Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Clutch Replacement - COMPLETE HOW TO

[@scottwheaton9689]

You did a great job showing this clutch replacement start to finish which most KZbinrs don’t do when posting how to videos so thanks do much got going that! I have a 2026 Vulcan 900 with 13k mikes & slipping clutch that I have to replace clutch on which your video helped a lot in showing what I was involved in the job which doesn’t look too bad to do myself vs paying to have it done & hope there are no issue & leaks after job completed. On the 87ft lbs vs 87 inch pounds on small bolts. That’s a mistake anyone could make in passing wrenching vehicles & anyone that has even minimal wrenching Exp should have realized 87ft lbs on bolts small was way too much trq & to chk Kawi spec & would have seen it was in fact 87inch lbs. 87ft lbs trq is what you use on much larger lug nuts,head bolts,main bearing bolts on motors etc which should have been a red flag to verify before tightening any bolts. Happy motoring! Scott

[@gphilpot1]

Thank you and glad it helped. Yeah, I have mostly worked on cars that use larger bolts more torque. Hard to teach this dog new tricks. Everything bolted up fine, no leaks, and the bike has been doing great since. Like you said, most how to videos leave out important details I always need most.

[@gphilpot1]

PLEASE NOTE, At 1:12:06 mark, I stated the torque was "foot pounds", that is an error, the correct statement should've been "inch pounds". YT limits how much we can edit after a video has been posted. Another watcher brought this to my attention, Commented, and then deleted their Comment. I would've stickied their message since they found it. I REMOVED THE SECTION MENTIONING THE TORQUE SPEC ON PURPOSE SO NO ONE GETS CONFUSED. PLEASE LOOK THIS UP TO ENSURE YOU ARE TORQUING TO PROPER SETTINGS.

[@DeepVoid_70]

This is one of the finest, most interesting videos on the planet 🙂👍🤟

[@gphilpot1]

Thank you. I messed up on one part for the torque specs of the clutch plates. I had to delete that part after publishing.

[@davidbloxham4876]

Well done. I'm facing this job this week. You made me feel good from the start, as I got 61,000 miles out of my original but it's time.

[@gphilpot1]

Good luck and glad this helps.

[@obsessivegarage921]

Saw your comment on ManCalledHorse channel watching him replace his clutch plates and springs too. Decided to check your channel out and find this video. Thank you for the video and explanation in more detail. When my 01 vulcan vn800a started to slip, I tighten the screw and it seemed to work better, then on the highway it completely went out. Wouldn't engage whatsoever. I HAD TO PUSH IT 2 MILES. Got it to a friend's house. Got a ride home. I've found several clutch kits on ebay for my 01 kawasaki vulcan vn800a that include springs, all plates and gasket for less than $40. I'm considering ordering one of those kits and trying it out. 🤔 Thanks so much for the video!!

[@gphilpot1]

Glad the video helped. Thank you for watching.

[@gphilpot1]

Oh, and bummer on the 2 mile push. Been there before.

[@obsessivegarage921]

@@gphilpot1 yes indeed. I'll be rewatching this video when my new clutch kit comes in! Haha it'll be me time to recuperate pushing that damn bike! 😅

[@Wolf_Mechanic]

Very well done. Step by step on how to perform the job and inspect other components of the bike.

[@gphilpot1]

Thank you and hope it helps

[@mackjett4316]

Well, not the place blame on you serve but thanks to your video. I snapped both off inside my clutch basket trying to talk it down to 87 foot pounds like you suggested only then did I read your comments? Rich stated that it was incorrect and looking in a manual it should’ve been 87 inch pounds now I’m stuck trying to get this both out of my basket. Thank you, sir somebody else wrote that.

[@gphilpot1]

Dude sorry. Unfortunately KZbin won't let videos be edited after posting (to a certain degree) and the 99 other percent of the video is good info. I will go in and at least delete the part of the video so others have to research the proper spec versus another casualty like you experienced.

