Hinson Clutch Installation...Perfection

I was recently fortunate enough to meet Robert McClure at Hinson clutch components Racing.  I had no idea of just how fortunate it would turn out to be. I got a tour of the production facility and an explanation of how things were manufactured from start to finish. However, most of it was way over my head and I could only marvel at how much time and effort it took to make these jewelry quality pieces of art they call clutches. I no longer wonder why high quality clutches are so expensive; you get what you pay for!

Robert has worked at Hinson Clutch for over 10 years now and it is obvious he has used his time well and has learned, developed and practiced his area of expertise to a level seldom seen anymore. I can’t say enough about his level of expertise and professionalism displayed during an install when things did not go cookie cutter perfect.

I am currently riding a 2018 Yamaha YZ 450f.  Great bike so far but not quite the power delivery I was looking for, even with the seemingly unlimited ignition and fuel mapping available by the WiFi system. My latest idea to reach my goal was a weighted Hinson momentum clutch basket. Enter Robert McClure of Hinson Clutch Components.

I met up with Robert at the Hinson facility and observed as he showed the way a clutch should be installed. Amazing as well as educational. I had rarely seen anyone do every aspect of their craft with such perfect precision and attention to detail. I was getting an education as well as a new part to try. Robert showed, explained and taught me as he worked. From the removal and reuse of some parts to the use and even the age and type of Loctite. Incredible!

Now the interesting part, what should have been a short, sweet and simple install for Robert turned into a trouble shooting episode. He installed the clutch in short order and refilled with oil to test the adjustment. When he started the bike something was not “perfect”. Meaning there was a noise that was out of character and he did not let it go unnoticed. I could hear something but believe most people would have ignored it and just run it as is. Not Robert, back apart it comes. He investigates and can find no obvious reason for the noise. So he reinstalls in case something was not seated and listens again. He still hears it. So apart it comes again.

I am thinking ok, this guy is going to get frustrated, mad or impatient and start throwing tools. I know I probably would, lol.  Not Robert, he starts disassembling and thinking it through.  He decides to swap out a part he thinks could be the culprit, with a part he took out of another bike that he knows functioned properly. He does, noise goes away and he starts chucking up and checking surfaces with a micrometer on the removed noisy part.  He discovers an imperfection in the basket itself and goes into his inventory and checks each one until he finds one that is PERFECT.  Impressive, because now he has had this thing on and off multiple times while troubleshooting and has wasted almost two hours of his time on my bike.

It was actually nice to see something not go perfectly for such a skilled person and see how to properly handle it.  I thought it was just me this stuff happened to. He was a Saint, as well as a perfectionist.

After putting some time on the newly installed Hinson Momentum Clutch I finally got the desired results I was looking for. My motor is more tractable, easier to ride and works better everywhere!  It improved the whole bike. Something I was unable to do with the unlimited WiFi mapping from the factory.

A big Thanks to Robert at Hinson for making my bike not only much cooler, but MUCH BETTER!

#33

‘Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors’