RAC4IT
Needs a job
Bergie
Posts: 3009
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posted July 28, 2002 02:19 PM
 Edited By: RAC4IT on 30 Jul 2002 11:32
clutch rod failure
Oh well shit happens I know. Only my 6th pass, with no weight on it, the clutch is hard to launch, had to cut my launch rpms in half... 3000rpm to keep from wheelieing too much..
Anyway I tried stepping it up to 5000rpm on only my 6th pass and something broke, I think it's the extended puller shaft inside but I haven't opened it yet, just got home. Will pop the cover and check the carnage Monday and post.
At first I thought the clutch cable broke, since I had no lever and it wouldn't downshift after the run, but then I realized the cable was working and connected something inside the cover is wasted.
Can't really give an honest opinion of the lockup with only 5 (and a half) passes but it's a bitch to launch. Best pass 9.64 @ 153 stock wheelbase.
Oh did I mention that I corded my M/T MCR2 today too? So I spent 40 minutes in the 100 degree heat changing my tire at the track too... definitely not my day  but even a bad day at the track is better than a good day at work!
  
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Zhooligan
Moderator
Post Whore Extraordinaire!
Posts: 3829
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posted July 28, 2002 04:07 PM
We could have used a little of that heat here in the Northwest. Went to the NHRA National at Pacific Raceway in Seattle. The weather was to have been overcast, but the overcast was laden with mist! Delayed the racing significantly. I left after one round as the mist was becoming rain and I had ridden my 12 without rain gear etc.
Kenny Berstein (sp?) ran a 4.55 despite the slick connditions. There were 3 4.5's ran in the first round. Funny cars were running 4.8s and 9s. Pretty damn amazing!
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krexken
Zone Head
Posts: 732
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posted July 28, 2002 05:32 PM
It'll be interesting to see how the lock-up works out for you. Are you expecting more clutch life with it or more mph? Just curious. I spent all day at the track in Houston yesterday and man was it hot. The good thing was we had a nice, stiff downtrack breeze. Mphs were very good!
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mack
Novice Class
Posts: 60
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posted July 28, 2002 06:37 PM
Some guys here at Atco were having the same problems.It seems on the 2000 models the clutch rod that the cable conects to is the problem.If you look at parts diagrams from 2000 to 2001 you will see Kawasaki upgraded this part making it the same diamiter all the down its length,the 2000 one is under cut making it flex and not engaging the puller rod correctly.Also running to much end play to get the clutch to engage closer to the hand grip will also make the shift rod move up in the case.This can cause the clutch rod to hit the puller rod and push it side ways snaping the end off the puller rod.Get your self the 2001 or 2002 clutch rod to start and if you can set the end play as per shop manual.If you need the handle closer try bending it or cutting it and weld it were you need it.O it was nice of Kawasaki not to help,when they knew the 2000 clutch was a prolbem.After all they change changed most of it in 2001.
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BA
Pro
Posts: 1592
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posted July 28, 2002 07:33 PM
Bummer Bernie! I'm feeling your pain man. Sorry to hear about the breakage,........and then to have to change a tire to boot!! Arrrghhhh!
What does that thing do for you anyway? (like asked above?) A more consistent engagement after you get the springs and weights set up properly??
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TurboBlew
Moderator
BUSY DOING THE SCHIAVO
Posts: 4590
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posted July 29, 2002 02:50 AM
Lesson learned....LOCKUPS SUCK, but they are a necessary evil on higher hp bikes! 
RAC, with a lockup I just *dump* the clutch off the line and then initiate throttle control and try to get the rear brake covered asap!
I guess a *thumb brake* might help in that regard.
How different were your short times from non-lockup setup??
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Official Charter Member of the RIDERS OF KAWASAKI MEMBERSHIP REVOCATION CLUB
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RAC4IT
Needs a job
Bergie
Posts: 3009
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posted July 29, 2002 04:29 AM
Short times were way down because of wheelies, best of 1.67 just carrying the front tire and 9.64 ET. I'm not going to make any judgement calls until I can get a chance to really practice with it. I've rented a lane at MIR for this Friday but my bike is broke, just hope I can get the parts I need before then!
I'll pull the cover on the bike today and post the cause.
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madmike
Moderator
FEAR THE BLACK FLAG!!!!!!!!
Posts: 6579
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posted July 29, 2002 05:53 AM
Oh man that stinks, I should have told you to keep an eye on that puller, man mine was whiped out, I put another one on, and the new # has the shaft the same size the whole length, if there was any wear on your puller then the new plunger would have wore it out, man Sorry I did not tell you to check that one,
Hope that is all that it is...
MM
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BA
Pro
Posts: 1592
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posted July 29, 2002 11:55 AM
wow. Sounds like Mike owes you a new puller shaft!!! LOL! :-D
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NINJA12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted July 29, 2002 10:44 PM
$550 and you don't get all the right parts, to stay together?
WOW!
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hotrodninja
Expert Class
Posts: 121
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posted July 30, 2002 05:02 AM
Lockup's aren't designed to be slipped once your up and going. The puller and cable system will surely be too weak for the task. Now if you had a slick and a wheelie bar....
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Be consistent, win money.
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madmike
Moderator
FEAR THE BLACK FLAG!!!!!!!!
Posts: 6579
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posted July 30, 2002 05:30 AM
No it is not to weak. nor do you not get the right parts! my puller was already worn, and if anyone dragraces, then your puller will probably wear also, mine had wear marks in the face of it, I just thought that I could make it a few more races! so it was my mistake not the lockup's. but now this was the problem that I had. Bergie needs to tell us what his problem is but from the way it sounds it has nothing to do with the lock up, it is the puller shaft.
MM
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RAC4IT
Needs a job
Bergie
Posts: 3009
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posted July 30, 2002 10:34 AM
Mike was right!! DING DING DING!! Winner winner chicken dinner!
Nothing wrong with the lockup.. 10k miles 500+ 1/4mi passes and 40+ Maxton runs took it's toll on the clutch lever rod. Wonder if I can get another one in 2 days???
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madmike
Moderator
FEAR THE BLACK FLAG!!!!!!!!
Posts: 6579
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posted July 30, 2002 10:46 AM
if you cant let me know and I can overnight mine to you to borrow for the weekend! I have an extra one!
MM
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RAC4IT
Needs a job
Bergie
Posts: 3009
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posted July 30, 2002 11:01 AM
Edited By: RAC4IT on 30 Jul 2002 15:24
Thanks for the offer Mike! I tried Ron Ayers; no luck (out of stock 7 days to get, put one on order anyway). Hit up the local Kaw dealers today nobody had one in stock. I went to Fast Lane Cycles because I know they have a wrecked 12R out there and they hooked me up, scavenged one from a totaled bike. This used one also shows some signs of wear but I'll give it a shot until my replacement arrives.
Bergie
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SpencerCyclecom
Zone Head
Posts: 535
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posted July 30, 2002 05:24 PM
Edited By: SpencerCyclecom on 30 Jul 2002 18:26
Bergie,
Please give me a call. I would like to have that torn up unit for a project we are working on.
I would be able to return it. We just about have a project finished and i was needing one of those to set the thing up with. I was going to order one today. Please let me know, since I do not need a brand new one.
Thanks
Doug
SpencerCycle.com
1-800-510-1945
____________
Thanks
Doug Ray
SpencerCycle.com
SpencerCycle Center Inc.
Spencer Performance Group Inc.
Toll Free 1-800-510-1945 ext #10
International 1-800-510-1945 ext #11
Local/Tech 1-704-642-0987 ext #12
Fax 1-704-642-0987
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madmike
Moderator
FEAR THE BLACK FLAG!!!!!!!!
Posts: 6579
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posted July 31, 2002 07:09 AM
shoot bergie, I looked last night and I cant find the damn thing so I hope you can get one!
MM
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ninja12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted July 31, 2002 09:51 AM
My misunderstanding, but why would the lock-up cause these to break.
Maybe because the extra pressure applied when launching at high RPM?
What is the Fix, and will it last?
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madmike
Moderator
FEAR THE BLACK FLAG!!!!!!!!
