Sigma Performance Slipper Clutches for VFRs?

Hi everyone,

After seeing Sigma Performance makes slipper clutches even for Yamaha TDM900s, I sent a query to their customer support guy (his name is Neil) asking whether they are planning to produce kits for VFR800s. He said they need to see the inspect the clutch centre and the plates to see whether the VFR clutch is similar to anything they are producing right now. Since I live in Istanbul, that is not possible so I asked him whether pictures from factory manual would be useful. His reply was as follows:

"In the end I need to know if the part numbers for the clutch centre/pressure plate/springs and its plates are the same as any of the Fireblades�or the VFR750.. I know we can get a clutch in that.."

Can anyone comment on this? I think a slipper clutch would be a great modification for the VFR. I had one in my Aprilia Futura and it made downshifts unbelievably comfortable for me as well as my passenger. If there was a kit for the VFR, I'd definitely get one.

:lurk:
Pricey, but worth it?
I've never tried a slipper clutch myself.

Slipper clutches are great!! My 05 Kaw 600rr racebike had one. :fing02:

I would like have a set for mine, have riden bike with them. Its totallyt different from a standard clucth you have train yourself not to wait on the speed reduction from a manual clucth !!!!!!!!!!!

A lot of people think a slipper clutch is a waste of time on the VFR. I ride year round and in the rain. a slipper clutch comes in handy in the rain. You can check Hinson, STM and Yoyodyne - they may have a VFR slipper clutch.

[image: View Post]Switchblade, on 07 March 2011 - 10:55 AM, said:

I would like have a set for mine, have riden bike with them. Its totallyt different from a standard clucth you have train yourself not to wait on the speed reduction from a manual clucth !!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah but if you ride were i ride "DRAGON" its lot easier we the slipper clucth !!!!!!!!!

[image: View Post]arrow, on 07 March 2011 - 09:24 AM, said:

"In the end I need to know if the part numbers for the clutch centre/pressure plate/springs and its plates are the same as any of the Fireblades�or the VFR750.. I know we can get a clutch in that.."

That's as simple as looking up the part numbers on an online microfiche... ronayers.com, servicehonda.com, etc...

They should also check the different clutches on the '98-'99 and the '00-'01 bikes--they are different.

Ciao,

Did they say which year VFR750?

[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on 14 March 2011 - 09:49 PM, said:

Did they say which year VFR750?

No, I'll ask right away...

[image: View Post]arrow, on 15 March 2011 - 02:30 AM, said:

[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on 14 March 2011 - 09:49 PM, said:

Did they say which year VFR750?

No, I'll ask right away...

Clutches are the same for 86-97.

your going to put on a different clutch so you can ride in the rain easier?

[image: View Post]ericlw, on 15 March 2011 - 08:09 AM, said:

your going to put on a different clutch so you can ride in the rain easier?

Not for rain in particular,but I had one on my previous bike, the Aprilia Futura which came standard with a slipper clutch and it was so comfortable during downshifts. OGBiker; Yoyodyne, STM and Hinson do not offer slipper clutches for the VFR by the way. I have checked their websites and found nothing...

I have found the page for the VFR800 VTEC clutch assembly in ranayers.com and forwarded it to Sigma Performance (thanks a lot Seb!) so that they can check whether they can come up with one for a VTEC.

I'll keep you guys posted.

Anything ever come of this?

[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on 07 April 2011 - 08:53 AM, said:

Anything ever come of this?

The tech support guy at Sigma clutches asked me for the layout for CBR600RR and then for the CBR900RR (98 model). CBR600RR apparently does not work and I haven't had a reply yet whether 900RR clutch assembly can be adapted. I'll keep you guys posted...

I sent two reminders to Sigma and got no reply, I guess nothing will come out of this. If something comes up (highly unlikely at this point), I'll post a message...

[image: Posted Image]


:laughing6-hehe:

[image: View Post]arrow, on 28 April 2011 - 03:36 AM, said:

I sent two reminders to Sigma and got no reply, I guess nothing will come out of this. If something comes up (highly unlikely at this point), I'll post a message...

arrow did you ever get any reply as I'm 100% interested in finding a slipper clutch setup for my vtec. Before some say it's not needed you need to ride a bike with a slipper clutch constantly like my CBR1000RR & then go ride your VFR in a spirited way & you will know why I would like one in the VFR. Yes it can be fun backing the VFR into a corner because or major engine braking & you want a low gear for max drive out, but it does tend to alarm you at times when your used to a slipper clutch. Yes the VFR isn't a sportsbike but it sure is very close :-)

I want one like Dutchy has...

err...make that two!

