Chat for Falco Owners.
Moderators: Aladinsaneuk, MartDude, D-Rider, Moderators
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HowardQ
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#1
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by HowardQ » Tue Nov 22, 2011 6:22 pm
I think for the first time since I last ran fully synth oil at 10K miles, I may be getting to the time to think about swapping the clutch on the Falco.
The bike has done over 32K miles on the original unit and I think I detected a bit of slip at full torque the other day, although last time out at the weekend it seemed OK.
Question is when I do change it, which do I go for?
The standard Aprilia unit seems pretty expensive when you start to add up the bits.
The Barnett unit from Jaysperformance on Fleabay comes in at £169.82 delivered so is probably cheaper and possibly better.
Any thoughts?
Any issues fitting the Barnett unit?
HowardQ
Take a ride on the Dark Side
2001 Aprilia Falco in
Black
2002 Kawasaki ZX9R F1P
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blinkey501
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#2
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by blinkey501 » Tue Nov 22, 2011 7:20 pm
Tolerance will be our undoing.
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HowardQ
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#3
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by HowardQ » Tue Nov 22, 2011 9:05 pm
Certainly worth considering, I missed that.
Thanks mate.
This is the one I was looking at -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390310307622? ... 1423.l2649
HowardQ
Take a ride on the Dark Side
2001 Aprilia Falco in
Black
2002 Kawasaki ZX9R F1P
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blinkey501
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#4
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by blinkey501 » Tue Nov 22, 2011 9:37 pm
I looked under the mille clutch section howard i did spot the barnet clutch number matched up to the falco. Even though i knew the engine was the same i still was a bit aprehensive to start with for some same strange reason

. Anyway glad its sorted

Tolerance will be our undoing.
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Aladinsaneuk
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#5
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by Aladinsaneuk » Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:20 pm
i believe - from what i have read - that many have been under impressed with the barnett in a falco or a mille
but - i have heard good reports of clutch plates getting a good rub on concrete for this kind of issue...
Let's face it, you wouldn't go to a nurse to get good advice on a problem with a Falco - you'd choose an Engineer or a mechanic...
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D-Rider
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#6
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by D-Rider » Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:27 pm
I wouldn't be looking to change the whole clutch - at least, not without checking it over with a view to replacing the bits that might be a bit tired.
Are the clutch plates at their wear limit (friction plates and/or steels)?
Are the springs beyond their limit?
Those are the things I'd be looking at first.
... and while I had it apart I'd check the bearing and also the slipper clutch diaphragm.
From what I have heard, the barnets were popular on the early bikes that were prone to clutch slip with their standard clutches but the barnets gave a heavy clutch action. Some people mixed half barnet springs, half aprilia springs to improve it a bit. I have also heard it said that the barnets do not respond well to the clutch jet mod ... but that's only what I've heard rather than from direct experience.
“Scientists investigate that which already is. Engineers create that which has never been.”
-- Albert Einstein
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HowardQ
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#7
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by HowardQ » Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:09 pm
I'm just gathering ideas at the moment Andy, will inspect it and rough up plates etc., but at over 32K miles I think it may finally need a change.
Some years ago I seem to remember most people on here were fitting the Barnett clutch, but as you say, they seem less popular now.
Pretty sure Rich (F9) had one in his original Falco.
HowardQ
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2001 Aprilia Falco in
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Nooj
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#8
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by Nooj » Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:43 pm
33k and my clutch is fine still. As Andy said, start with the springs and plates.
SHINY BIKE SYNDROME Motorcycle valeting and paint protection specialist.
Aladinsaneuk wrote:andy is having a VERY heavy period
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HowardQ
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#10
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by HowardQ » Mon Dec 19, 2011 11:19 pm
Not got one yet, I had pretty much decided to do as others had suggested and give the plates a good going over then probably replace the springs first.
It still rides OK at the moment, only slips with serious provocation and I use the Kwack more in winter, I have ridden the Falco through seven winters before this one, and I might give it a rest from the worst of the salt this year.
I am also really busy at work for a good few months, plus there's Christmas coming up and then I am off to Andalucia again for ten days just after. I'll probably wait while things get a bit warmer, as being on my knees on a concrete floor in a cold garage doen't go well with my arthtritis!
I'll feel a lot better after some winter sun on the knackered old joints.
Thanks for the link, I never knew Lucas did that stuff before, (especially Aprilia stuff), may well try these people later if they dont sell in the next 24 hrs or so on Buy it Now.
Perhaps paying for a Barnett clutch is a bit over the top for the what I need, it's not like I'm gonna put another 30K plus miles on the Falco at my age.
HowardQ
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Falco9
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#11
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by Falco9 » Tue Dec 20, 2011 4:56 pm
On my original Falco I fitted Barnet clutch plates & springs and it works prefectly. I'd be surprised if it still isn't fitted.
Easy to fit (you don't even have to drain the oil) and worked a treat, never ever slipped whilst in my ownership
F9

I've spent 50% of my life riding motorcycles, the rest I've wasted!
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HowardQ
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#12
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by HowardQ » Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:26 pm
Thanks Rich, as I mentioned in the original post, I was sure you had one on the Falco and you were very happy with it.
I value your opinion.
Still have a temptation to just fit one and be done with it, (back where I started again).
HowardQ
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2001 Aprilia Falco in
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rick
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#13
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by rick » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:21 am
I had the slipping clutch issue when I first got mine... removing all plates and roughening them up on concrete worked a treat... but as you say if various components are tiring (and after all everything has a usable lifetime) good luck with changing - post what you do since I'm racking up the miles nicely and may need to refer to this in the future!
"There is a grey blur, and a green blur. I try to stay on the grey one..." - Joey Dunlop. Isle of Man TT Champion.