[@gphilpot1]

I edited the video and removed the section about me stating the Foot pounds versus inch pounds. YT limits how much a video can be edited, so I just removed that section. Thanks

[@papajoe1212]

2011 900 classic. 45000 miles. Clutch still going strong.

[@gphilpot1]

That's awesome. Treat bikes right and clutches can last a longtime. This bike was a first time rider's used bike when we got it.

[@mattsheedy9]

Great video! I’m huge on visual and hand on learning and this video showed and explained any and everything I needed to know so I was ready to dive into my clutch.

[@gphilpot1]

Glad it helped. I had to go back to my video for another one... Glad I made it 👍

[@adamhowat6738]

Just spent the time watch this and it is 100% informative and helpful Cheers

[@gphilpot1]

Glad it helped...

[@georgecormier601]

Scarry when you say foot pounds when what you mean inch pounds.

[@gphilpot1]

Yeah, I get tripped up sometimes talking while trying to think... LOL

[@timmarkham522]

It’s also Scary that you don’t know how to spell scary but you’re qualified to nitpick this gentleman’s obvious mixup since we talk about foot pounds way more than inch pounds.

[@Treeroy.]

I’ve noticed a few other videos where they put the last plate on the same as the others. I wonder what difference it makes 👀. I just changed my clutch and came across your video. Me being me, I googled the manual and sure enough, you’re right! That last plate calls to be turned and slid into the other groove.

[@gphilpot1]

This is why is made the video to help others step by step. Thanks.

[@willallison1136]

Is it just the outermost friction plate or both the inner and outer most friction plates that go in the different groove? I just did my clutch and put them all on in the same grooves.

[@Treeroy.]

@@willallison1136 Just the last plate

[@Zerinsakech]

@@gphilpot1 What happens if you DON'T put on the last plate correctly?

[@Zerinsakech]

In case anyone's wondering. I found out that if you don't put in the last plate correctly, the clutch will "Chatter" on downshift. Will work the same otherwise but not as smooth as stock.

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

They burn out faster with more power and thicker grips that reduce clutch throw. Kuryakyn iso grips often froce a clutch to drag or not fully engage because the lever loses travel. Also, red loctite isn't exactly permanent but may need heat to remove safely.

[@gphilpot1]

Thanks for sharing. Never even thought about grips causing problems but you are spot on..

[@VONVELLImusic]

Clutch cover was ridiculous trying to line up the pin

[@gphilpot1]

They never make anything easy.

[@TiborErdelics]

Hello master! When assembling the clutch, what is the exact tightening torque of the screws? Thanks in advance!

[@gphilpot1]

@@TiborErdelics Far from the master. LOL. It's been too long ago I can't remember. I know I referenced one of the torque specs in error by saying Foot Pounds versus Inch Pounds and removed that part of the video.

[@Deadmanz2501]

According to the torque spec diagram. It's inch lbs of torque not foot lbs. Thanks though for giving false information. The conversation from inch lbs to ft lbs is 7.25 ft lbs. Not 87 ft lbs like you stated at 1:12:11

[@gphilpot1]

Man, an hour video and only one mistake 😁. Albeit I vital one. I will see if I can edit the existing video for the correction or pin a Comment. I rarely do any inch pound torqueing and mixed the words by accident.

[@creating8713]

Vulcans 1500 usually have only bad spring, discs are in perfect condition. I believe most bikes only need clutch springs replaced. Old plates should be checked for thickness and warpage to justify replacement.

[@gphilpot1]

I agree. Thank you for watching and sharing to help others.

[@mml1224]

great vid....no work around for taking the frame piece off? gotta b short cut....

[@gphilpot1]

Where there is a will there is a way. But honestly it is super easy to remove to give you easy access.

[@brentseay]

Permatex gasket remover is the only thing I use on these gaskets. No sanding. Just gasket remover and scraper blade. The gasket will melt off.

[@gphilpot1]

Thanks for sharing. I will give that a try. Thanks

[@robertreed7318]

Lol 😂 bet at first you didn't know your recording upside down huh 😂

[@gavboyforchrist]

This is a perfect example of "paid by the hour."

