Barnett's clutch plates

[Thespian]

Rebuilding my 99 standard clutch. The Barnett's clutch plates were less expensive than OEM from the dealer so I ordered them from motorcycle MX on Ebay. After installing the spring the plates were extremely loose sliding around with no resistance. Put the micrometer on both the OEM and  Barnett's and the later are 2/100 of an inch thinner at the point of friction material. Did some one put the wrong part in the box at the factory, or is there something I don't know about these disk's?  PS yes I did soak them as the manufacturer recommended. As always Thanks to all the experienced wrenchmen here who will no doubt have an answer.

[Tfrank59]

not an experienced wrenchman but am a machinist.  we talk in thousands and you posted a size in hundredths--2/100.  that's .020", correct?  if so and each clutch plate is that much thinner, Barnett vs OE, then you need to get with the vendor and let them know what they sent is way too thin.  just my 1.5 cents.

[NEHI]

   I just put a Barnett clutch in my Goldwing (same clutch as the Valk) the plates were the same thickness as the old ones and matched the factory specs and it went together very tight. I bought the kit from Barnett. Call Barnett and see what they say.

[Thespian]

Yes I missed a zero. E-mail has been sent and I'm awaiting a reply.

[Tfrank59]

Yes I missed a zero. E-mail has been sent and I'm awaiting a reply.

So are you saying the difference between the Barnett and the original clutch plates is only .002? If so I don't think that would make too much difference but I'm no expert. Either way I'd like to hear what the Barnett people have to say. Keep us posted.

[98valk]

Yes I missed a zero. E-mail has been sent and I'm awaiting a reply.

So are you saying the difference between the Barnett and the original clutch plates is only .002? If so I don't think that would make too much difference but I'm no expert. Either way I'd like to hear what the Barnett people have to say. Keep us posted.

Agree. the allowable wear before replacement is more than that.  Clutch material used is same for OEM and Barnett.  So it would come down to quality of material, workmanship- like which country made each and cost.
When I replaced my damper plate I bought a complete used clutch assembly on ebay for $40, price ranges found $40-100+. this way I had a clutch basket, which greatly helped in assembly. This was from a '91 Goldwing 113k, mic'd the clutch plates and actually measured the same as my 42k plates and the two new ones. so basically the clutch doesn't wear out. I can see why Goldwing GL1500 forums state clutch is good for 200-300+k miles. From checking parts fiches ALL GL1500s use the same number of clutch plates, so basket and clutch center are all the same. what is different is the clutch plate design and materials. Up to '97 all the clutch plates are the same except #4 and #7 which are actually the same that all '97 and up clutch plates are thus the upgrade mentioned for valkyries and 97-00 goldwings. Embossed on the pressure plate states they are "paper disks".
The 113k damper plate looked fine and had the same slight movement as the new one I bought.