Results of installing APE clutch and RPM shifter detent mods

[TexasDave]

With the 2nd central rally fast approaching there were numerous things I wanted to get done to the FJ before departing. I noticed other members doing the same. My 84 fj has never had a problem with the clutch slipping even with my occasional heavy throttle hand but I wanted to try a coil spring clutch mod. Since I would be working on the clutch I decided to do the RPM shifter detent mod at the same time. Acquired the APE coil spring clutch cover from a fellow forum member and detent spring kit with one wider clutch plate and gasket from RPM. Not having any instructions but owning a factory service manual and a Haynes manual I took the plunge. Found the Haynes manual with a lot more pictures helped most. All clutch plates measured like new. Used an impact tool with the bike in gear and my foot on the rear brake to remove the clutch basket nut and my torque wrench to reinstall the same way. Probably not a Yamaha approved method. After reassembly had a few parts left over I hoped weren't needed--OEM clutch spring, bolts,wire,narrow disc, etc. Seems to work quite well. RPMs detent spring shift kit made shifting faster and more positive and the APE kit engages very positively. The lever pressure has increased about 25% but since I'm left handed I can live with that and not change the master cylinder. Happy with the mods.  Dave     

[movenon]

Sounds like you are ready to go Dave . I also just did a clutch pack change out.  Last year I installed the new shifter detent, new pressure plate and did the clutch pack mod.  Now with new steels and fibers all is great.  No problems encountered in the install.  Took about 30 min.. I did soak the new fibers overnight.

It was nice to meet and ride with you at the rally Dave.  Hope to see you again down the road. 
George

[JMR]

I switched out every other spring on the APE conversion kit with softer springs and it has worked very well for about 15 years. It does not slip with over 150HP and pull is very reasonable. I called Barnett and had them cross reference a softer spring that would fit correctly....they were very accommodating.

[TexasDave]

I switched out every other spring on the APE conversion kit with softer springs and it has worked very well for about 15 years. It does not slip with over 150HP and pull is very reasonable. I called Barnett and had them cross reference a softer spring that would fit correctly....they were very accommodating.

Switching out every other spring for a slightly softer one sounds like the perfect solution. After I had installed three of the APE springs the clutch lever pull was about stock. I don't know what the APE springs are rated but they are pretty stout. Thanks for the info.  Dave

[JMR]

I switched out every other spring on the APE conversion kit with softer springs and it has worked very well for about 15 years. It does not slip with over 150HP and pull is very reasonable. I called Barnett and had them cross reference a softer spring that would fit correctly....they were very accommodating.

Switching out every other spring for a slightly softer one sounds like the perfect solution. After I had installed three of the APE springs the clutch lever pull was about stock. I don't know what the APE springs are rated but they are pretty stout. Thanks for the info.  Dave

Stout is an understatement Dave. I also tried 6 soft springs but it wouldn't hold. Clutch pull was very nice.

[fj1289]

Dave,

I don't know what sort of spares you have to select from -- if you have some stock FJ valve springs laying around you can use the inner springs to swap out for some of the heavy springs.

Chris

[Pat Conlon]

The Barnett/APE clutch has 3 coil spring options:

1) The gold colored spring, comes standard: 75lbs/in. This gives a stock like pull at the lever**

2) The green spring : 82lbs/in (pn# 501-82-6023) This gives a double diaphragm spring like pull**. This spring is shorter than the gold spring so washer shims are needed to add to get the green spring length the same as the gold spring.

3) The red spring : 99lbs/in (pn# 501-99-06091) for drag racers. I have not tried these springs. I imagine the pull to be quite hard.

I use the green springs in my 1350. I was getting a tiny bit of clutch slippage with the standard gold springs. I could try alternating (3) gold and (3) green at my next service.

**I have the 14mm FJR clutch m/c so your mileage may vary depending m/c**

[TexasDave]

Thanks for the info Pat. I have the red springs and the clutch lever pull is much harder than stock. With just three of the red springs installed the lever pull was about the same as stock. I think I will replace three of the springs. I will probably try what Chris suggested.  Dave

[fj1289]

Wow!  I thought the green ones where the heavy springs!  Didn't know about the reds...

[racerrad8]

I stock the gold and green springs and can order the red at any time if somebody really needs them.

Randy - RPM