Generation 2 Procutting Hard Anodized 7075 Grade Aluminum baskets - $270

Q&A:

1. How are these baskets made?

Each basket is cut out of 7075 grade aluminum. A band is used to secure each "finger" of the basket to ensure that the tangs maintain their position. Tang slot widths are reduced to ensure a tighter tolerance with the clutch packs to ensure longevity and quietness. Standard clutch packs from any vendor will simply drop into our basket, but the fit will be snug. The result - the quietest clutch you've ever heard with no gimmicks. It wears better than the steel stock basket, and doesn't rattle like most aftermarket baskets do after a few thousand miles.

2. I purchased a clutch combo from you before. How do I know if I received a Generation 2 setup?

All clutch baskets sold prior to May 2008 were the first generation. The second generation of clutch basket has a groove across the edge of all of the fingers to mark it as the 2nd generation (see above picture).

3. You used to sell only the basket combos, why do you sell the baskets separately now?

We designed the Generation 2 baskets to work with both Barnett and Surflex clutch packs. These clutch packs are now "Drop In", meaning we no longer machine the friction plates for the red or hard ano baskets. By not machining the clutch packs, cost is reduced and customers can now purchase our clutch baskets and the clutch of their choice. We offer both the surflex and barnett clutch packs as options.

4. How much weight savings can be had by switching to this basket/plate combo?

You'll shed almost 3 pounds in reciprocating mass by switching to this basket/plate combo (when our billet hub is also installed). This makes the bike rev quicker and make it seem like it has more horsepower.

5. Will this clutch basket/plate combo last longer than the original one? Will it last longer than other aftermarket baskets?

This basket combo will last longer than the OEM aluminum baskets and longer than other aftermarket baskets. Wear differs from bike to bike and rider to rider, but, in general, you will replace this basket less often than the OEM one. Our basket wears better because of the finger gap in the basket. We manufactured the baskets to accept any clutch pack, but the fit will be tighter than on the stock basket. A tighter fit means a quieter longer-lasting clutch.

6. Will the basket be noisy like the original basket?

The basket combo will be considerably quieter than your OEM basket and also quieter than other aftermarket baskets because the fingers on the basket are optimized to minimize the gap between the friction plates andthe basket. We run our clutches with vented covers and still find that the sound is quieter than the original basket with a closed cover. That supposed "cool" Ducati clutch rattle isn't a matter of course. It is a sound borne of an improperly set up clutch. Properly set up clutches don't rattle.

7. What is the difference between your hard anodized and the red anodized basket choices?

Hard anodizing only comes in black and green. Hard anodizing makes the basket extra tough and is suitable for all Ducatis, especially those that see touring dury. The red anodized clutch basket is anodized for visual appeal for those that run vented clutch covers. While the basket isn't as hard as the hard anodized basket, it will last almost as long because the aluminum used is 7000 series aluminum -- the tough stuff. I recommend the red anodized basket for those not using their bike for touring dury.

8. What kind of clutch plates are used?

You have your choice of either Barnett 2008 spec design clutch packs or Surflex clutch packs from Italy. Unless you're a competitive racer, I wouldn't pay extra for the surflex. The Surflex plates cost approximately 25% more. I don't know if they will last 25% longer.

9. What kind of tools are necessary to remove the old basket?

You will need a tool to hold the drum and a tool for holding the basket. The tools can be constructed out of your old friction/steel driven plates, or purchased here.

10. Can I use my old Ducati or other aftermarket clutch in this basket.

You can use any 12-finger clutch pack on our clutch basket. You can even use your old stock Ducati clutch pack in it. We advise against this however because if the clutch pack fingers are worn, they will wear out the clutch basket prematurely.

11. I hear a lot of people are installing slipper clutches in their Ducatis. Why don't you sell slipper clutches?

If there was a better clutch setup, I'd sell it and use it. I've tried slipper clutches. Slippers are VERY sensitive to clutch pack thickness and require a lot of fiddling during setup. They are also touchy with aftermarket slave cylinders because aftermarket slaves don't move the pressure plate the same distance. Additionally, slipper clutches wear out faster. Our Pro-Cutting clutches routinely last tens of thousands of miles, and are typically plug-n-play setups. You won't get the longevity out of a slipper clutch compared to the Procutting clutch.

12. I've seen other baskets recommended on Ducati message boards? Are they as good?

I won't comment on message board recommendations. I only post on my own message board. Most message boards are sponsored by vendors. When was the last time you saw an infomercial that was unbiased? The same holds true for message board posts by sponsors. Just because vendors sponsor boards doesn't make their products better. It just means they put their money into advertising instead of product development.

