We started with a new BDL diaphragm clutch plate install and the series mushroomed. It actually started long ago, about ten years, when we started to install BDL products. I’ve run BDL primary belt drives and clutches for over a decade.
The spring operated pressure plate allows the rider to set his own spring tension by eliminating or adding springs. Recently they came up with two diaphragm styled pressure plates, covered in the last tech. This system answers another question regarding open belts and clutches. Some folks don’t care for the notion of those studs and springs flying around in the open. Most BDL systems come with a derby cover, which addresses this situation, but some like to run the clutch open.
Then we discovered this BDL Lock-Up Pressure Plate System and had to try it out. “This system was designed to give the rider and easier pull, yet maximum pressure at speeds,” said Scott Murley, the master of tech and R&D at BDL.
Edge, the mastermind of the wildest chopper event in the world, the SmokeOut, just happened to be in Los Angeles for some heated meetings with Indian motorcycles, plus in the middle of the night over too much whiskey he was talked into modeling for our winter 5-Ball Racing apparel photo shoot. Don’t ask me, I’m innocent!
During a brief lull in the action Commander Edge said, “Let’s wrench.”
Only two mechanical items quivered on my plate that second: Install the BDL Lock-up plate and build a Bikernet, 5-Ball Trophy for the winner of the Bikernet Baggers Editor’s Choice Award at the Long Beach Ultimate Builder Bike Show. We opted for the BDL install.
Here’s how it went, a super-simple 20-minute operation. We slipped the Mudflap Girl on the lift and removed the studs holding the springs. Then we followed the BDL instructions and with the fully assembled EPP-100 BDL clutch installed, we slipped six bushings into the six alternate (every other one) holes in the existing pressure plate.
Then we installed existing BDL springs over the supplied bushings. Next, we installed three short shoulder bolts in a triangular pattern in the pressure plate. These went in the holes without springs or bushings.
We placed the lock-up clutch pressure plate onto the springs and held it in place while installing the two longest bolts in the pack across from each other and tightened them down to compress the lockup clutch plate in place. Make sure to grab the longest Allens, and don’t use Loctite. They are guides, and watch how the springs line up.
Finally, with some blue Loctite we installed the four shorter Allens with stainless washers through the springs and bushings into the plate and snugged them down. For more pressure, you can add more stainless washers. Once they were installed, we removed the two longer bolts and replaced them with shorter ones (with washers), or the clutch may experience a problem.
We hauled ass to her house (I wish), and I didn’t test ride the Mudflap Girl. The next day the Bikernet Headquarters was awash with folks, photographers, and the lovely model from the Great Frog, Imogen and her gang of thugs wearing skulls and wolf silver jewelry. We scrambled all day taking 5-Ball racing apparel shots and fucking off. Markus Cuff shot over 800 images.
“Wind ‘em up,” the commander ordered as the sun quickly set over the Palos Verdes Peninsula. We scrambled for the gate and peeled down the street. Edge ran out of gas on the dicey Knucklehead as we attempted helmetless runs in the highly restricted and regulated streets for the Port of Los Angeles. We could have gone to jail forever, unless we were illegal aliens, and then they woulda cut us loose. It’s nuts, but the clutch worked like a dream. “The faster you go the more pressure put on the EPP-100 BDL clutch pressure plate,” Scott added.
Keep that in mind. The faster you go the better it works. Can’t beat that!
–Bandit
