5 replies to this topic

[Paul4421]

I am interested in buying a mini and an contiplating using an automated clutch, whereby the clutch is operated via a switch on the gear lever.

Have any of you used such a system. I am aware there are several different versions on the market, but am told the "Duck Clutch" is the one to go for.

Are any of you able to comment on your systems?

Thanks

Paul

[china]

Paul4421, on Aug 13 2008, 06:56 PM, said:

I am interested in buying a mini and an contiplating using an automated clutch, whereby the clutch is operated via a switch on the gear lever.

Have any of you used such a system. I am aware there are several different versions on the market, but am told the "Duck Clutch" is the one to go for.

Are any of you able to comment on your systems?

Thanks

Paul

Enquired about these at the Mobility Roadshow in June, only a couple of companies doing them now, and the price in, for either version is in the region of £1800, Guido-Simplex, apparently do the best version.

I had one on a company Land Rover back on the 90's, it was a nightmare, due to the vibration of the diesel engine, apparently, those still available today are of much better quality and work with much more electronics than the earlier versions.

The are eays to use, IF, you are the type of person who can control the wheel with one hand and operating you hand controls, with the very same hand. I, for everyday use, drive an automatic but, I'm always playing with the sport mode and gears, so I'm always doing this.

There is a guy with the last name Relph, think his first name is Keith. I was told by the guys at the roadshow to do an internet search for him, as he uses the system on the car he takes to places like Nordschleife, so it must work well.

[robbo100bike]

i had the guido simplex one on a honda civic about 5 years back. It worked very well and was dead easy to use. Guido simplex was a vacuuum system whereas i believe the duck switch is electronic, which has got to be better. The set up was very easy to use and intuitive too. I didnt have handcontrols but can see no reason why it shoulnt be easy enough with them.

I was mislead when i bought mine into believing the system is interchangable into your next car etc. I found out later it wasnt cost effective to transfer it to next car. So recommend you keep that in mind.

Mine had a habit of spinning the wheels on loose surfaces and hill starts. Which can draw attention from the old bill. On subject of hill starts - did you learn to drive in a manual or auto? Those who learnt in manual are used to clutch bite control on the hills. Auto drivers would need to learn.

My ex wife had a BMW Mini and i loved driving that or is it the Original mini you are after??

Edited by robbo100bike, 14 August 2008 - 10:38 AM.

[Paul4421]

robbo100bike, on Aug 14 2008, 11:34 AM, said:

i had the guido simplex one on a honda civic about 5 years back. It worked very well and was dead easy to use. Guido simplex was a vacuuum system whereas i believe the duck switch is electronic, which has got to be better. The set up was very easy to use and intuitive too. I didnt have handcontrols but can see no reason why it shoulnt be easy enough with them.

I was mislead when i bought mine into believing the system is interchangable into your next car etc. I found out later it wasnt cost effective to transfer it to next car. So recommend you keep that in mind.

Mine had a habit of spinning the wheels on loose surfaces and hill starts. Which can draw attention from the old bill. On subject of hill starts - did you learn to drive in a manual or auto? Those who learnt in manual are used to clutch bite control on the hills. Auto drivers would need to learn.

My ex wife had a BMW Mini and i loved driving that or is it the Original mini you are after??

Thanks for this, it is a BM mini, so there is enough room under the bonnet for the unit then? Also spinning the wheels is not ideal, surely the clutch can be feathered in on the lever just like the conventional pedal?

Would you have another fitted, or opt for another auto car ?? Are then any other downsides

Thanks

[russ1]

Are you considering using the auto clutch in conjunction with hand controls or can you use standard brake and accelerator. I struggle to see the advantage of the auto clutch (although I can confirm that the auto box in the BMW mini isn't the best). As I see it the advantage of having a manual is for spirited driving, for that you really need to be able to brake and downshift at the same time and unless you have three hands I just can't see how you can do it. That'd be the downsides as I see it.

However if you want one cowal mobilitywill fit you one. I can definately recommend them - have had three conversions done by them now including on a Mini (but only standard push pull on that one)

[robbo100bike]

Paul4421, on Aug 14 2008, 12:34 PM, said:

robbo100bike, on Aug 14 2008, 11:34 AM, said:

i had the guido simplex one on a honda civic about 5 years back. It worked very well and was dead easy to use. Guido simplex was a vacuuum system whereas i believe the duck switch is electronic, which has got to be better. The set up was very easy to use and intuitive too. I didnt have handcontrols but can see no reason why it shoulnt be easy enough with them.

I was mislead when i bought mine into believing the system is interchangable into your next car etc. I found out later it wasnt cost effective to transfer it to next car. So recommend you keep that in mind.

Mine had a habit of spinning the wheels on loose surfaces and hill starts. Which can draw attention from the old bill. On subject of hill starts - did you learn to drive in a manual or auto? Those who learnt in manual are used to clutch bite control on the hills. Auto drivers would need to learn.

My ex wife had a BMW Mini and i loved driving that or is it the Original mini you are after??

Thanks for this, it is a BM mini, so there is enough room under the bonnet for the unit then? Also spinning the wheels is not ideal, surely the clutch can be feathered in on the lever just like the conventional pedal?

Would you have another fitted, or opt for another auto car ?? Are then any other downsides

Thanks

It only span on hills and loose but on the guido simplex - the unit controls the clutch much like a auto. The more power you apply the faster the clutch lifts but its was abit agircultural. The switch on the gear lever is only used on gear changes i.e. 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd etc. Personally I wouldnt have another, if the car of choice had an automatic option.

The duck switch might be more like a clutch lever? In which case this would be preferable but since its a few years back and these thigs tend to evlove/improve have a look at guido simplex one and compare the two.

The BM mini is good fun to drive we had the cooper but had the cooper S as a courtesy car and that was awesome and brought out the hooligan in me!!