Karata clutch basket reliablility?

Energy One
Thumper

Thumper

Founding Member
Calendar Participant
I have a RMD open belt drive that I have finally had it with. The design flaw is in the clutch basket :bang:. What happens is the plates groove into the basket and then dont release properly. Bandit Clutch will redesign another basket for me but needs 8-10 months to fab :loony:

Looking at going with the Karata unit.

My question is, How has the basket held up under use? In particular after many miles not just bar to bar stuff.

Second;has anyone chromed their motor plate? Jim is adamant about not getting into chrome for "peeling complaints". For those that know him know he is very old school.
 
Raywood

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
Thumper, Sailor on here chromed out his Baker unit and it looks very nice. That was a couple years ago so maybe he will chime in here and tell us hows it holding up.

To bad about the RMD unit, I thought is was a very clean setup.

:cheers:
 
Showtime

Showtime

Member
Thumper said:
I have a RMD open belt drive that I have finally had it with. The design flaw is in the clutch basket :bang:. What happens is the plates groove into the basket and then dont release properly. Bandit Clutch will redesign another basket for me but needs 8-10 months to fab :loony:

Looking at going with the Karata unit.

My question is, How has the basket held up under use? In particular after many miles not just bar to bar stuff.

Second;has anyone chromed their motor plate? Jim is adamant about not getting into chrome for "peeling complaints". For those that know him know he is very old school.
Click to expand...
I put a 4" Karata on my bike as soon as they came out and not one problem with the system.... I think with the cost of something like this system Jim didnt want to get involved with another expense and relying on someone else to keep up to his standards.... dont blame him on that.... I would say when you get one CHROME IT!!!!!!!! would look nice for sure...
 
alhall88

alhall88

UAW
While I don't run a Karata, Rivera Primo has the same philosophy with there belt drive system on the Brute 4 and 5 series. Absolutely no chrome option offered along with a void warranty if you decide to do it on your own. Tight tolerance to ensure long life cannot be accomplished once chrome process is involved.
 
Bailey

Bailey

Member
Got about 6500 miles on my Karata no problems. I also wanted to chrome it and heard the same from Jim
 
K

kurtxt

Chopperman
Has anybody installed the ULTIMA open belt drive,any pros,cons. The Ultima is about 1/3 of the cost$1000.00 VS.3-4K for the Karata.I dont know if ultima makes them to fit Big Dog,or 250-300 rear tire bikes.Anybody have some info jump on in.
 
Shane

Shane

Active Member
I am waiting on some parts to be finished then I will install the Karata....no chrome wishes for me though.

Shane
 
RubWhore

RubWhore

Asshole Extraordinaire
Showtime said:
I put a 4" Karata on my bike as soon as they came out and not one problem with the system.... I think with the cost of something like this system Jim didnt want to get involved with another expense and relying on someone else to keep up to his standards.... dont blame him on that.... I would say when you get one CHROME IT!!!!!!!! would look nice for sure...
Click to expand...
Your old drive is at the Chromers now
 
Staffy

Staffy

Active Member
No matter whose clutch basket you use - even the best - "SLIGHT" grooves will appear as a result of engaging-disengaging of the clutch – MORE so if you are into wheelies, riding the clutch, etc. BUT it should never get to the point you describe "clutch creep"
The clutch baskets at Karata go through a GREAT hardening processes. In addition, Jim has designed the basket extremely well – in the event there is ever an issue, there is a simple and inexpensive fix/swap.
I am a HUGE Karata fan :2thumbs: been using their open primary 2 plus years – to ME it’s the BEST.
Regarding the chrome – I have not done it on either of my setups - but am on the fence (especially when it get down to polishing the bike:lol::lol:)
 
G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
Staffy said:
No matter whose clutch basket you use - even the best - "SLIGHT" grooves will appear as a result of engaging-disengaging of the clutch – MORE so if you are into wheelies, riding the clutch, etc. BUT it should never get to the point you describe "clutch creep"
The clutch baskets at Karata go through a GREAT hardening processes. In addition, Jim has designed the basket extremely well – in the event there is ever an issue, there is a simple and inexpensive fix/swap.
I am a HUGE Karata fan :2thumbs: been using their open primary 2 plus years – to ME it’s the BEST.
Regarding the chrome – I have not done it on either of my setups - but am on the fence (especially when it get down to polishing the bike:lol::lol:)
Click to expand...
The problem with the RMD was a known issue. Thumper and I both had the same problem. His had more miles on it and got way worse than mine. I got rid of the bike completely before having to deal with it at all.

Here's some pics of my slightly worn clutch basket. The plates were eating the basket.










Its complete BS. And the people at RMD are completely worthless. NO FUCKIN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ALL!!! A fuckin joke.

Thumper... my heart goes out to you.

The karata I put on DJs bike was a very nice piece!! Way nicer than the RMD.
 
Thumper

Thumper

Founding Member
Calendar Participant
Gas Man said:
Its complete BS. And the people at RMD are completely worthless. NO FUCKIN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ALL!!! A fuckin joke.
Click to expand...
I was going to take the high road and stay away from that but fuck them. Shannon and Lisa are the worlds 2 biggest assholes I have ever dealt with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do NOT buy anything from RMD, they do NOT stand behind their work
 
Moespeeds

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
I run an Ultima, and I like it. I've put about 15k hard miles on it. Mine has begun to creep, I think it's the nature of the beast with dry clutches, but who knows. Overall I'm happy with the unit. I bought mine from Southern Motorcycle Works in SC, they make some of the parts custom but use an Ultima basket. They are great with support if you have a problem or need anything.
 
G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
Thumper said:
I was going to take the high road and stay away from that but fuck them. Shannon and Lisa are the worlds 2 biggest assholes I have ever dealt with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do NOT buy anything from RMD, they do NOT stand behind their work
Click to expand...
But see Thumper... I was trying to take one for ya... take one for the team on that. But you are 100% right!
 
RADAMS445

RADAMS445

RADICAL
Really liked the way the RMD looked on the bikes, but definitely don't need the headache after seeing this!! Thanks Gas.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top