Mousetrap clutch boost for twin cam?

[sharkoilfield]

Question for the really, really old time HD guys...could a mousetrap be used as a clutch booster on a current TC? I know it used a rod, rather than a cable, but that don't seem insurmountable. The whole device reminds me if the "over center" spring assembly on the clutch pedal in my 1971 440 6 Pack 4 speed...

[jmorton10]

AMP makes a clutch booster setup with gears in it that works similar to the overcenter technique of a mousetrap.

http://amp-research.com/wp-content/files/AMP_EZPull_ClutchAssist_2013.pdf

I have the AMP setup on both my RK's & it helps ease a stiff clutch pull.

I had a mousetrap on my 1957 Panhead, the best thing about them is you could still work the clutch even if the cable broke.

~John

[sharkoilfield]

I've seen the AMP; it works...but I do like the look of the mousetrap, especially on a retro looking build...do you think it could work?

[Tsani]

Mousetraps are an over center spring assist device. I never had a problem adjusting mine, others just couldn't get it down. Best part about them is if you broke the clutch cable, you could still operate it by hand. Trying to think how you are going to get it to work tho. Guess it could be rigged, but man, your going double your adjustments.

[harley_cruiser]

Is the purpose to lock the clutch disingaged? Why not a spring loaded lever/lock on the clutch handle or just above on the housing?

[Tsani]

No, They didn't lock unless you had it grossly misadjusted or disconnected from the pressure of the clutch pack. They aided in applying pressure to engage and disengage and it was a balancing act between the Mousetrap spring and the clutch springs. Had mine adjusted so it was a two finger deal.

[rbabos]

Mousetraps are an over center spring assist device. I never had a problem adjusting mine, others just couldn't get it down. Best part about them is if you broke the clutch cable, you could still operate it by hand. Trying to think how you are going to get it to work tho. Guess it could be rigged, but man, your going double your adjustments.

Always liked the mechanical look to them. As you say, not hard to adjust once you understand what the mechanism does.
Ron

[rbabos]

Not sure why HD can't get the slip/assist (slipper) cutches to work well with the big twins. Hell, the v rod clutch is one finger but can hold 160+ hp. Also note the mousetraps were never used with a rubber mounted engine, where the engine bounces around seperately from the frame mounted mousetrap. Could be a setting nightmare.
Ron

[sharkoilfield]

I would go cable from mousetrap to clutch; totally different linkage than origional mousetrap application. I may have to get a complete mechanism at a swap meet and "play" with it

[Tsani]

I think hard linkage to a cross over setup may be neat. You put a  short cable link on the other side. Would be different.

[Bikerscum]

Not sure why HD can't get the slip/assist (slipper) cutches to work well with the big twins.

HD calls the clutch on my '15 limited Low "assist & slip". It is definitely easier to pull than a standard clutch on a Limited, the slip part I'm not so sure.... I never notice it slipping.

It works very well as far as I can see.

[zj1182]

Ah, this post brings back fond memories. I remember taking apart the mousetrap on my '59 pan (I bought in in '72) to clean up the chrome. 

First time I took it apart I shot parts all over the barn as the tension on the coil spring released suddenly.

Had the devil of a time getting it back together. Man, that spring was strong.  I finally stretched the spring by bending it back and forth and slipping pennies between the coils.

I'm sure there was a tool, but I didn't have much money, or patience, LOL!

zj

[Tsani]

And that is why it is called a mousetrap. Hurts like a rat trap when that thing springs back and catches your finger.

[jmorton10]

LOL, they could definitely hurt you if you weren't careful assembling/adjusting them...

They did work real well when correctly adjusted so they went overcenter & relaxed as you where holding the clutch lever in.

~John

[rbabos]

Not sure why HD can't get the slip/assist (slipper) cutches to work well with the big twins.

HD calls the clutch on my '15 limited Low "assist & slip". It is definitely easier to pull than a standard clutch on a Limited, the slip part I'm not so sure.... I never notice it slipping.

It works very well as far as I can see.

The slip part is to prevent rear tire locking on hard downshifts. The assist is to lock the clutch up tighter with more load applied. Springs can be weaker this way and this reflects on a lighter lever pull.
Ron

[Bikerscum]

Not sure why HD can't get the slip/assist (slipper) cutches to work well with the big twins.

HD calls the clutch on my '15 limited Low "assist & slip". It is definitely easier to pull than a standard clutch on a Limited, the slip part I'm not so sure.... I never notice it slipping.

It works very well as far as I can see.

The slip part is to prevent rear tire locking on hard downshifts. The assist is to lock the clutch up tighter with more load applied. Springs can be weaker this way and this reflects on a lighter lever pull.
Ron

Very interesting, thanks for the info 

[rbabos]

Not sure why HD can't get the slip/assist (slipper) cutches to work well with the big twins.

HD calls the clutch on my '15 limited Low "assist & slip". It is definitely easier to pull than a standard clutch on a Limited, the slip part I'm not so sure.... I never notice it slipping.

It works very well as far as I can see.

The slip part is to prevent rear tire locking on hard downshifts. The assist is to lock the clutch up tighter with more load applied. Springs can be weaker this way and this reflects on a lighter lever pull.
Ron

Very interesting, thanks for the info 

The down side I can see and several dyno operators see this also is with the huge torque pulses of the big twin the assist ramp under pressure has a hard time staying under high lock up pressures. Like it rebounds back sometimes, relaxing plate pressure and the clutch shows slipping. Something that doesn't happen with the shorter stroke engines like metrics or the v rod Revolution. Probably a fine clutch unless you full time race it or are looking for a laminated dyno sheet to whip out at a bar or something.
Ron

[Hossamania]

Hey, mines not laminated! Just folded, tattered in my wallet. Wanna see it?