engine. I put it in neutral and use the footbrake to stop specifically to save the clutch since brake pads are so much cheaper.

It's been explained to me that this is normal wear for a bike this big.

I say phooey, but I'm open to other opinions.

Does anyone know of an aftermarket clutch that would hold up better. I've heard good and bad for Barnett, and don't know of any others.

Any advice would be helpful.

 

[docdoru]

Huligan! :thumbup::joke:
Stay away from Barnett (replaced 3) nojoke
OEM clutch PROFESSIONALLY installed (with proper spacers) will do. opcorn:

 

[BikerDoc]

I had a 2010 rts SM5 and the clutch went out at 8000 miles - I not done anything remotely to cause that kind of wear.. Apparently it just happens in some of them.. After the clutch plate was replaced I went another 13000 miles without so much as a slip. Unfortunately I met face to face with a trailer truck so we will never know how long that clutch would have lasted.

 

[napper39]

and if any one on here knows clutches doc would know.:yikes:

 

[boborgera]

First 18,000 miles is NOT normal for a clutch that hasn't been abused to fail, Unless you were using the wrong type oil. :dontknow:
Second, The Spyder isn't that big a trike for the OEM clutch.

 

[ThreeWheels]

Huligan! :thumbup::joke:
Stay away from Barnett (replaced 3) nojoke
OEM clutch PROFESSIONALLY installed (with proper spacers) will do. opcorn:

OK, I will absolutely stay away from Barnett.

First 18,000 miles is NOT normal for a clutch that hasn't been abused to fail, Unless you were using the wrong type oil. :dontknow:
Second, The Spyder isn't that big a trike for the OEM clutch.

It's never seen anything except BRP blend purchased from my Spyder dealer.
Thanks.
My initial reaction was phooey ! (I've been catching up on Nero Wolfe lately)

I had a 2010 rts SM5 and the clutch went out at 8000 miles - I not done anything remotely to cause that kind of wear.. Apparently it just happens in some of them.. After the clutch plate was replaced I went another 13000 miles without so much as a slip. Unfortunately I met face to face with a trailer truck so we will never know how long that clutch would have lasted.

That's a couple more data points. I appreciate the information.
I had so much trouble with the alignment when I first got it, it took three subsequent alignments to get it right, I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out the factory didn't set the clutch up right either.

I guess I'll go with the OEM clutch.

Thanks for all the input .

Now if you could only help me get a date.......................

 

[Lamonster]

You should have 1 mm of clearance in your clutch pack. I would have then check that before they take it apart to make sure it was shimmed right to start with.

 

[StriperKing]

When I bought my RT-S the clutch plates were burnt from the previous owner at 3400 miles, I mean coal black glazed. I replaced them with Barnett and at over 11,000 miles I am very happy. I used the Barnett springs which are kinda stiff. If you don`t want stiffer use the OEM springs. So far so good.

 

[bullant12]

Mine slipped and had to get it rebuilt at 2700 miles, coming back from Spyderfest 2011. BRP (Carlo) told me that even being a wear-and-tear item, they paid the parts and my dealer re-built the clutch. So far I'm near 10,000 miles and doing well...:thumbup: