Author Topic: Curiosity: small block clutch arm  (Read 375 times)

Online DoubleGuzzi

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Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« on: September 15, 2026, 06:15:31 PM »
My latest 750 Breva has a different clutch arm to the other four that I've had the joy in dealing with.
I'm wondering if this is an aftermarket one, from a different Guzzi model or standard on later versions of the Breva. None on the V50II, '08 Breva, V7 Classic or V7III match up with the square profile of this one.
Pic below shows the item in question alongside a cut off 'normal' arm.




Can anyone shed some light?
Nearly natural progression..
Past: SS50, Z200, Z250B, Z400J, (H100), GT750, K100, ZR1100, 900 Trident, 955 Sprint ST, (ZR550, M600), 900 ST, (B750), (V7C).
Present: V7III CS, (V50II), (Breva 750)

Offline moto

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2026, 08:44:01 PM »
I can only go by what I see, which is a larger pivot shaft hole in the square one. This shows it is a component of a later clutch setup, with a different pivot shaft. I don't know whether this pivot was a common wear item before the change, but I guess, maybe. If so, maybe the new arrangement is more stable over the long haul.   :undecided:
« Last Edit: September 18, 2026, 08:50:20 PM by moto »
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Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2026, 09:09:40 PM »
I've never seen a squared off one like the that. I don't think it's a Guzzi part - the arm on the left was used on early big-block 5 speeds (Eldorado and V7 Sport) then the first of the small-blocks up until the 6 speed was introduced, according to application guide.
Charlie

Online DoubleGuzzi

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2026, 04:14:35 AM »
The pivot hole is the same size; the butchered left one is perhaps obscuring that.
To me, the left one is cast whereas the right is billet aluminium.
Given that they have the same important dimensions (length, pivot, adjuster, return spring spigot), I'd be surprised if not originally intended for a Guzzi. I guess anything is possible and in any case, I have no complaints.
Gonna take a closer look at the 2019 V7III one, though I'm pretty sure it has a cast arm.


P.S. Thanks for the responses guys.

[Some time later]
The V7III (6-speed box) does have a slightly different clutch arm, with a longer distance between pivot and adjuster. Also has a beefier perch on the gearbox, with an additional hole - perhaps for an alternative arm. It does look like a cast clutch arm.
« Last Edit: September 19, 2026, 08:30:06 AM by DoubleGuzzi »
Nearly natural progression..
Past: SS50, Z200, Z250B, Z400J, (H100), GT750, K100, ZR1100, 900 Trident, 955 Sprint ST, (ZR550, M600), 900 ST, (B750), (V7C).
Present: V7III CS, (V50II), (Breva 750)

Online DoubleGuzzi

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #4 on: September 19, 2026, 06:51:08 AM »
I don't know whether this pivot was a common wear item before the change, but I guess, maybe.
With each of the older Guzzis, the pivot pin has seized solid in the clutch arm, thus the wear is on the gearbox perch, where the arm now rotates - not good! Hence having to cut the clutch arm in order to free the pivot pin.  :shocked:
Nearly natural progression..
Past: SS50, Z200, Z250B, Z400J, (H100), GT750, K100, ZR1100, 900 Trident, 955 Sprint ST, (ZR550, M600), 900 ST, (B750), (V7C).
Present: V7III CS, (V50II), (Breva 750)

Offline malik

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #5 on: September 19, 2026, 02:40:37 PM »
The cast Breva actuating arm seems to be ubiquitous to the small blocks at least, right up to the six speed box (V7 II) extended so as to poke out the RH side to more easily mount the  clutch cable (a most sensible improvement).

I have had a seized pivot on the 2014 V7 Special - it took a lot of work to free it - ended up with handing the gearbox over to an auto mechanic neighbour who resorted to applying heat with the TIG to free it,. Badly corroded, but polished up on another neighbour's lathe.

I can see that if the original was damaged on removal & access to original parts was more awkward & inconvenient, a clever bloke with the tools & equipment would happily just make his own. It appears to have worked out well.
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Online DoubleGuzzi

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2026, 04:48:26 PM »
.. I can see that if the original was damaged on removal & access to original parts was more awkward & inconvenient, a clever bloke with the tools & equipment would happily just make his own.
You might well have hit the jackpot with that idea. If so, then it's a good job and beyond my capabilities.  :smiley:
Nearly natural progression..
Past: SS50, Z200, Z250B, Z400J, (H100), GT750, K100, ZR1100, 900 Trident, 955 Sprint ST, (ZR550, M600), 900 ST, (B750), (V7C).
Present: V7III CS, (V50II), (Breva 750)

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #7 on: September 19, 2026, 07:27:15 PM »
I've added a zerk fitting at the pivot pin area of V700 and Ambassador (steel) clutch arms. Never noticed if there's room for one on a small-block.
Charlie

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #8 on: Today at 04:34:40 AM »
I've added a zerk fitting at the pivot pin area ..
Had to Google that, to discover it's a grease nipple.  :rolleyes:
Nearly natural progression..
Past: SS50, Z200, Z250B, Z400J, (H100), GT750, K100, ZR1100, 900 Trident, 955 Sprint ST, (ZR550, M600), 900 ST, (B750), (V7C).
Present: V7III CS, (V50II), (Breva 750)

Offline paulbricey

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #9 on: Today at 01:38:36 PM »
V50 clutch arm with lug rewelded locally after some half-wit (me) thought they could 'just tap out the corroded-in pivot pin'..... only cost me 20 GBP !



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Online DoubleGuzzi

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Re: Curiosity: small block clutch arm
« Reply #10 on: Today at 05:04:10 PM »
... only cost me 20 GBP !
Blimey, wish I knew someone like that! Welded in situ by the looks of things.
TBH, I had a real worry that I'd break a lug the first time I tried driving a pin out. With subsequent bikes, I'd try a bit of heat along with penetrating oil(s), before resorting to breaking a few Dremel wheels. Fortunately, with my V7III and latest Breva, the pins came out much easier.
 
Nearly natural progression..
Past: SS50, Z200, Z250B, Z400J, (H100), GT750, K100, ZR1100, 900 Trident, 955 Sprint ST, (ZR550, M600), 900 ST, (B750), (V7C).
Present: V7III CS, (V50II), (Breva 750)

 

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