So I realize this question may be on the line of too broad, but I think the answer(s) could be of future use to others as well, so I’m asking.
Bike: 2014 Kawasaki EX300A (296 cc I think)
At 9,000 Miles my stock clutch started to slip, so I decided to start looking at kits. The kit that I ended up getting was an EBC SRK kit that is supposed to provide aggressive friction kit “for high-power” bikes.
I figured that a strong friction clutch would provide better performance (which it did) and being that it said “for high-power” I assumed that it would last quite a while since my bike only produced 40 HP factory (as opposed to 150+ being high-power). However, I’m now at ~11,600 Miles and I’ve already noticed that my bite point has moved further out (meaning I don’t have to pull the lever far, and to engage the clutch, I have to let the lever almost all the way out). Additionally, it seems like if I hit hard and aggressive shifts, it’s lacking in delivery.
So the question is: With regard to clutches at least (and probably brakes and tires) is it commonplace for the higher-performance materials to have a shorter working life, even on weak bikes like a 300 - particularly when the driving habits are the same? Because I would expect a friction system designed for a 500lb. bike that has 150+ HP would be much heartier than a stock one for a 40 HP bike.
Any insights or experience is appreciated.
NOTE: There was a very noticeable increase in friction when the clutch was fresh. Several times the front tried to lift where it hadn’t before, so I do know it was better/stronger than before.