[image: View Post]zRoYz, on 17 November 2011 - 04:45 AM, said:

[image: View Post]arrow, on 28 April 2011 - 03:36 AM, said:

I sent two reminders to Sigma and got no reply, I guess nothing will come out of this. If something comes up (highly unlikely at this point), I'll post a message...

arrow did you ever get any reply as I'm 100% interested in finding a slipper clutch setup for my vtec. Before some say it's not needed you need to ride a bike with a slipper clutch constantly like my CBR1000RR & then go ride your VFR in a spirited way & you will know why I would like one in the VFR. Yes it can be fun backing the VFR into a corner because or major engine braking & you want a low gear for max drive out, but it does tend to alarm you at times when your used to a slipper clutch. Yes the VFR isn't a sportsbike but it sure is very close :-)

Nope nothing. The guy I was talking to lost interest I think. I'd like a slipper clutch as well but there is none in the market today. Perhaps you could check the Sigma website and fill out a form (that's how they got into contact with me). They might be interested this time, who knows? My contact was looking into the possibility of reusing parts from other Honda models with similar clutch specifications, but he didn't reply whether CBR900RR was possible...

[image: View Post]zRoYz, on 17 November 2011 - 04:45 AM, said:

[image: View Post]arrow, on 28 April 2011 - 03:36 AM, said:

I sent two reminders to Sigma and got no reply, I guess nothing will come out of this. If something comes up (highly unlikely at this point), I'll post a message...

Yes the VFR isn't a sportsbike but it sure is very close Yes the VFR isn't a sportsbike but it sure is very close :-)

Im just curious, what age are you, Im trying to understand where that mindset comes From as Ive heard it a few times , I remember the first VFR sportbikes in the early 80's.

48 :tongue:

39

old enough to know better, and young enough not to care!! :wheel:

[image: View Post]spud786, on 20 November 2011 - 02:37 AM, said:

Im just curious, what age are you, Im trying to understand where that mindset comes From as Ive heard it a few times , I remember the first VFR sportbikes in the early 80's.

I may not be old enough to matter... but the original Interceptor hit the showroom floors back in '83 with a one-way clutch.

You have to be riding REALLY REALLY hard to need a slipper clutch. Not trying to deter anyone, as I don't know how anyone rides. I am just saying to save your money unless you KNOW you need one. If you NEED one, then yes they are GOOD!

Had one on my supermoto on a racetrack. I think I am too old to ride that crazy on the street though. Most bikes come with slippers for track day use, but I know there are nuts out there on the street, seen enough youtube videos.

Derek

Unfortunately it is a misconception you have to be riding really hard to need a slipper clutch, just normal road riding for the average pace a slipper clutch can be very useful & add some safety which is what is the main benefit.
The VFR has large amount of engine braking so just before a tight corner you change down while braking & the rear locks up momentarily which can put some people off there corner setup, I tend to trail brake allot on entry so even if can be fun allot of tight corners the small rear lock up can spoil your entry line (it can also be fun as has the effect of backing your bike into a corner).

I find in constant one after the other tight corners when your mainly using 2nd & 3rd with high rpm changing down to 2nd you always have a small rear lock up, granted on the VFR you just get used to it but as I also ride an 08 blade with a slipper clutch you really notice the difference & how much smoother you can be on the blade due to the slipper. Again it's not something you have to have it is just another aid & when you are used to riding with one on a bike you want one on every bike you ride.

I had an Aprilia Futura before the VFR, and it also had a slipper clutch. Being a 1000cc V-twin, it probably needed it but the downshifts were so smooth. It made life a lot easier especially when carrying a passenger so it's not necessarily a performance addition. I'm with zRoYz on this, it makes a useful addition to normal riding as well. And as for spending money on my bike, I am the wrong person to preach to :-D; I added a Supercharger along with suspension upgrades and spent way too much money on my bike so I'm not going to shy away from a slipper clutch if & when it becomes available...

Merhaba Arrow,


Say 500 times:

"1st finish the Toro before embarking on the next project"



:tongue:

I think I have the modifier's disease Dutchy. You're definitely right :smile:

Now if someone made traction control for the VFR :laugh: ...

If only they weren't so pricey. It's about $1k for a sigma that fits the 4th gen. That's almost an Ohlins front end. Or an upgrade front and back. Or a new paint job.

You have to be running out of things to do to the bike to get to that point.

[image: View Post]arrow, on 29 November 2011 - 06:22 AM, said:

I think I have the modifier's disease Dutchy. Your definitely right :smile:

You just have a hobby you spend your time & money on, others collect stamps, coins, vintage machinery etc. Life is to short not to have a passion for something & if you do it's money well spent.

[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on 29 November 2011 - 07:14 AM, said:

If only they weren't so pricey. It's about $1k for a sigma that fits the 4th gen. That's almost an Ohlins front end. Or an upgrade front and back. Or a new paint job.

You have to be running out of things to do to the bike to get to that point.

$1K for a 4th gen model... is the exchange rate that bad again?.....
A sigma slipper for my 4th gen retails at £650
A TSS slipper retails at £550... i hope to order one in the new year!
It is the same model used in the 929/954 blade.. as are a lot of my 4th gen mods...

If i had a 5th or 6th gen i would find something......but i dont.
A slipper clutch in principle is so easy. No real trickery to it at all. Essentially it consists of a few ramps and a bearing and that's it...
To make any headway we need a supplier to do physical comparisons....Maybe someone with access to CNC machinery could knock a few up????
We all know we could sell a few to recoup the costs?

