1998 EC 250 Clutch Basket Failure

[Dukester]

Hello all. I recently acquired a 1998 model EC or XC 250 (U.S. Version). It had been setting up for about 10 years. I rebuilt top end and got it running relatively well but it was making a horrible knocking sound at idle and low rpm's. I pulled the clutch cover off and discovered that all of the rubber bushings on the back of the clutch basket were in pieces and had been thrown throughout the engine casing. The metal ring that holds them in place (normally riveted to the back of the basket) had broken in two and was pretty mashed up. All bearings seemed to be in good condition. Any ideas as to what could have caused this? Also, I can't find an after market clutch basket for the 1998 model. Would a 2000 model fit?