Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Performance Mods 904 Question

Heya, folks!

Getting ready to take my Speedy to D&D in Noirfolk, VA to get the 904 installed. (Yes, I'm a whimp for having someone else do it, but at least I know it'll get done right.)

Question: Do I REALLY need to do the heavy clutch kit with it? The guys at D&D said "no," but I've seen some threads around here that say "yes."

My thought for now -- especially with finances -- is that if I have to do the clutch later I can do so myself (the clutch replacement is within my realm of wrenching), and I'll just run this clutch while it lasts... but any thoughts on how long it'll be? (Bike has 16k on original clutch.)

Thanks, guys (and gals)!

--Jaeger

At the very minimum, upgrade the springs. I put stiffer springs in mine, but I think now I'm going to have to replace the clutch soon. If I have the wind screen and bags on, the clutch will sometimes slip in 5th gear on the highway. The Barnett clutch kit is only 100 bucks, I feel your pain on the finances, but I think it will save some labor costs to have them install it now instead of taking it back later.... unless you do it yourself. Without upgrading your springs though, I think you may get some slippage.

I went with heavier springs only. No Problems or slipage.

you must go with new springs. even babying my bike at break in i slipped the clutch all the time. go with the barnett green springs and you will have a lot of trouble free miles. the pull is harder but feel better if that makes any sense. you can tell its a much better spring so while heavier pull its really not much harder. only really notice it after a while in heavy traffic

Frank

Ok, cool. Thanks, folks!

I dropped the bike off at D&D in Norfolk today -- here we go! Woo hoo!

--Jaeger

Good Luck!

Jaeger, let me know how your bike's running after the install. I'm thinking of having D&D do a big bore on mine also. Curious how good it comes out.

Will do! They said it's going to be at least 4-6 weeks, which is find -- I'm not going to be riding in this crap for a while. I confess, I'm a whimp -- and I can afford to be, thankfully.

I'm also having them fix anything I've (probably) screwed up in my wrenching over the past few years, as well as a new chain/sprockets.

Another question for the peanut gallery: what front sprocket are you current 904 folks using? I have the original 16T that will obviously need to be replaced... I think. I mean, having a 16T and a 904 kit could be kind've fun -- anybody ever seen a Speedmaster wheelie? Anybody want to?

Seriously, though -- I want to keep the torque higher, so I prob wont' go higher than a 17 or 18 -- what do you folks think? Would a 17T provide adequate oomph or too much? (Is there such a thing as "too much"?)

--Jaeger

I think I have the stock? 17 tooth on mine.... I haven't changed it. Works great for 2 up or solo

I had changed from my stock 17T to and 18T after I had the bike a year. I was about to change back to the 17T before I did the BB because there wasn't enough oomph starting off 2 up although I liked the highway rpms.

After the BB, I decided to leave it at 18T. Plenty of oomph now and I like the gearing. I only use 5th when above 55 or 60.

i have the 17 on mine. thought about 18 but i dont want to lose any oomph. plus with the 17 you can still pass the 120 mark on the speedo

Frank

BB and the stock 17T...some real torque ! You WILL notice the difference !

I have the big bore and the 16T sprocket. She's plenty quick! I still giggle when I whack the throttle open!!

Yeah, the more I'm thinking about it the more I think I'm not going to go higher than the 17T, and may just stick with the 16. We'll see.

It's not so much that I want the bike to go "faster," I just want it to get to top speed quicker, that's all.

Heh, you folks know the deal.

--Jaeger

On the current production models aren't 18/42 sprockets stock? The original Americas were 17/42 and the Speedmasters 16/42. I still haven't seen a part number for a Triumph 18/42 chain/sprocket kit.

I changed out to the 18 sometime back (great on the highway), but am thinking of putting the 16 back on after the 904 gets broken in, just for fun. And maybe warm up the tire a bit.

I went from sixteen to seventeen with my bb with the sixteen it just seemed to rev out to quick.

With the additional low end torque of the BB, the 16 is probably overkill. The 17 is for people who want to leave all the other cruisers at the light. The 18 is more for people who don't want to be looking for another gear. With the 18, I sometimes miss the really quick starts, but don't feel like I need a 6th. 5th is more like an overdrive. I don't use it except over 55-60. I still have plenty of oomph even 2-up.

I live in Culpeper, Va. I am also thinking of having the BB kit done. Are u installing cams too?? If not why not?? How much are they charging you?? Thanks,

Wish me luck, folks -- taking the train down to Norfolk tomorrow morning to pick up my new and improved baby!

904 Kit
18,000 service (a bit early)
New chain/sprockets (upped to 17T front)

AND... they sorted out the carb issues I've been having -- I'm a %^@$%@#$$^# dope and didn't get one of my diaphragms seated properly. (Wow, take that comment out of context and that would sound bad.) Anyway, I've been riding around with 1.5 carbs for the past year, which explains my wierd top-end issues.

This should be AWSOME. Will give a report once I get home. Wish me luck and warm weather.

--Jaeger

Just rode home 200 miles after picking up the bike...

HOT F'ING D@MN. While I'm still trying to be nice and break her in properly, that is a SERIOUS improvement. And yes, I think I am going to have to put the heavier clutch springs in, as there seems to be a lag when I thwack the throttle, it feels a wee bit like the clutch is slipping.

But... MONEY WELL SPENT. She runs like a scalded cat. We happy.

-Jaeger

Welcome to the club. I just passed the 18000 mile mark since i did my 904 and I still love to go WOT everytime i ride her. With the sound of those Sceptres wailing at 8000RPM... mmmhmmm!

Jaeger, I take it that you kept the Keihin CVK carbs?

Quote:

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She runs like a scalded cat. We happy.

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Congratulations! I miss that feeling - will this friggin' winter ever end???

Yes, kept the stock carbs, though I'm running a Ghetto FREAK, 160/45/2 shims, and Emgo Martini Shakers.

And yeah, we've some very unseasonably warm weather the past few days -- and I'm LOVING it! It'll be cold soon enough, though. :L

--Jaeger

nice feeling huh? i only put like 5k on my 904 but ride it like its stolen every time out and it feels great