[image: View Post]zRoYz, on 29 November 2011 - 07:47 AM, said:

[image: View Post]arrow, on 29 November 2011 - 06:22 AM, said:

I think I have the modifier's disease Dutchy. Your definitely right :smile:

You just have a hobby you spend your time & money on, others collect stamps, coins, vintage machinery etc. Life is to short not to have a passion for something & if you do it's money well spent.

Life is shorter than that... buy buy buy....its a VFR after all...
:tour:

I don't know where all this tire dragging ( or fear of it) comes from on down shifts, I rev match and my tires never locks. You should setup for your corner with approach angle and speed before hand, so you don't have to kick a gear last minute and risk losing rear traction. Some may ride better with it, myself, I depend on and enjoy that engine braking.

[image: View Post]NakedViffer, on 29 November 2011 - 11:22 AM, said:

I don't know where all this tire dragging ( or fear of it) comes from on down shifts, I rev match and my tires never locks. You should setup for your corner with approach angle and speed before hand, so you don't have to kick a gear last minute and risk losing rear traction. Some may ride better with it, myself, I depend on and enjoy that engine braking.

Tis true is not essential!  For many a year i have ridden and raced without.
But I find the problem occurs a lot more these days as im behind much faster bikes that can hammer into corners rather than speed match and wait for things to calm down on the rear...... the poor gear box gets a good hammering.. something a slipper clutch sorts out right away... But then i have uprated my front end and brakes lost all the weight of the VFR so there is a lot more control in general.
Its a must for the harder rider, especially on the track up against the latest cbr/gsxr riders if you want to compete well...
The vfr has all the corner exit speed yes, but entry speed is out dated.. the rc30 came with a slipper as standard... one of the contributing factors i suggest it won everything.

[image: View Post]B4D80Y, on 29 November 2011 - 10:32 AM, said:

$1K for a 4th gen model... is the exchange rate that bad again?.....
A sigma slipper for my 4th gen retails at £650
A TSS slipper retails at £550... i hope to order one in the new year!
It is the same model used in the 929/954 blade.. as are a lot of my 4th gen mods...

If i had a 5th or 6th gen i would find something......but i dont.
A slipper clutch in principle is so easy. No real trickery to it at all. Essentially it consists of a few ramps and a bearing and that's it...
To make any headway we need a supplier to do physical comparisons....Maybe someone with access to CNC machinery could knock a few up????
We all know we could sell a few to recoup the costs?

Yep. Exchange rate is that bad again :dry: . Maybe they'll give you a discount for ordering more than 1. Heck, maybe they'll go down 10-15% right off. I'd take a more serious interest at that, though I have other parts to worry about first.

Post a pic of a slipper clutch in components. I really am not sure if one could CNC them all on a low qty order for $1000 and still be profitable.

Just spoke with the Sigma guy.  He has my number now and should ring when hes back from racing in spain.

I am shopping around at the moment.
He told me last week its 550 plus tax.. at 20% its 650... pricy yes. He didnt mention post either.

You want me to ask if hes willing to budge on price for 2 clutches for our 4th gens?

[image: View Post]kgsmotorcycles, on 20 February 2012 - 01:47 PM, said:

Just spoke with the Sigma guy.  He has my number now and should ring when hes back from racing in spain.

I am shopping around at the moment.
He told me last week its 550 plus tax.. at 20% its 650... pricy yes. He didnt mention post either.

You want me to ask if hes willing to budge on price for 2 clutches for our 4th gens?

650 is $1030 USD. The Yoyodyne clutch is $850 normal price.

Maybe it would be cheaper for you to order from US and ship it over there. Only problem is I believe international shipping over 8 lbs is close to $50 USD. Not sure if that still makes it better for you.

Either way, I would see if TTS would come down on their price as well. 550# final is a decent price, even if you tack on shipping. I'd imagine there would be one or two other people who would be interested in them.

Sigma = 650# final
TTS= 550# hopefully
Yoyodyne = $800 USD

VFR = 900RR, right?

I did speak to the supplier of the TTS models.  They had no reference for the VFR at all..  
I can only assume they are simply an uneducated supplier and do not know of all cross applications.
The mail to TTS themselves has not been returned.

Sigma confirm fitment of one of there units, altho only by word.
I would be glad to contact TTS again if we had more of a group buy using our knowledge for the cbr929/954 clutch.
We might be able to swing the postage with 2 or 3 confirmed units?

HondaRV4 used a TTS slipper clutch on his 4th gen track bike, so we know that they have a unit that will work for our bikes.

IIRC, Sportbiketrackgear carries Yoyodyne clutches for $800. And I know that if you ask, they will give a double digit percent discount if the order is valuable enough. Just need to make sure they carry one that matches our bikes.

Gents,

An RC30 slipper, provided you include the whole basket assembly, fits into the VFR750 (RC24, RC36 and RC36a).  I've seen one fitted but don't know if anything else needs to be done but the impression I got was that the basket, drive and driven plates are used and it just drops in.

As the VFR750F engine cases are identical to the RC30 cases (although the heads are quite different), it seems logical that a lot of bits will transfer across.

Stew