ZX-12R Clutch questions

[ross79]

Just wondering if anyone has put a muzzy clutch kit in their 12 or had to replace their clutch? If so what was the cost? I got quoted $1,589 for a muzzy clutch kit from Dynoverks I think the complete gearbox would be cheaper than that. If I need one I'll order it from the U.S. anyway.
I know the clutch baskets are pretty weak on the 2000 models so I'm getting a little worried about mine.
I did the regular oil & filter change last night and noticed a few little metal fragments in the oil. Also when I went to fill the oil up, there appeared to be a section missing on the clutch basket. I have to have a look at another 12 to confirm this.
It's running great but gears feel a little more clunky than usual, but I'm getting no clutch slip. Any ideas?

[FrogZ]

There was a yank fuelled rumour getting around about 12's having weak clutches. But according to easyrider from zx12r.org (and i would trust him) it had more to do with ppl doing repeated strip runs without letting the bike cool between. NOTHING will stand up to that, eventually repeated full power launches are going to make it slip.
There was a mod that pumped more oil into the plates (that looked pretty easy from memory) on the site, a search there would find it. There was also a LOT of info on it that all seemed to counter the other (as per the norm there) but the oil mod did seem warranted if you did repeated drag launches. LOT of ppl on there running heavily modded bikes with std clutches but (if you can beleive septics).

I have to admit I dont know about the early ones, but unless you are really hard on it (why?), have a HEAVILY bombed motor or there are reasons to suspect damage (not a design fault) then it is prob in your head. Dont forget the amount of time the clutch is actually in use. once its out it is all locked up and 12's dont really need clutch slip to get em rolling or pop the front up
It doesnt look too hard (I havent done it) to drop the clutch cover off to have a sticky beak anyway. After 6 years the plates very well COULD be worn but not from a design fault IMHO. For piece of mind go for a look, check plates for wear, rivets in the bottom and for scallops up hte basket sides. Go to zx12r.org and search clutch checking, replacement.

And dont try to get a slipper clutch for one, NO ONE makes em, NO ONE.
STC in Italy were not even interested in looking to see how different a ZX10R one was (they DO them) to modify.

[Smitty]

...as Frog sez

but I should add..it is normal to get little bits of stuff
in the oil ..when you do a change

every car/bike/mower that I have ever done an engine or gearbox
(or both) oil change on, has spat out bits...bits of carbon, gasket material
clutch material, timing chain guide rubbish...you get it all the time

small bits..normal..BIG BITS

[Nanna10r]

Hammer Toasted the clutch on his 12 if memory serves. I heard it's the soft bit of the design.

[ross79]

Thanks for the info frogz, will do a search on zx12-r.org. The oil mod sounds like the only thing the muzzy kit has done to it anyway. I'm pretty easy on my bike as it's my only mode of transport. As with all my previous cars, I still want to hit the strip on the 12 just to see what it does.

Smitty, the stuff in my oil are a few shiny silver metal fragments, with a couple bits the size of a shrivled bean, hence my concern. I know about the usual carbon type stuff as I've always done oil changes on all my previous cars, and my parent's vehicles.

[paul-s]

the basket is weak for dragstrip runs or banging gears.muzzy welds the rivets.i went mtc-then used the muzzy drilled hub and sleeve.850.00 us total.http://www.mtceng.com/index.htm

[Rumbles]

my 05 12r had the clutch shaft replaced at 6000km still under warranty but according to kwaka oz it was the only one so far to be replaced on 12r under warranty but other than that ive had no dramas with it and ive dragraced it plenty and i flog the guts out of it on the road

[Gosling1]

my 05 12r had the clutch shaft replaced at 6000km still under warranty but according to kwaka oz it was the only one so far to be replaced on 12r under warranty but other than that ive had no dramas with it and ive dragraced it plenty and i flog the guts out of it on the road

you've done about 7k so far on this 12 right ? and owned it since new ?

What sort of times are you getting from the drag's ? Are you still using the stock chain or has that also been replaced already ?

My 05 model has racked up over 31,000km in well under 2 years, only done one track day and no drag racing, but I am bit of a woose when it comes to flogging my bike, so having to replace a clutch shaft at 6000km sounds a bit worrying .

Maybe your riding technique needs some tweaking ??

[Glen]

Do Muzzy still include the pink handlebar streamers and the little dolly basket with their 12r clutch kits

[hoffy]

Do Muzzy still include the pink handlebar streamers and the little dolly basket with their 12r clutch kits

yes, but it doesn't come with the leopard print assless chaps, thats only comes in ther ZX10R kit

[MickLC]

Do Muzzy still include the pink handlebar streamers and the little dolly basket with their 12r clutch kits

yes, but it doesn't come with the leopard print assless chaps, thats only comes in ther ZX10R kit

Oi! I didn't get my assless leather chaps when I got my 10! Lucky you lent me some of your's Hoffy

[chuffed]

I spoke to lae about a muzzy kit and was told that there is nothing weak about the clutch setup and not to bother, though as soon as it starts to slip Replace/repair straight away, dont let it go. I know that Ronnie Stayt raced his 12 with a standard clutch for years without replacing it, and when he did he only got 12mths out of the aftermarket one.

[hoffy]

Do Muzzy still include the pink handlebar streamers and the little dolly basket with their 12r clutch kits

yes, but it doesn't come with the leopard print assless chaps, thats only comes in ther ZX10R kit

Lucky you lent me some of your's Hoffy

funny ha ha.........ha..

did you burst a brain vessel coming up with that one......

[MickLC]

Do Muzzy still include the pink handlebar streamers and the little dolly basket with their 12r clutch kits

yes, but it doesn't come with the leopard print assless chaps, thats only comes in ther ZX10R kit

Lucky you lent me some of your's Hoffy

funny ha ha.........ha..

did you burst a brain vessel coming up with that one......

Meowwww easy tiger, bit of a raw nerve there? I promise I haven't stained them or anything.

[Glen]

Do Muzzy still include the pink handlebar streamers and the little dolly basket with their 12r clutch kits

yes, but it doesn't come with the leopard print assless chaps, thats only comes in ther ZX10R kit

Lucky you lent me some of your's Hoffy

funny ha ha.........ha..

did you burst a brain vessel coming up with that one......

Meowwww easy tiger, bit of a raw nerve there? I promise I haven't stained them or anything.

Better make sure you've got them back in time for the Mardi Gras mate. He wants them for the ZX12 owners float