Clutch

My 1998 VFR has around 32000 miles on it. How long can I expect the clutch to last? It seems to be doing fine but I know everything wears out eventually.[image: 3ad362eb5b059d1ec089f7f648b59435.jpg]

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Unlike say tires or chains & sprockets, the clutch ought to survive the vagaries of normal use and last the life of the bike. But even if it were to expire prematurely, it isn't a particularly costly repair.

Thanks for the reply Lorne. Sigh of relief.

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Yep, my 09 has over 60k miles and it's the original clutch. This is my commuter so it's probably a better litmus for what a clutch will go through day to day. As long as your not always slipping the clutch or using it to pull whole shots at stop lights, should last a while. Sometimes a "rebuild" could be just reconditioning the plates, which will depend on how much media is left and how abused they are.

Thanks.

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changed all my clutch discs at 45,000mi in a 2002 only because I broke the outer clutch basket on an 80mph lowside crash, I didnt notice any difference in clutch performance after replacing and its been abused heavily on the track. I don't do any burnouts though.

Mine started acting up at 42k miles.  Replaced it.  Not expensive.  Big difference.  The old one was toast.

Replaced my friction discs at 55000 miles. Was working OK but getting grabby. After fitting EBC discs and springs it works like new again with a smooth wide engagement point.

On a whim while replacing a leaking clutch cover gasket, I decided to pull apart the clutch stack and inspect the discs.    

Using linear extrapolation and based on OEM specs for new friction disc thickness and service limits, I calculated I would reach over 100,000 miles before I hit the service limit.  I did this with around 40,000 on the clock and I sit at 50k right now.

I'm not sure that I can assume linear wear, but I won't be checking back in there for a quite a while based on what I saw and measured.   I'm not a small guy but I'm also not brutal on the clutch.   YMMV. (literally)

My first fifth gen had 105,000 miles when she was KIA by a deer. No clutch problems experienced.

I think, like most things, it has a lot to do with how you treat your clutch.  I'm no clutch expert but I would think good rev-matching would help longevity.  Rev-matching is one of my few good habits.  Once you get used to it, shifting otherwise just doesn't happen any longer.