OEM plates are noticeably different to aftermarket ones, in a variety of ways: 1. Shape - the tabs are larger on the OEM ones (and one of the plates has larger tabs than the others, which caused some fun on reassembly[1]) 2. Pattern. Much more defined on the OEM plates. The friction material seems a little thicker, but then the old plates had done 40k miles. 3. Cost. Oh, yes. 8 small tab friction plates, one large, one anti-rattle plate, and 7 steel plates do put a fairly sizeable dent in one's wallet. Especially when you add a lifter rod, spring, spring seat and gasket. Fitting it was messy. Oil-soaked plates do not a tidy workspace make. Still, it's in now, and the swing-arm is *almost* in. This could be fun. The frame tubes behind the swing arm pivot are closer together than the swing arm pivot, so there's much wiggling and jiggling involved - all whilst ensuring that the UJ doesn't become dislodged, or the UJ rubber boot doesn't get trapped and/or split. I think I've just about got it, and anticipate reaching a conclusion sometime Wednesday. The I can set to re-attaching the rear wheel, subframe and luggage. I also discovered why the CD no longer works - some twat routed the cable under one of the seat posts, and it sliced it clean in two. Some complex soldering is need here, as the cable is a co-axial one. Ho-hum - at least it's keeping me off the streets. I can't go anywhere next weekend due to hordes of spandex-clad arseholes, so I might as well spend the time in the garage. [1] The clutch unit has to be assembled off the bike, then offered up to the clutch basket. When all lined up, it then has to be removed, to allow the spring to be compressed, and the spring circlip installed. The whole unit then has to be reinstalled in the basket, and bolted in wiv a big 32mm nut. Of course, should any of the plates move whilst the spring was being fitted, then it won't fit straight in, and much swearing will ensue. Gentle tapping with a drift and a little hammer seemed appropriate. I didn't trust myself with a big hammer.