Posts: 6579
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posted July 31, 2002 12:21 PM
The Lock-up is not causing this problem the extra spring pressure and Drag racing is causing this, Heavy duty springs+heavy slippage=something is going to wear out.
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RAC4IT
Needs a job
Bergie
Posts: 3009
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posted July 31, 2002 01:47 PM
Edited By: RAC4IT on 31 Jul 2002 14:52
I agree with Mike- It's not directly related to the lockup or the Muzzys product in any way. In fact the used unit that I got from Fast Lanes is showing signs of wear and its never been to the track! So it's just a weak piece from Kawasaki that needs improvement. Drag racing and slipping the clutch only wears it quicker and the lockup process probably pushed mine over the edge after all it had 10,000 miles 500+ drag launches and 40 maxton runs on it
Doug I no longer have the damaged piece otherwise I would send it to you. I traded it for a used one from Fast Lanes out of a wrecked bike. I will try to get it back. I guess you're working on a billet steel replacement piece? A friend of mine in the CNC business also offered to take a shot at making a suitable replacement out of hardened billet steel but it will be weeks before he can start on it. I figure it would be an excellent product to market, even sell with the lockups in the future. When my replacement unit arrives that I ordered from Ron Ayers, or if I can get the old one back, I'll give you a shout.
Bergie
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spencercyclecom
Zone Head
Posts: 535
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posted August 01, 2002 09:22 AM
YES, We should have the unit ready for purchase in the next 2 weeks. We plan to make it out of Stainless Steel. It looks like we are going to make the rod and plunger both out of stainless. We have seen the button pop off of these as well. I do not understand WHY it is taking you so long to get a stock replacement....I ordered one yesterday and recieved it today--just had to pay overnight shipping. Now that we have both pieces we are starting Monday on the new Stainless Steell units and of course I will post when they are done with pics and prices.
Thanks Mike and bergie.
Doug
SpencerCycle.com
____________
Thanks
Doug Ray
SpencerCycle.com
SpencerCycle Center Inc.
Spencer Performance Group Inc.
Toll Free 1-800-510-1945 ext #10
International 1-800-510-1945 ext #11
Local/Tech 1-704-642-0987 ext #12
Fax 1-704-642-0987
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RAC4IT
Needs a job
Bergie
Posts: 3009
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posted August 01, 2002 11:35 AM
Doug, yeah I don't know just going by what Ron Ayers quoted me for timeline seems long to me too. Since I was able to get the used piece I didn't bother asking about expediting the shipment. I will definitely order one of your stainless steel pieces as soon as they become available and keep this new OEM as a spare.
Any idea on pricing?
Also what ever happened with those adjustable lowering links are you still planning to bring those to market? I'd like to have a set of those as well.
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kawachan
Pro
Posts: 1031
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posted August 02, 2002 06:11 AM
I called Doug the other day and he said he was waiting on the stainless lowering links. Looks like you mingt need to get some from Kennedy if you want them in the next few months. Ask for Victor.
Doug, I want both of those stainless pieces as soon as you get them in!!
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RED NINJAS RULE!!
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kcadby
Pro
Posts: 1733
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posted August 02, 2002 11:17 AM
1-There is NO need for heavy springs with a lock-up...
2-Do NOT try to pull the clutch in at the end of a run...until the revs come down some (releaving pressure on the clutch arms/pressure plate)...
There are multiple ways to make the clutch "slip more" during launch...
1-use lighter springs...
2-put 2-steel plates together (which puts 2-fibres together)...this will give you less initial clutch but the lock-up WILL make up for that once you get reved up and moving 
Lock-Ups "can put INCREDIBLE pressure" on the clutch plates with less weight than you might think ...
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RAC4IT
Needs a job
Bergie
Posts: 3009
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posted August 02, 2002 05:22 PM
BROKE ANOTHER clutch puller rod today 5th pass. Did manage 9.55 @ 155 stock wheelbase. Ryan Schnitz was kind enough to give me a replacement but I put my bike on the trailer and will remove the lockup tonight until a better solution comes out to fix this breakage problem. Ryan also told me he keeps these on hand because he and Chip Ellis have both broken several using the lockup. They too are working on a billet relacement and modified piece as a solution.
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