Buell XB 2010, Service Manual

Page: 422 / 714

5.5 CLUTCH
GENERAL
The purpose of the clutch is to smoothly disengage and engage
the engine from the rear wheel for starting, stopping and shifting
gears.
See Figure 5-12 . The clutch is a wet, multiple-disc clutch with
steel plates and fiber (friction) plates stacked alternately in the
clutch shell. The pack consists of seven fiber plates, seven
steel plates, one narrow fiber plate, one damper spring and
one damper spring seat. The fiber plates (clutch driving plates)
are keyed to the clutch shell, which is driven by the engine
through the primary chain. The steel plates (clutch driven
plates) are keyed to the clutch hub, which drives the rear wheel
through the transmission and secondary drive belt.
When the clutch is engaged (clutch lever released), the dia-
phragm spring applies strong force against the pressure plate.
The pressure plate then presses the clutch plates together
causing the plates to turn as a single unit. The result is that
the rotational force of the clutch shell is transmitted through
the clutch plates to the clutch hub. As long as the transmission
is set in a forward gear, power from the engine will be trans-
mitted to the rear wheel.
When the clutch is disengaged (clutch lever pulled to left
handlebar grip), the pressure plate is pulled outward (by clutch
cable action) against the diaphragm spring, thereby com-
pressing the diaphragm spring. With the pressure plate
retracted, strong inward force no longer squeezes the clutch
plates together. The fiber plates are now free to rotate at a
different relative speed than that of the steel plates (i.e. Slip-
page between the clutch plates occurs). The result is that the
rotational force of the clutch shell is no longer fully transmitted
through the "unlocked" clutch plates to the clutch hub. The
engine is free to rotate at a different speed than the rear wheel.
Table 5-6. Clutch Troubleshooting
REMEDY CAUSE CHECK
ORDER SYMPTOM
Check and adjust clutch release mechanism. Incorrect clutch release adjustment. 1 Clutch slips
Check service wear limits. Replace plates. Worn clutch plates. 2
Check and adjust clutch release mechanism. Incorrect clutch release adjustment. 1 Clutch drags
Replace release ramps and/or balls. Worn clutch release ramps or balls. 2
Replace clutch steel plates. Warped clutch steel plates. 3
Replace clutch gear or hub as required. Blade worn or damaged clutch gear splines. 4
Drain lubricant to correct level. Overfilled primary. 5
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5-10 2010 XB Service: Drive/Transmission