To hydraulic clutch or not to hydraulic clutch?

[KazmaxGS]

Hi All

Has anyone fitted the Magura Hydraulic clutch to their F700GS at all and any comments / reviews on whether the difference is substantial enough to warrant the cost etc.

I have been diagnosed with severe chronic arthritis and a 2 hour rideout on Sunday finally reduced me to a crippled heap and my clutch hand especially, into a painful mush and not able to use it for days.......

I really don't like the idea of not being able to ride now or again so am looking in to the alternatives as I cannot legally ride doped up on my oral morphine...... so alternative clutch has to be the more desired route.....

When I can afford to change bikes for a paddle shift option or automatic like the new Africa Twin, that might help but that wouldn't be for a couple of years yet, so need some help now for the F700GS as am due a France tour first week in September but won't make it with my current setup.

Any help and advice / comments from anyone who has made the change would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[SteveT]

By the description you've given above , I'd say you need to get an auto box machine ASAP.

Never mind the CRF1000L (it's not an @), take a good look at the DCT version of the NC750X. Low, lightish machine that a pal who's just bought one raves about

A Euro trip, even with a hydraulic clutch set up, would still tax your joints, again based on your description of your condition.

Just my mutterings

SteveT

 

[KazmaxGS]

Thanks Steve, yes I do need the auto asap really and the Honda is my aim but cannot afford financially right now....... thanks though there have been a number of positive reviews and comments for the DCTs so will be test riding as soon as I can...

 

[JJH]

There is an automatic centrifugal clutch kit you can get. I remember seeing a video of one. JJH

 

[KazmaxGS]

There is an automatic centrifugal clutch kit you can get. I remember seeing a video of one. JJH

Thanks will investigate....

 

[karlp]

Here you go

https://rekluse.com/2014/07/rekluse-releases-adventure-bike-exp-for-bmw-parallel-twin-bikes/

 

[KazmaxGS]

Here you go

https://rekluse.com/2014/07/rekluse-releases-adventure-bike-exp-for-bmw-parallel-twin-bikes/

Thanks - have had a look and will have to consider though it's somewhat pricey Unfortunately, don't think I'll be able to get any solution decided and in place before end of August for tour first week September so will have to manage and consider long term options. Thank you.

 

[Q plate]

I guess you've seen this Aussie thread?... had to replace my standard clutch recently & it came up then good plug for adventure bike warehouse

http://m.ride-joy.com/Hydraulic-Clutch-Conversion-For-F800GS_10425775-2.html

 

[Neil W]

I've had a go on a couple of crossers fitted with the Magura hydraulic clutch conversions , a CRF450 and an RMZ450 and was impressed as to how light the clutch action was compared to standard .

I would say that it in your case it would be a stop gap measure rather than a cure but will probably still be an improvement, not taking the p*ss but have you considered contacting www.nabd.co.uk , they usually deal with people with more debilitating problems ,however they might be able to suggest some improvements to help

 

[mylovelyhorse]

I have arthritis in my hands too, particularly the left. I'm seriously considering this Magura kit: http://www.venhill.co.uk/Magura_Clutch_Conversion

Mind you it's not cheap (£337) so I'll be ignoring the pain until I get to the point where I really cannot do without it.

 

[JJH]

They are only promising a 20% reduction in effort. Will that be enough? JJH

 

[mylovelyhorse]

It'd have to be because it's either that or an automatic bike. Although I rode a C650GT on Friday and loved it, I don't want to move off the GS unless I really have to. And 20% off the force required for an already fairly light clutch (I've had a Laverda) is quite a difference.

 

[frenchy3]

I also owned a Laverda,it was a 1981 series 2 Jota. It had a hydraulic clutch which was heavier than any cable clutch i had ever used. It was the only bike that i ever broke a throttle cable on as the pull was so heavy!!! When i did a lot of technical off roading i often considered a Rekluse clutch but the price always put me off.

It'd have to be because it's either that or an automatic bike. Although I rode a C650GT on Friday and loved it, I don't want to move off the GS unless I really have to. And 20% off the force required for an already fairly light clutch (I've had a Laverda) is quite a difference.

 

[bowser]

either go for a clake, one finger clutch but you would need some of the magura bits, or just order a rekluse clutch, I have one on my 990 its a 10 minute job to fit, and works a treat. be a bit longer on yours but hardly a very taxing job. Nice thing is that is complete bolt on and off, and you retain the clutch should you need or want to use it. You will never look back. The cost for the cable version is much cheaper than the Hydraulic as you dont need a new slave cylinder, so its just the cost of the core 3 exp pack and plates, I got mine from Zen overland for the Ktm. Your probably looking at around 300-350 for either the rekluse or the clake. You can find the clake levers on ebay quite often at reasonable prices as they are used a lot in the motocross world but do work on road bikes well.

There are loads of other options, for disabled bikers but they are all way more expensive and complicated.

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The clake one clutch is available with a conversion for cable.

http://www.clake.com.au/pricing/

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[Ash]

What about the NC 700X DCT, prices are down as low a £4k.
Your 700 must be wort more that that as a trade in....