ASK THE MXPERTS: EASIER YZ450F CLUTCH PULL FOR THE 2006 YZ450F
Dear MXA,
My buddy purchased a 2007 YZ450F and his clutch pull is much easier than my 2006 YZ450F. Is it possible to swap 2006 clutch springs for 2007 springs? Do you have any recommendations?
You’ll have to stick with us on this because it is confusing. On the 2007 YZ450F, the clutch actuation arm, pressure plate, clutch springs and steel plates are different than on your 2006. And while the 2007 clutch springs will fit in your 2006, you shouldn’t do it. Why? The 2007 springs are stiffer, not softer, than the 2006 springs. The reason they feel softer is that the 2007 clutch actuation arm has a greater leverage ratio (which makes the stiffer springs feel softer). But, you cannot use the 2007 actuation arm on your 2006 clutch without changing the other 2007 parts (pressure plate, clutch springs and steel plates).
Additionally, if you put the stiffer 2007 clutch springs in your 2006, the clutch will be harder to pull unless you switch from a nine-plate system (2006) to an eight plate system (2007), and if you tried to use the 2007 actuation arm on your 2006 clutch pack, the clutch would drag. If you switch to the 2007 parts (actuation arm, pressure plate, springs and steel plates), you will have to leave one fiber plate out to make your nine-plater into an eight-plater. The 2007 clutch uses 2007 YZ450F steel plates or YZ250 two-stroke plates.
Here is a synopsis: (1) You can’t make your 2006 clutch feel like a 2007 clutch by swapping the springs. (2) You can’t make it feel like a 2007 clutch by swapping the springs and actuation arm. (3) You can make your 2006 clutch feel like a 2007 clutch by changing the springs, actuation arm and by going to eight plates (using YZ250 or 2007 YZ450F steel plates).
