I just received replacement clutch friction discs and about to install them. I have replaced discs before, both by pre-soaking and not on other bikes, but never a 2-stroker. On the one I did not, it worked fine. But I was wondering what is the best method, to soak or not. What do you guys do?
TIA,

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Rick-the-fix
N. Metro Atlanta
04 ZX6R / 96 EN500
79 XS650-SF / 77 XS650-D
77 TS185 / 80 TS185 (parts)

TS185 clutch plates are easy to replace, but watch for the small steel pins that hold the springs to the end plate. As you release them the spring will ping inwards and can easily flick the pin into the darkest corner of your garage... don't ask me how I know....
To help pull up the spring again, to put the pin back in place I made up a tool, as a copy of the genuine Suzuki clutch tool. That tool is a T-handle with a small hook. I just got a small, approx 40mm, nail and bent the sharp end around in the vise with a hammer in the tightest 180 deg bend I could make. I had to file a small amount off the underside of the hook to give enough clearance for the pin, but by locking the head of the nail in a pair of Vice-Grips I could pull up the spring, slide the pin in and ease the spring back. Easy.
I have never soaked clutch plates before, but I can see the logic. I will probably do that from now on.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

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The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription

I oxide blasted the steels on my TS185 to make them grip a bit better, maybe you could look into getting that done?