[@deltonyx458]

I’m trying to figure out why the clutch actuation rod down there isn’t springing back when I pull the lever. What would cause that?

[@deltonyx458]

I have a 97 kawasaki vulcan 800 classic, clutch looks the exact same as that one. So I’m trying to figure out why the little arm doesn’t move back when I release the lever

[@gphilpot1]

What time marker on the video so I know what you are talking about? Sorry, been awhile since I did the video. But, my guy feeling tells me your clutch spring is bad or your cable lines need to be cleaned/lubed to free them up. Thanks for watching.

[@DrCarmelaPanza]

New to working on my own bike, where do you all typically order your OEM parts? I found Kawasaki nation for my clutch cover case but it’s $160 for just a plastic case…is that typical?

[@gphilpot1]

@@DrCarmelaPanza Amazon and eBay offer a lot. Sometimes Google the part number and click Shopping to see what is out there. Just remember many sites will rip you off.

[@mml1224]

no gasket glue on either side? not sure if i missed that........ thanks

[@gphilpot1]

Nope. The gasket has dowels/pins that hold the gasket in place.

[@Metalhead396]

Dude it's not 87 foot pounds of torque on the clutch spring bolts.You'll be snapping bolt heads of at that rate. It's INCH pounds.

[@gphilpot1]

I edited the video and removed the section about me stating the Foot pounds versus inch pounds. YT limits how much a video can be edited, so I just removed that section. Thanks

[@GrilledCheese2121]

Could you maybe provide links to the parts you purchased please. I'm looking to replace my 09 Vulcan 900 Custom clutch and having a hard time finding parts.

[@gphilpot1]

We ordered the EBC SRK clutch kit from Amazon Prime. The SRK kit come with new steal plates (very important). Please confirm what is needed for you model. Below is the kit we used. www.amazon.com/dp/B00317GOG8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_wM2PFbZ91DXV2

[@jvcobbb8374]

I have a 2009 Vulcan 900. Is the process the same?

[@gphilpot1]

Should be really close of not a match. Bikes don't change too much.

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

All Vulcan 900s are the same aside from front end on the custom, so yes.

[@edwinbarahona303]

Thanks for sharing this valuable video.

[@gphilpot1]

Thank you for watching and glad it helped

[@KevinFreist]

im just wondering how it is i have a 1995 vn 800 with 150k miles and it still has original clutch and tall final drive? ( 19 and 39 toothed sprockets) i hammer the hell out of it and it has 9nly slipped twice . and i ha made a left turn before both times. oil went to other side of moto as i do slow controlled u turn. doesnt do it on a regular left turn .why are these newer bikes having clutch wear and failure?

[@gphilpot1]

Totally agree with you. This was a secondhand bike and the clutch went out again twice on us. We had to trade it off. Apparently something was very wrong with this bike. ,👍

[@mml1224]

i thumbed it! good vid....i hav 900 2012' classic, so when do i hav to change that , what mileage, and how much 2get done in usa? thanks!

[@gphilpot1]

Thanks and hope this helps. The mileage on this bike was just over 19K miles. Clutch wearing and usage can vary greatly based on the driver's habits. So you can see less or more miles between replacement. As for cost, we did the work ourselves and only paid about $125 for the clutch kit.

[@mml1224]

@@gphilpot1 THANKS GREG, good diy vids likes urs gives me the confidence can do it. i have same bike n year. anything very important that I should do not miss, also, no clutch bleeding?

[@darkhorse2reign]

I'm handy, I'm curious and brave. There's no way I'm doing this on my bike. You live in Texas?

[@gphilpot1]

You have step by step instructions so you should be good 👍 I live in Ohio.

[@obsessivegarage921]

I'll be doing this when I find the correct parts to order. Why are you so against doing it yourself? 🤔

[@mml1224]

thanks greg....so howmuch was the gasket and clutch packet cost, seemed i missed it? (i am sure some silicone glue to the engine side wont hurt anyway, like u do on valve covers)..... hope to c u do more repairs on v900 like a stator replacement, hard to find on utube....

