Stop That Slipping Clutch

[1550vt]

I had read-over a few threads that casually mentioned some clutch slippage problems. Heavy trike or tricked-out engine could equal clutch problems. I have a TC 88 kicked up to the Stage II 95 kit and a few other high performance enhancements. It runs "real good" even as a trike plus the wife and all her baggage. The Stage II upgrade came with the SE clutch spring, but I think HD has dropped the SE spring in newer upgrades. The stock spring works just fine, until you load it up. You can change your spring, but you bring-along the increased effort it takes to pull the spring. I installed an AIM VPC (variable pressure clutch) on top of this SE spring and I can pull my clutch with two fingers. My wife can pull my clutch and I bet my cat (Porch Kitty) could pull it if she had hands. You do not have to change the strength of the stock spring you have now. This vpc is designed in such a way that as RPM's increase, the pressure applied to the diaphram spring increases and locks-up the clutch. It was designed for racing applications where they run springs with pull-weights of 400 pounds and better.

This gizo changes the point at which the spring is engaged and can be had in three strengths to suit your needs.

It installs in 15-minutes flat and you will not need any new gaskets or loose any primary fluid.

No....I do not work for AIM, never did and never will.

I just know a good thing when I see one (and use one). EASY PULL, NO SLIP, 15-minute install. Stop fooling with your diaphram springs!

 

[Mr.Wizard]

1550vt

I see you made it to the dark side... :yes:

Welcome aboard.

Yes, you convinced me a few weeks ago that I need one of these. Saving my lunch money now.

 

[Gorilla]

Thanks I am going to look into one. Ted

 

[1550vt]

Yes reksul...I finally made it over to a "for trikes" forum. I am still chasing my handling problem, but I think I have just about solved it. I had just read where some triker's were changing diaphram springs-and-such to help with slippage and if one wants to keep a decent clutch-pull....this VPC is the way to go. I mostly went for one to solve a problem with the wimpy HD hydraulic clutch. They state those do not work with the SE spring...and they are right.

I don't advertise too many products, and I am not pushing this one for gain. It's just such a simple bullet-proof fix for pull and slippage problems and any idot (even engineers like me and you) can throw it in a Twin Cam within minutes, an EVO takes a tad longer. Sure, you can do other stuff to fix it, but this little gizmo solves both pull and slippage problems all in one whack. It's a bit pricy at $245, but EVERYTHING you buy for these toys is pricy. Why would I have a 30K trike investment with a crappy clutch.

I run the low-pull model over an SE spring. I think with a stock spring, one should consider the middle-pull model and I imagine the high-pull model is for the drag racers....or the want-to-be-one's.

Ted.....these folks at AIM will talk to you about it and their web pages are full of useful information.

 

[ultraboy]

AIM does make a fine product, as many have discovered. I became a dealer for them in 2005, but it is mostly a quantity discount buy. Not doing it for profit, so if anybody here wants any of the AIM products, I'll give it to you at my cost.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

AIM does make a fine product, as many have discovered. I became a dealer for them in 2005, but it is mostly a quantity discount buy. Not doing it for profit, so if anybody here wants any of the AIM products, I'll give it to you at my cost.

Now that's just down right nice of you Dave. My milk money is stacking up so I just may take you up on that. Maybe there are more here that would be interested and we can get an order in.

I've got the SE spring and squeeze a "tension" ball to keep up my poor old aching muscles. Man, it's tough to hold a 40 pound clutch lever in traffic.

VT... guess you figger'd out who I am from the other forum. Remember I said one of the mods over there changed my name after doing a tune on their bike, well, this is who I was over there. :yes:

-Wiz

Oh.. PS..

there are several great Trike Builders that are on this forum and Ultraboy has the answer for about any and everything.

Great people here.

You landed in the right place.

Why not crank up a new thread about your lean issue here.

 

[1550vt]

Yes reskul....I knew who you were. You have a certain style and I think I do to. Too bad Dave was not around when I purchased mine. Maybe if I sell a few of these, I will get a rebate? I have only found one negative comment about the vpc and it had nothing whatsoever to do with it's function. This guy said he took his off because it was too soft and he lost the "feel" of the clutch. Baloney...this gizmo provides a very smooth engagement and it won't take long to get use to it. Maybe he had arms like Popeye. If I am sitting in a traffic jam for a long time, I would rather be holding in my clutch with a couple of fingers as opposed to both hands (alternating back-n-forth), my shoulder, back and neck. The onlookers can't tell what force it takes for me to hold it and they can still be fooled into thinking I am a "real man".

Putting it in-and-out of neutral is a pain and you won't have to with the vpc.

Just consider what you are looking for.

You can get three versions of this and I think with the stock spring one may need the middle version.

Some of the various sites I have visited test the pull before and after the install. Before is around 10 pounds at the lever and after is around 4 pounds. Remember, the other feature of this toy is that it takes the clutch toward lock-up out there starting around 1500-2000 RPM. Off-idle, she makes more clamping force and clutch pull may be slightly stronger as you shift into the higher gears at higher RPM, but I have not noticed that much difference myself. No springs, no valves, no special lubricants, no adjustments, no butchering or grinding necessary. AIM has a chart of which derby-covers may require a spacer, but if you're stock, you're okay plus many others will work without the spacer.

 

[Gorilla]

Ultraboy, I am interested and will wait if you want several more orders. I have an 07 Police 103 motor with S&S 510G cams, Big Sucker air, Vance & Hines slip ons with true dual pipes. Power Commander runs great but starting up I do get clutch chatter if I do not get the RRRR's up to about 1300 as I let out. Plus with the torque the 103 puts out and the trike kit I think the AIM is what I need. Let me know how much and how to hook up. I'm thinking middle version??????? Thanks, Ted

 

[1550vt]

AIM provides a detail set of instructions. Pop off the derby cover, remove the 6 screws holding the circular diaphram spring retainer in place, yank out the retainer, stick in a metal spacer, stick the VPC on and install the 6 new retainer bolts. Stick the derby cover back on and your done....period. The only fluid you will lose will be what you let drip off the derby cover. Probably takes less time than it does to change your primary fluid. Only thing you have to check is clearence and AIM provides a template to check that, but they also provide a list of all the derby covers that should have no clearence issues. If you do happen to have an aftermarket cover, or one of the custom HD covers that won't work, AIM offers a "spacer" that fits between the derby cover and the primary cover. Those boys have this all figured out. You can contact them and tell them what mods you have and they will recommend a unit, or Dave may can help with that. What drove me to this device was a clutch engagement problem.<br /><br /><br />
<br /><br /><br />
I have a Baker 6-speed in mine and had clutch-pull issues from the get-go.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
I went to the HD hydraulic clutch, but it would not provide enough lift with the heavy SE spring.<br />
<br />
This thing changes the point at which the spring is "pressed" by the release mechanisim.

I could barely get .065 lift before, but now I get .075 and neutral no longe hides. The VPC dosen't care if you have a hydraulic clutch or a mechanical lifting mechanisim. You may have to tweak the clutch adjustment on the mechanical system, but the hydraulic is a direct bolt-on.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

AIM does make a fine product, as many have discovered. I became a dealer for them in 2005, but it is mostly a quantity discount buy. Not doing it for profit, so if anybody here wants any of the AIM products, I'll give it to you at my cost.

OK.. I'm in.. I'm in... I'm in...

I'll take one of the VP013-84S

AIM Clutch

Dave, let me know the details and thank you.

VT, Thank you too!

 

[BinIdaho]

Wiz & VT....what is this AIM product you speak of? I only have 20% pressure in left hand and pulling in clutch (heavy traffic) is the pits. At long stop lights, I put in neutral and rest the weary left hand/wrist.

Is this AIM thiney something I need?

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Barbara... I'm not sure but you name was brought up as someone who may enjoy this.

Headed to the sac right now but will contact you tomorrow.

'night.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Wiz & VT....what is this AIM product you speak of? I only have 20% pressure in left hand and pulling in clutch (heavy traffic) is the pits. At long stop lights, I put in neutral and rest the weary left hand/wrist.

Is this AIM thiney something I need?

g'morning.. man, I needed that sleep! Spend most of the day cutting grass, trimming, pressure washing, opening the pool. I was beat. Still lots more to do today.

Barbara.... The plain and simple fact is that I have never used one of these VPC centrifugal clutch assists before. The pull on both of my bikes are very stiff. One is a stock clutch with an SE spring (about 40lbs pull) and a hydraulic SE clutch (about 30lbs pull). Carol's deluxe is stock and I can pull it in with two fingers all day (about 10 or 12 lbs pull). I have not measured the actual pulls but I have read in various forms and tech articles which give the pull strengths in general.

Ultraboy (Dave) and I were discussing who may be interested in a AIM VPC. Reading a thread on that other site you did mention your left hand.

So, here's what I know after reading countless forums and spec sheets....

The install is easy and takes about 15 minutes. There's nothing else to purchase in most cases.

During high RPM's the fingers on the VPC (variable pressure clutch, I think) slide out to put more pressure on your clutch so a stock clutch can hold more Horse Power and Torque without slipping.

While the majority say they experienced a lighter clutch lever pull at low RPM's there are a few that say they feel very little difference. Others say they have a huge pull difference that they relate to a broken clutch cable, it's like pulling air. (of course we could be talking about Popeye with the hand strength that could squeeze water out of a rock)

Due to the VPC's virtual lock up at high RPM's, if you pull the clutch in at 4 or more thousand RPM's you will feel the clutch lever to be tighter than stock but will feel sort of a release as it disengages. Some have said it was weird at first but they easily adjusted to it and don't notice it at all now.

There have been some that say neutral is easier to find after installing the VPC but this information is rare and could be attributed to other adjustments and break in although I am not doubting what they say.

One last thing.... purchasing items for your ride... what works for me may not work as well for you. This is why I research the items, ask question after question before taking the leap of faith. Will the VPC work for you? I've never used one so I would be the last person to be asked but if it would help with lever pull tension and clutch slippage it should be seriously considered but I am convinced that it will me so I will be getting one.

I'm sure VT will show up later maybe UBoy too. They can answer much better than I on this subject for sure.

 

[BinIdaho]

Wiz, thanks for the information. Maybe more will chime in that are using that specific clutch and/or have grip strenght reduction.

Barbara

 

[1550vt]

I just returned from a little 2800 mile spin from the Gulf Coast up to the Keystone State. Rode the Cherohala, Blue Ridge, Dragon's Tail, Skyline Drive and numerous Virginia, West Virgina, Maryland and Gettysburg area pig-trails.
The shifts and clutch-pulls can be numbered in the thousands...I am sure. The thing worked like a charm and all the other riders with me that did not have one.....wanted one.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Hey.. you were just a couple hours from my house.

VT... BinIdaho is Barbara. She only has 20% strength in her left hand on a stock clutch in her TG.

Do you think the VPC will help her situation?

 

[1550vt]

Yea....we left here in the rain. Rode the Cherohala in the rain. Rode the Blue Ridge in the rain. Rode Skyline drive in the rain. It rained the entire time we were in Gettysburg, but one of the guys has a sister that lived nearby and she was pressed into service for the use of her SUV. We all fought the battle there in Gettysburg from the seat of a blue Tahoe. Sun came out the day we left and we had a beautiful ride all the way back home.

The current stock Harley clutch pull is pretty nice since they improved the lifting mechanics. I had three 08's to compare and my AIM VPC pulled much smoother than any of them and with less effort and I have the SE spring. I can guarantee Barbara she will get a smooth pull with less effort with one of these. Various AIM litertature list the model numbers differently, but what I think she may need is the model with the LEAST pull. I am running this model over the SE spring and if she has a stock spring....her pull will likely be "real sweet". AIM advertises a 40% reduction in effort with this model and I think that is realistic. I have tried, but never experieinced the first issue with slipping either.

Go for it Barbara!

 

[BinIdaho]

You both have convinced me.....now have to wait and see what my bill will be at my newly-purchased (lol) Chevy dealer when my car went spit-sputter.

Wiz & VT....Head me in the direction of the model/type/price on the clutch mechanism....this isn't the "easy clutch" that other riders speak of?

Barbara

 

[Mr.Wizard]

You both have convinced me.....now have to wait and see what my bill will be at my newly-purchased (lol) Chevy dealer when my car went spit-sputter.

Wiz & VT....Head me in the direction of the model/type/price on the clutch mechanism....this isn't the "easy clutch" that other riders speak of?

Barbara

Chevy? What's that??

I would like these guys with experience to do the convincing. I thought it may help your left hand situation as I have said before.

Nope, this isn't the "easy clutch" as that is an improved ramp located at the end of clutch cable located behind the right hand side cover on the transmission that says "6 speed".

The AIM VPC is located on the left hand side just behind the big round derby cover. You take the derby cover off and install the AIM on top of your clutch pack. Although I've never installed one I hear it only takes about 15 minutes.

Ultraboy (Dave) and VT may chime in here soon and can make the best recommendation as to the particular model number that is best for you. Since you have the 103 (which is a stroked 88) they may say the VP014-84T is best but VT says to get the model with the least pull so I'll sit back and let them swing into action.

Since my trike is an 07 with a 96" motor with the SE clutch spring I was looking at the VP013-84S but Dave said I should get the VP014-84T which is for the 103 so now I'm all over the map and not sure which will be the best for me either.

I'll forward a PM to you with the cost which is very reasonable if we get four or more at the same time, more than reasonable really it's a down right steal of a deal. So far there is yours truly, Ted and Bryan. Bryan just got the SE spring and is very impressed with it but it increased his pull like mine.. hard to pull the clutch lever back. He said he may not get the AIM VPC but he is coming over here this weekend so i'm going to smack him around until he says UNCLE. hehehe

Again... here is the website AIM VPC

 

[1550vt]

Just to be sure Barbara understands here...this IS NOT the HD easy clutch. If you have the easy clutch already....this will make it even....well...easier!
You do not have to do a thing to your present set-up, but maybe a cable adjustment on the manual and nothing at all on the hydraulic.

Don't have to do a thing but take the derby cover off, remove 6-screws, throw the retaining ring away that the six screws held down and replace it with this AIM VPC. They even send you 6 new screws. If anybody wants to charge you big bucks for this.....get out your small hand tools......call me and I will talk you right through it all!