Does this clutch count as "notched"? (pics)

[loply]

Hi folks,
I've had continous problems with my clutch being incredibly grabby, and with it "jerking" whilst slipping since I replaced the clutch boss and plates a while ago.

I replaced the boss (pictured) with a second hand one as mine was broken by a previous owner.

As you can see there are a few small notches but I dont know if they are bad enough to be the cause of the problem, as Im sure my previous boss was even worse (and that was perfectly fine).

Does anybody with a more experienced eye know if this notching looks bad enough to cause jerkiness? The lever is smooth but the resultant acceleration kicks in with a bang and sometimes makes a repeated jerk/slip/jerk/slip motion.

I've tried running a steel back and forth on the boss by hand, and it felt smooth - The notches didnt feel like they were interfering.

If this isnt the problem, anybody know what else it could be? :S

https://home.loply.com/notches.jpg
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Yamaha SZR660 Caution to the wind, the throttle pinned!

[stinkwheel]

What does the slipper plate look like that sits adjacent to those marks? Couldn't help noticing that they all seem to be assosciated with the one (inside) plate and wondering if there is something wrong with it.

I have seen far worse clutches.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[loply]

Stinkwheel, there is a "spring" that sits inside the inner diameter of the second friction plate, called the cushion spring, which has caused the notches. I have replaced it but I dont believe it was damaged in any way, and removing it from the clutch all together made no difference.
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Yamaha SZR660 Caution to the wind, the throttle pinned!

[stinkwheel]

I can't see that being your problem anyway. I have had clutches with 1/8" notches in the basket next to every plate before they started letting go.

I suppose other things to look at are warped plates, knackered cable (they sometimes start unravelling in the outer) or even something wrong with the mechanism for seperating the plates such as a bent pin. On some bikes the rod that goes through the engine to press the plates apart is in two halves with a single ball bearing betwen the two, this could be missing I suppose (easily lost).

Test things for straightness by rolling/placing them on a sheet of glass and seing if they rock about.

Also have a look at stuff like the chain tension and check the bearings the clutch sits on for play.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.