In preparation for the Lands End Trial, I entered something down here call the Coast to Coast. What a mistake! It was well-organised and the people – competitors and organisers alike – were friendly and helpful. But it was way too hard for me and it broke my heart (though nothing on the bike, fortunately) to be throwing the old girl to the ground every 30 minutes or so. I only did the morning session and still came home with some great bruises … and a sticky clutch. Taking the positives from it – Cornwall is like California in so many ways! – I told myself that the LET couldn’t possible daunt me now and, anyway, I at least knew that my clutch needed a clean and service.
This is meant to be a dry clutch and this cover is supposed to keep the gearbox oil off the plates. There’s a seal at the rear of the clutch basket on the shaft, thus …
… and this huge O ring is supposed to do the rest of the job. But note: seriously glooped-up, oily friction plates.
Behind the clutch basket.
All clean in here now.