My Winter Project for 2020:
The last few times I rode my motorcycle (1973 Tiger 750) for the 2020 season.
I notice more noise than normal from the Primary side of the engine - this noise was at slower speeds approximately 35-40 mph. I tightened up my primary & final drive chains & it did not fix noise. The motorcycle had good performance.
My motorcycle has approximately 62,000 miles & I have owned since May 1977. It is on its 3rd Primary Chain. The first two I replace at about 20,000 each, so I figure it is probably time for a new Primary chain.
I currently have the Primary Chain & Clutch Assembly off of the motorcycle.
I disassembled the Clutch Assembly & I am currently inspecting the components & would like your comments etc, since I am no expert:
The Clutch Basket/Housing; sprocket teeth appear in good condition, the inside slots for the clutch plate tabs have peaks & valleys (which maybe normal & I could file down), the outer race for the Roller Bearings measures within tolerance (mean condition) using my dial calipers - I can see impressions or color on the race where the rollers have been.
The 20 roller bearings all measure at correct size: .250 Diameter
The clutch Hub ~ Inner Race for roller bearings - measures low limit in some spots & .002 out of tolerance (under size) in other spots. The shop I retire from last year, would probably chrome & regrind the race for me, but due to Covid they may not want me coming to the shop?
The Rebound Rubbers look like they have been melted into place & the rubber even covers up most of the Shock Absorber Spider. I think the rubbers may be hard to replace, I did find a YouTube where they mounted an old hub in a vise & used as a fixture to load the Rubbers.
The Clutch Center: the outside slots for the clutch plate tabs have peaks & valleys (similar to clutch basket/housing).
Anyway, I think my best option might be to replace the whole clutch assembly, which according to the internet is part #57-4903. Baxter Motorcycle appears to have in stock for $675, others are listed cheaper on the internet but come from Overseas & may not be same quality etc? It seems to be $100 plus over others listed? British Cycle Supply - I think has listed for $550 approx, but I don't think they have in stock?
Baxter seems to have all the other components such as new Adjuster Shoe. But I think they are out of "Clutch Operating Rods" but my existing Rod seems to be in Good Condition. Do we get any club discount from Baxter?
I learned years ago not to reuse the Lock Nut that holds on the Clutch ~ I watched a YouTube recently that the person used Red Loctite, but he was reusing the old nut. I will use a new Lock Nut but should I use Loctite too?
Also of concern - if I purchase a new assembly - the new clutch hub may locate differently on the Tapered portion of input shaft to the transmission. According to the Workshop Manual the primary chain needs to be in line w/in .005 & checked with a straight edge. There is a shim between my engine sprocket & crank bearing. Does anyone know how much this can vary? The work shop manual has shims listed #70-8038 (.010) & #71-2660 (.030) ~ I will order a few shims & fit at assembly.
Thanks!
Don Chambers
Just a Historical note: back in about 1979 the "thrust washer" broke in the clutch. I took the clutch assembly to Don Henderson Triumph Dealer & they installed a new "thrust washer" for me.