[@gphilpot1]

I think the EBC SRK clutch kit was just over $200. Important to get the SRK kit so you get new steel plates. The bike was my son's friend's so not sure if I will do much more work on it. Thanks

[@mml1224]

@@gphilpot1 thanks greg!, was looking forward to seeing you do more work on the bike. geez 200$ for a pair of clutch plates, seems hi, another brand you would recommend cheaper? you know

[@brittanygalvan1735]

Can I use this video for a 2007 Vulcan 900

[@gphilpot1]

If the motor and setup looks familiar with this one then probably yes.

[@dustinbeck3807]

I'm working on this right now but the steel plates that I ordered are fitting really tight on the basket splines. Is that normal?? They are the exact match for the bike so I don't know what's going on. Haha

[@gphilpot1]

I didn't notice this when I did mine. Reconfirm the parts are right. I have had errors with new parts in the past.

[@spelunkerd]

Well explained!

[@gphilpot1]

Thank you and hope it helped.

[@B00MBATS]

Excellent video.

[@gphilpot1]

Thanks for watching

[@charliesmith9528]

What does a shop charge for this,,i have a option to buy a 2007 900 with 42k miles but clutch is slipping at high speeds,,guy only wants 1400 for bike??Is it worth the trouble..im a decent mechanic'

[@gphilpot1]

Not sure what a shop would charge. I would assume 4 hours in labor plus parts. Probably neighborhood of $1,000 (guess). Some shops are starting to limit their repairs to newer bikes based on parts accessibility and older stuff being harder to work on in general (bolts seized, etc.) At $1,400 for the year with a known issue and higher miles, I think it is over priced (high end). Unless it is a super nice bike overall. I would be shooting for the $800 range. But, I am super stingy and it takes a lot to pry money out of my hands anymore 🤣

[@charliesmith9528]

Bike looks like a new one,,new set of tires,,im with you id think it should be lower in price however i have owned 2 vulcans and they were awesome and easy to work on,,many times ones i bought to resell owner said clutch was bad but it was actually brakes needed bleeding,,the resovoir has a tiny hole that easily gets clogged,,im hoping this kawasaki has same issue,,owner says clutch only slips in 4th and 5th gear at speeds over 50..i have replaced many clutches over the years but im almost 67 and back is a issue and working on clutch requires alot of sitting low,,,thanks for info,,stay safe in this crazy country we now have

[@stewmason2263]

So what's the exact torque specs

[@Bulovablan]

Appreciate it!!

[@gphilpot1]

Thanks watching, hope it helps

[@randywelborn4559]

Nice 👍🏻

[@gphilpot1]

Thank you. Hope it helped.

[@elcongreen]

It's got alot to do with the oil too. And dogging your bike.

[@meMMet46]

Awesome.

[@gphilpot1]

Glad it could help.

[@elcongreen]

Mines a 2009 57,000 miles and still strong, someone needs to learn how to ride a bike.

[@gphilpot1]

Agree. This was a secondhand purchase for my friemd. Pretty sure the original owner used it as a learning bike.

[@elcongreen]

@@gphilpot1 at least they didn't wreck it. Lol

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

Stock? Those long 2-1 pipes make significantly more power. They will necessarily need a new clutch sooner if you use all that power because a stock clutch at any given wear has more force to hold.

[@corneilcorneil]

20k miles? That "rider" have to step away from bikes. 🤣🤣🤣

[@gphilpot1]

He bought it used, so it was the rider before him.

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

The pipes and rider/luggage weight also matter.

[@corneilcorneil]

@@gphilpot1 "rider" 🤣🤣 Call it owner.

[@kingkrimson8771]

This motorcycle does not have a carburetor

[@gphilpot1]

You are correct. Sometimes my mouth goes faster than my brain. Weird I do any video and I miss state something. Thanks 👍

[@robertreed7318]

Lol😂