Clutch Master Cylinder Swap

OK, I finally pushed the clutch M/C replacement project over the finish line. Success, I think. I achieved my goal of lower pull force. I don't notice that the engagement zone is too much wider, but it is indeed closer to the handlebar. The lever feels a bit mushy on top vs. hard as a rock (ie:'"wooden") with the original. It does engage and disengage completely, so it works fine. (See UPDATE below) There is no crawl with the clutch in; no clunky shifting; and no slipping on hard acceleration. It is similar in effect to installing a smaller diameter brake M/C.

Giving the 2007 VFR800 1/2" diameter master cylinder a vibratory bath in Extreme Simple Green aircraft and precision parts cleaner...

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The cleaned master cylinder along with the parts from the TourMax rebuild kit...

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Installed and bled. It took a lot of draw-through with my vacuum bleeder to get the air out...

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Buttoned up for a test ride...

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I'm going to call it a success, as it functions properly and met my goal of reduced lever effort. I wish it engaged higher from the bar and that the first bit of travel didn't feel limp, but I think it is a keeper because of my arthritic wrist and hands. UPDATE: The limp travel at the top was determined to be because of a worn lever pivot. I replaced the lever and pivot assembly with new OEM parts and this issue is completely resolved.

I'll continue to evaluate it before doing likewise with the brake master cylinder. UPDATE: The brake cylinder was also replaced. See here...

https://www.st-owners.com/forums/threads/brake-master-cylinder-swap.168536/#post-2156310

If I get one from the same VFR donor, the two will again match being both silver instead of black. Not all VFR800 M/C's are half-inch bore. That is an important spec to meet. I had considered doing a Brembo aftermarket cylinder. It would have given me the choices of 12mm or 13mm. With half inch = 12.7mm, I think that 13mm would be the better of the two choices. A 12mm cylinder might be pushing the concept a bit too far.
 
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...on the matter of scooters, one of the members of the XS650 Forum on which I am active posted this yesterday. Totally amazing what this rowdy little Italian did to all those other "real" motorcycles (check out the exhaust pipe on that thing).

He absolutely mopped the floor with them - 142 MPH on a Lambretta scooter.

 
Beemerphile said:

"... With half inch = 12.7mm, I think that 13mm would be the better of the two choices. A 12mm cylinder might be pushing the concept a bit too far."

If the price is right, I'll give it a shove. :)

Anyone know of a 12mm clutch master cylinder? Where to find that information?
 
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I took Beemerphile's project forward another step or 2.

I added the VFR clutch master cylinder (1/2" bore) off ebay, as he did. It did improve the ease of pull as he pointed out.

I then added an Oberon slave cylinder. It is more costly than a Honda cylinder, $97 vs. $125. It has a slightly larger bore than stock, 38mm vs. 35.5mm. I needed one as mine was leaking fluid. I was able to remove and replace without pulling the exhaust. I got to remove it twice. The first time I couldn't get any clutch action. I realized why when I saw the push rod laying next to the old cylinder. When I re-assemble things correctly, it worked right. 3 bleed squirts and I was in business!

Oberon Cylinder: https://www.ebay.com/itm/152696591666?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 about $125

The clutch pull was easy for my arthritic carpal tunnel hands! The clutch is still in or out but not quite as quick.

I added an adjustable clutch lever to match the brake lever. I have played with the adjustment to see how it affects the clutch action. If I adjust the handle closer to the grip, I can use the full stroke of the lever to engage/dis-engage the clutch.

Adjustable clutch lever: https://www.ebay.com/itm/372128837354?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 about $22 + a brake lever but I don't know if it fits.

Total cost was about $200.

I'm still thinking a smaller clutch master cylinder would work. :biggrin:

Anyone know of a 10mm-12mm clutch master cylinder?
 
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