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Cmm213
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 02:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

To all that have one are they worth it and is it easy to install?
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Firebolteric_ma
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 02:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

5 min. install and yes worth every penny especially with shorty levers
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Daves
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 02:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've sold quite a few and people like them
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Cmm213
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 02:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks guys- I will order one from you dave when I get my tax money!
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Henrik
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 05:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I like it.

Henrik
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Buellshyter
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 05:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

LOVE it
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Hooligan620
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 05:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ditto!
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Donutclub
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 06:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I just installed mine about two weeks ago. It's a night and day difference on my 04 XB. Highly recommended mod!
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Ejiii
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 09:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Amazing how good it works. I don't understand why Buell couldn't make the clutch operate that way in the first place.
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Al_lighton
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 11:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've done some measurements on it, and I still don't understand why it works as well as it does. Physics and general leverage principles would lead to the conclusion that there is no free lunch, that anything that reduces the force would need to also decrease the clutch throw by the same amount. The Arm is about 12% longer, the force reduction at the hand lever is about 12% at the beginning and end of travel, and about 40% in the middle. The clutch throw is reduced slightly, but not enough to prevent full disengagement. The ball diameters and ramp shapes in the ball/ramp part of the mechanism are different. I can't say why it works so well, only that it does. We've sold a lot of them and folks universally like them.
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Xl1200r
Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 11:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I don't quite understand how it works... does it replace all the friction rings? How much HP can it handle? Any other reasons to buy other than clutch feel?
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Diablobrian
Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 12:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The shape of the ramps in addition to the length of the arm work together to multiply
the advantage over the clutch springs.

The sum is greater than the individual parts in a case like this.
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Raymondt
Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 11:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have this mod, I had it installed at the dealer last winter. It is a night and day improvement and I am with Ejiii, I don't know why they let it into production with such a easy engineering fix. I recommend this upgrade or similar unit to everyone.
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Yellowbolter
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 07:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

i mite just be an idiot but can someone expalain to me what this mod does over the stock cluch? and why it is so great. is this like those racing clutches that allow u to drop a gear with out locking up the rear tire?
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Nutsnbolt
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 07:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yeah... what's the big deal with this?
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Isham
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 08:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Its just a redesign of the clutch engagement mechinism that lowers the hand pressure you have to use.

Pretty pricey for such a small item.

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Nutsnbolt
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 08:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I say if you're gonna spend the money... go hydraulic.
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Trojan
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 08:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

A hydraulic clutch is no guarantee of smoother or easier clutch action, and can just be overcomplicating a simple issue.

The Muller clutch lightens the effort required by around 40-50% and really does do what it says it will do. It is easily fitted in around 40 minutes by even a ham fisted mechanic.

Why they aren't fitted as standard has always amazed me. Maybe the factory don't want to pay Muller the royalties : (

As for price, I think it is one of the cheapest ways to drastically improve your riding pleasure that you can possibly buy.

We have sold around 300 of these over the last few years to both Buell & Harley riders, and have never heard one customer say that the haven't felt a big improvement.

Don't though think that this will act like a slipper clutch or anything like it. It is purely a device for making the clutch effort less. If you want a race type slipper clutch then start saving your pennies, as you can expect to pay US$1000 at least : )
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Teeps
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 08:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Isham
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Its just a redesign of the clutch engagement mechinism that lowers the hand pressure you have to use.

Pretty pricey for such a small item.


I don't find the clutch lever pull on my '06 Ulysses excessive, to the point I would spend money to reduce it. In fact, of the over 35 bikes I've owned, it has one of the lightest clutch pulls.


