Ram clutch issues when hot

[amamet]

im helping a friend sort a bike out he got with a slightly unknown history.  Clutch is an older ram, at least 10 years old. When the bike is hot the freeplay at the clutch handle increases from @2mm to @5mm.  After we parked the bike there was definitely more freeplay at the end of the arm where the clutch cable sits on the back of the trans as well.  We didn’t measure that area unfortunately, after it cooled the freeplay deceased at both the clutch lever and the clutch arm.  I’m not familiar with these clutches.  What swells with heat in these?  I know the intermediate plate in a standard clutch can dish and cause these same issues. Any help is appreciated
Thx
Allen

[Walton]

I've had both the early and, now, current generation of Ram clutches in my sports.  Never noticed a difference between cold and hot use.

I know that doesn't help much.  Have him check the cable for fraying, make sure the clutch arm isn't sitting on the frame when released , etc.

[John Croucher]

 My Ram does the same, maybe not to that extreme.  I have never measured. 

I does slip under heavy throttle when first started, then stops. After a couple of cycles. 

Overall, I like the clutch.   The acceleration is significantly faster.    I have a Quota, going from one bike to the other, the throttle responds is very obvious. 

[moto-uno]

  I have a RAM clutch in one of mine (an earlier model RAM) and the friction plate in it and it's next replacement were certifiable crap . Had the plate relined at a truck shop
and it's been fine for years , HOWEVER, the clutch lever free play changes about 4 cable adjuster turns from cold to hot . Easy to adjust and makes neutral finding possible when hot.

[amamet]

took the bike out again and measured freeplay cold vs hot.  set it at 2mm cold which became @3.5mm when hot.  surprised how impossible it is to get the bike into neutral with that kind of expansion.  the bike has an aftermarket "modern" clutch with a locknut against the cable adjuster.  next to impossible to adjust on the fly.  it does have an adjustable lever though which I can adjust to increase or decrease the throw. it has 6 positions so I adjust for 2mm of freeplay at position 2, 1 being the lever is closest to the bar,  when its hot, 4 lets me find neutral

[Turin]

This sounds a lot like the issue I'm having with the transkontinental clutch in my special.

[Frenchfrog]

This seems to be a recurrent issue with the Ram clutches which is why I desisted getting one and lightened the guzzi two plate instead.
ram apparently up dated the friction material about 7 or 8 years  ago but given the hassle of getting at the clutch in these bikes i preferred to play safe and go with known reliable and long lasting components.

[Turin]

I wonder how different the Ram and transkontinental clutches are?

[amamet]

Is it possible to tell the 2 apart looking through the timing hole?

[Frenchfrog]

Isn't the Transkonti an adaptation of a single plate BMW clutch ?
I don't think any one supplies them now....

[Turin]

they certainly look like K100 parts in there.  The clutch would need to be relined, I think.

[Turin]

I just got an older RAM clutch. Degreasing is the first order of business. Carb cleaner is my friend!

Will the new Clutch plate fit in the old Ram Clutch? Different pushrod?

[Walton]

I just got an older RAM clutch. Degreasing is the first order of business. Carb cleaner is my friend!

Will the new Clutch plate fit in the old Ram Clutch? Different pushrod?

It will fit but you'll need the longer push rod. Welded a rod to the old plate to make myself a hub holding tool.

[Turin]

sweet. how does the old ram clutch feel with the new ram plate?

My cal III came with a ram clutch, but im not sure what edition. I suspect it may be more recent. I really like it on that bike and have had zero issues.

[Walton]

sweet. how does the old ram clutch feel with the new ram plate?

My cal III came with a ram clutch, but im not sure what edition. I suspect it may be more recent. I really like it on that bike and have had zero issues.

It's perfect. It's on my stock v7 sport, revs beautifully with no issues, hot or cold. I installed the older RAM on it over 20 years ago.  It was also great until a leaky main seal leak varnished it. Swapped it out for the new version last year.