Clutch Pressure Plate -- FJR vs Cars

Constant Mesh · Jun 6, 2016

The pressure plate on my manual transmission car bolts directly to the engine crankshaft via the flywheel. So whenever the engine is running the pressure plate is spinning at the same speed. If you're moving or sitting still with the clutch pedal depressed the pressure plate is turning with the running engine.

The FJR's pressure plate is connected directly to the tranmission's main axle via the clutch boss. When you're in gear and not moving the pressure plate is not turning -- it's motionless.

Both pressure plates have a bearing centered around the main axle which is used to operate the pressure plate and clutch.

When you press the clutch pedal with the engine running you're giving this bearing a workout. One half of the bearing is spinning at engine speed the other half is motionless.

So when you're sitting motionless at a traffic light or anywhere for an extended period in gear with the engine running you're working that bearing.

Maybe I'm overly concerned for this bearing but I almost always shift to neutral and release the clutch pedal when I'm sitting motionless at a red light or anywhere else for an extended period.

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Conversely, for the FJR, sitting at a red light in gear with the clutch lever pulled in is of no consequence for the pressure plate bearing. It's not turning when you're not moving.

Holding the lever in does no harm to anything except maybe fatiguing your hand.

It's a different operating mindset.

Klubis · Jun 6, 2016

Ah the "throwout" bearing or release bearing. I worry about mine, too, but not very much. I think it's more important to be in gear with the clutch ready to engage so as to attempt to avoid being rear ended while stopped, than it is to prolong the life of my throwout bearing. Then if I see 2 or 3 vehicles actually stopped behind me (ain't it amazing how they like to stop just inches from your tail light?) I will shift to neutral and give it a rest.

On a different note, I learned on another forum that a recalcitrant red light can be tricked into cycling by pressing the starter button on an FZ1. Will this work with an FJR as well, does anybody know?

ionbeam · Jun 6, 2016

Klubis said:
...On a different note, I learned on another forum that a recalcitrant red light can be tricked into cycling by pressing the starter button on an FZ1. Will this work with an FJR as well, does anybody know?

Pose this in a new thread. I have things to say that aren't in keeping with the clutch bearings of the OP.

I have changed a number of throwout bearings as a jack stand mechanic, it's not a job I look forward to. Not particularly mechanically challenging but it is a physical workout and specific tools makes the job go easier.

I'm in the camp that keeps my FJR in gear and an eye on the mirrors when stopped. This has absolutely saved my bacon twice on my FJR and twice in my car, every instance when stopped waiting to turn into my neighborhood side street. I once had a driver stop her car up the road when I was turning my motorcycle around and say, "Thank you, thank you so much for what you just did." What I did was dump the clutch with the RPMs at drag strip launch levels and managed to prevent the driver from hitting me; the lady was really shaken up. I did the same thing with my Impala SS blazing up the tires and pulling away from the car that didn't see me. Once I pulled over and stopped to turn the car around he pulled up beside me and rolled the window down on the passenger side. His passenger was sheet white with a glazed look staring straight ahead, he leaned over and shouted, "THAT WAS AWESOME." Helen was shouting at me, "Get out and beat the s#it out of that a$$hole."

Post edit: Uncle Hud and I, from the same page we are singing. We just need a new thread for our song.

eflyguy · Jun 6, 2016

I would think that the bearing is designed to carry the load. I've never heard of it being a particular issue..

mcatrophy · Jun 6, 2016

Years ago, many UK cars, built for cheapness, used carbon thrust races for the clutch. These were known to be likely to fail if you habitually stayed in gear at a red light.

Later on, ball bearing thrust races became the norm, and this was no longer a problem.

Just as well, we spend a lot of time waiting to pull out of a junction or onto a roundabout, all ready to dive into the slightest gap in the traffic stream. Preferably in front of an approaching motorcycle that we didn't see.