As for the cost of the device $160.86
, I doubt it could be made in a garage/shop for that price or less.
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Isham
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 09:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Did you see the pic? a 100 of those are cast every minute. That should be 50 bucks or less.
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Pete_denzer
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 09:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Another VERY satisfied Muller buyer here. Really does all it boasts, makes for easy shifting on back roads for smallish arthritic hands. Easy installation. For even better results, use with CRG clutch lever, the shape and adjustability of lever makes for small-handed comfort. Both items pricey but worth every penny.
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Typeone
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 11:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

i'm going to be installing the FreeSpirits version, which is only the arm but extended a bit. $40US was priced right for me ;)

Trojan, do you sell many of the FreeSpirits version, the 'soft clutch'? the decrease in effort is supposed to be about equal. curious if the quality is still there 'cause its WAY cheaper.
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Daves
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 11:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

you can trust Free Spirit parts Clinton.
They are good people.
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Typeone
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 11:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

thanks, Dave. i have some of their other parts which are beautifully machined. just curious how this extended arm will act and last over time. seems like such a simple tweak to the orig design.

i dont have an issue with my clutch pull but combined with the CRG shorty lever, i'm hoping the action is nice 'n smooov
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Old_man
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 12:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

As for the cost of the device $160.86, I doubt it could be made in a garage/shop for that price or less.You couldn't make an $.89 can opener in your shop for $160.86 but I still wouldn't pay that much for one.
I think that price is outrageous for what it consists of.--No matter how well it works.
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Midknyte
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 12:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The clutch throw is reduced slightly, but not enough to prevent full disengagement.

...

Why they aren't fitted as standard has always amazed me.

I would imagine, per how they work, that one would want to / have to, make sure that their clutch cable is properly set/adjusted, as the allowance (tolerance) for slack in the arrangement is reduced also accordingly.
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Kootenay
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 12:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I don't find the clutch lever pull on my '06 Ulysses excessive, to the point I would spend money to reduce it. In fact, of the over 35 bikes I've owned, it has one of the lightest clutch pulls.

In 06, along with the new tranny design, Buell introduced a different clutch package with a lighter pull (I think the that's part of the reason 06+ bikes need different primary fluid than 05 and earlier ones). So, I'd imagine the Muller clutch is more important to those with older Buells.

If I rode in the city a lot, I'd definitely want a Muller...as it is, on the highway I don't have to shift too often and I seldom have to hold the clutch in at a stop. I still might consider a Muller one of these days, though.
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Old_man
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 12:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Many years ago, I injured my left wrist and shoulder.
This is the main reason I raised my bars, so that I took my weight off of these weak parts.
My 03 XB9S clutch can be quite tiring on my wrist.- I wish it were lighter.
I moved the lever inward on the bars to give me more leverage and keep the cable well lubed - this helps quite a bit.
Even with my situation, I cannot justify spending all that money for that part.
Buell should offer their own replacement part.- They are so proud of their engineering achievements. This would be one I would truly appreciate.
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Daves
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 12:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Old Man
you should maybe try the new spring.
It's not that much $ and would make a difference for you.
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Trojan
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 01:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Trojan, do you sell many of the FreeSpirits version, the 'soft clutch'? the decrease in effort is supposed to be about equal. curious if the quality is still there 'cause its WAY cheaper.

Yes we sell lots of these too. This works in a slightly different way to the Muller and acts as a longer lever to reduce effort. Some people are just reluctant to have an additional bolt on lever extension in the casing just in case it becomes detached (although there is no evidence that this is likely to happen with the FS product), so prefer the Muller item.

I don't find the clutch lever pull on my '06 Ulysses excessive, to the point I would spend money to reduce it. In fact, of the over 35 bikes I've owned, it has one of the lightest clutch pulls.

In 06, along with the new tranny design, Buell introduced a different clutch package with a lighter pull (I think the that's part of the reason 06+ bikes need different primary fluid than 05 and earlier ones). So, I'd imagine the Muller clutch is more important to those with older Buells


You are right, the 06 version is lighter anyway so probably won't need the Muller clutch. I tried one on a 06 XB12X and it made the clutch too light for my liking and lacked feel. We do though use a Free Spirits soft clutch on our 06 XB12X racer and that feels great. must be down to the different way they work I think.
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Firebolteric_ma
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 03:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I HAVE THE MULLER UNIT IN MY XB RIGHT NOW, BEFORE THAT I TRIED THE FREE SPIRITS SOFT CLUCH MECHANISM. i CAN TELL YOU THAT THE FREE SPIRITS IS HARD TO DIAL IN CORRECTLY.
In order to dial it in so that the clutch will fully disingage it puts alot of stress on the cable as it becomes to tight (for my liking anyways) when dialed in correctly. I spent ALOT of time
trying to get it perfect and never got it there to the point I felt it was good for long trips and such. Even tried posting looking for help, with all the sugestions I was still unable to get it "perfect".

I personally would save your money and just but the muller unit if you are planning on taking this route.
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Typeone
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 03:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

hmm, thanks for the heads-up, Firebolteric. i've already purchased the Freespirits unit but i'm curious to hear Trojans response to the 'dialing in' portion of the install.

the instructions are in Italian but i thought it looked pretty straightforward to install. maybe not. (?)
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Firebolteric_ma
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 03:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I got mine from Trojan also, I think he also seid it was a little difficult to dial in also. I also got my muller from Trojan after spending time trying to dial it in.

I do believe others have had the same problem when installing it. let us know how you make out. The F.S easy pull clutch did make the "pull" easier but like I seid,
the cable was waaaaaaay tight to make everything work corectly. I was hesitant to try the Muller due to the problems that I had. But lo and behold the muller
was a direct bolt in practicly. left me plenty of adjustment for the cable and such and I have had NO problems since installation. I just went digging for the post I had when attempting this installation....check it out



http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/327 77/176947.html
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Al_lighton
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 10:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It's kinda a silly name for it, as it really isn't the clutch at all, it is just an improved clutch actuation device that increases the mechanical advantage over the clutch spring.

A "hydraulic clutch" is really a silly name as well, as it really is a hydraulic clutch actuation device as well. The hydraulic clutch's primary benefit is that it eliminates cable friction, and gives a lot of freedom to run the clutch "cable" any way you'd like, without concern about binding or affecting feel or movement regardless of handlebar position. Other advantages is that you don't need to adjust the clutch cable free length, it is self adjusting. They don't slowly get stiffer and stiffer and then break like clutch cables do. But they can develop seal leaks, so that isn't a free lunch from a maintenance viewpoint. Installation is pretty easy, much easier to bleed than brakes.

But a hydraulic clutch can give mechanical advantage as well. If the master cylinder has a piston diameter that is smaller than the slave cylinder piston, the actuation force will go down by the ratio of the piston AREAs, not diameters. But as in any system, there is no free lunch. Lower force equals less displacement at the slave cylinder.

The Magura hydraulic clutch setup that we sell has a 9.5mm master cylinder, and a 10mm slave. That gives an actuation force of 9.5^2/10^2, or 90.25% of the stock force, assuming that the mechanical lever ratios at the hand lever are similar, which they appear to be. The travel is similarly reduced, but since you don't need to leave any cable free play (self adjusting in that regard) like you do with a cable, you can get some of that throw back.

I have the hydraulic clutch AND the Muller on my XB9S, and you'd have to feel it to believe it. I think some would find it TOO light a pull, but I sure don't.

One of these days I'll design a rocker for the CRG lever that will work with the Magura hydraulic clutch. Then I'll have the best of all worlds. The lever position IS adjustable on the hydraulic clutch lever, but it isn't easy to do on the fly like with the CRG's, and that is a very nice benefit.
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Old_man
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 11:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Al, it sounds like you have a near perfect set-up.
It's too bad they don't come from the factory like that.
I don't think it should add too much to the initial price of the bike.

But then if they did it the right way in the beginning you wouldn't be able to sell them. But, then again, you sell many other nifty items for Buells, so it probably wouldn't hurt you.

You're an asset to all Buell owners.
I wish you nothing but great success.
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Grlryder
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 11:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I installed the Muller Clutch and can't imagine my bike without it. It might cost some extra $$, but with every pull it becomes soooo worth it.
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Fravel
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 01:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Trojan, I just PM'd you.
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