Hey LT.

Wanted to thank you for "guiding" me to a really sweet clutch! I picked up your "best of the best" deal, and it stands true to its name.

Thanks for being such a great resource for an otherwise convoluted and very expensive marketplace. I truly look foward to spending my future paychecks at your establishment!

ZS
Seattle WA

**********************************************

To LT Snyder/ desmotimes,

Thank You for your Help with my purchase of a Pro cutting clutch kit and other clutch components. The order only took 7 days to arrive in Australia. The clutch is fantastic and works a treat, it looks good too. I will definitely use desmotimes again and will recommend desmotimes to others. It's weird not having the traditional Ducati clutch rattle anymore. (I might have to put a hand full of marbles in the clutch cover)

Thanks again.
Kind Regards,

KL

*********************************************

LT,

I GOT 3RD in the race!! My best finish ever in CCS Super Twins. The clutch worked very well in the Super Twins race at Summit Point yesterday. My launch was great, I got the hole shot with my front a little higher than I would have liked just because I was not used to having that much bite. During the race the clutch was AWESOME no slipping and very easy to back into corners, very controlled. I have used slippers in the past but I prefer the compression breaking of a standard clutch. The motor it was mated to is no slouch, a 999 that Eraldo Ferracci Built it for me last year and it Dynoed 152 at the wheel on VP C-12. The best part of my weekend was the finish, I'm still surprised.

Thanks again,
TA

********************************************

LT,

I thought I'd give you a clutch update, because I'm sure you want it.

First impressions out of the box was "this is badass"

Installation went pretty smoothly, untill I couldn't get the push rod out of the old pressure plate for 40 min. until I started using my brain instead of my testosterone. The new stm piece that goes inside the bearing also needed some help. That little stm piece doesn't fit as snuggly as the piece I pulled off, is this supposed to be like this? I needed an excuse to buy a torque wrench, just in time for fathers day and the sales that ensue at Sears, my dad bought it for me too, pretty sweet. What I didn't need was an excuse to buy a 32mm socket. Your manual was spot on with the details. Like the part when you warned of all the old thread locker after removal of the basket bolts, a vacuum cleaner worked fine. The manual was a comfort throughout the whole process.

Your warning of hard downshifts and the difficulty of finding neutral eased my mind when I couldn't find neutral and had hard downshifting.

When I first rode it I could feel a difference, it added some much needed pep to my bike and pumped some life back into it. Combined with my stiffening up my suspension the front wheel gets a tad light.
After 60 miles I am very happy with the performance and it sounds whisper great, and my impression is still "this thing is badass".

thanks

CT

*******************************************

LT,

I installed the new clutch basket and fitted plates I bought from you recently. What a difference! No more bucket of rocks noise with the clutch engaged and can of Beebes noise with the lever pulled in. I love the open cover and anodized cover plate I bought, but I was embarrassed every time I slowed down enough to hear the rattling.

I agree that the noise was an indication of poor design and definitely not “cool” as some people think. The new clutch is much quieter than I hoped for and has a pleasant mechanical whirring sound now.

******************************************

Aloha from Hawaii,

Just put in the 3rd stage clutch upgrade from you & must say its fantastic!!! No clutch rattle at all with an open cover, wife is loving the sound she does not hear, & the look is great too.

I put a thread in multistrada.net in forums/product reviews: Clutch groaning & typical rattle by Mad dog. I thought you would like it,very happy with all my purchases from you by the way.

Only 2 days & its got 75 hits, hope you get some buisiness from it, worthwile product.

Aloha

CP from Honolulu Hawaii

*****************************************

LT,

Installed the clutch this afternoon in about 90 minutes. Wow! Tight quality fit that still has the Ducati dry clutch noise but in a dignified manner. You may want to emphasize that a bit more on your web site because I know it cost you a sale from one guy that thought it was totally quiet. Yes, I remembered to keep all the plates aligned as per the marks from the factory with the basket. Nice feel from the get go as I put about 30 miles on it this evening.

The old clutch/basket...yikes. Referencing your .020 maximum gap from your book, I can't believe it was ever that close. The gaps measured closer to .040 but about half the friction material was still left though on each plate. No wonder it sounded like a bunch of coins in a glass jar. My exhaust note is much more satisfying now. The two deep metal plates had a bit of rust on them which was kinda unexpected but the hub looked in good shape.

Thanks again. Everything was super high quality and ultra easy to install...as advertised.

MD

****************************************