Whatever happened to Wagner Lewis clutches?

[booger]

I remember watching the inspiring video on YT about these clutches that were supposed to be such a revelation, so what's going on with them now? Doing a Google search it's like they never even existed. I remember the clutches being super expensive and I was not super likely to get one but still found them interesting.

I'm interested in a lighter clutch for my bike, but not a compromise in streetability, operability, or longevity. There are so many choices it really puts the zap on my head. No idea what to do.

What's a good solid upgrade in the clutch department? A tried and true go-to. Not looking for the balls-out megabuck track solution but a good-ass OE replacement that could offer a little better than OE performance, not that the stock clutch even bugs me in the least.

As the clutch on my bike gets louder I am reminded that it is a wear item and I'd like to be prepared with a plan when that day comes. I am not running an open clutch, I have a solid clutch cover so looks are not important. But that may change, I might go to an open one just depends.

[stopintime]

Fred Rentz at YoYoDyne was 'our' go-to guy for clutch and brake parts. No more Brembo since a few years back, but I believe he still does clutches. He knows his stuff, stands behind it and is very nice to talk to. One of many options....

[koko64]

Nichols make the best basket I have used. Pro Cutting reportedly make a good basket and of course Yoyodyne.

My combo was a Nichols basket with oem alloy friction plates and a billet hub, stainless springs, Ti bolts and billet keepers. I ran an oem slave cylinder.  Lever/clutch throw is a personal taste and I preferred the oem slave cylinder for a longer throw and greater friction zone.

Besides stack height, the stiffness of the springs and depth of the keepers (and length of spring bolts!) contributes to clutch lever effort as does slave cylinder bore. A danger is having too stiff springs. I got a good feeling from a radial master cylinder too.
The dry clutch can be tuned  which is great but also means that like suspension one can lose their way.

[stopintime]

"OEM longer throw" of the push rod, but shorter movement of the lever, yes?


 

[koko64]

The smaller bore has a longer engagement stroke. It's easier to slip and modulate the clutch. It's heavier though.