Clutch. Is this normal?

[KillerCobra]

Doesn't happen all the time but does happen often. I'll be at a light and it will turn green so I feather the clutch and start to go. Sometimes when I hold the clutch at it's friction point it will be smooth take off and other times it feels like its slipping and then BAM its grabbed. Without even releasing the lever further. It's my first bike. Has a little over 20,000 on it. I didn't think I needed to replace the clutch at first because it pulls in my torque range. Is it possible I need to replace it? Or is something else going on?

[DonTZ125]

Adjust the clutch at the sprocket cover, see if that fixes it.

[KillerCobra]

I was just reading up how to do that. Will be doing so when I get home from work and report back. Thanks.

[JasonRDfan]

Just be careful, you don't want to weld your pushrod bearing

[KillerCobra]

Just finished adjusting it on the clutch cover. I think I did it correctly. Loosen lock nut, tighten the screw until I feel spring and back off 1/4 turn, tighten lock nut while hopefully not messing the screw. Judging by the slack still in my line I think I need a new cable? Haven't ridden it yet so I don't know if it feels different or not yet.

[JasonRDfan]

Mine was like that when I got my fzr, I had a welded pushrod bearing and it was broken.

[KillerCobra]

Is there a way to tell if its welded/broken without taking it apart?

[JasonRDfan]

Not really, it's easy though. It would give you a good reason to check out your clutch plates, and check your basket for grooves. You can of course remove the sprocket cover and pull her out that way. Check the pushrod oil seal to see if its leaking. If you pull the pushrod out, there is supposed to be a 5/16 ball bearing between the long and short pushrod. It may fall out. My guess is its melted. Also if you take off the clutch cover you can see if it is assembled correctly.

[KillerCobra]

ok cool. i think i get what your saying. Im not mechanically stupid but i am new to bikes. so if your bored and would like to go more into detail go for it. if not dont worry about it

[Kevadlilleke]

Is this of any help: http://fzronline.com/wiki/doku.php?id=clutch-page?

[JasonRDfan]

Any updates yet?

[KillerCobra]

Haven't taken it apart to look yet.

[JasonRDfan]

Haven't taken it apart to look yet.

Cool, I just want to make sure everything works out for you

[KillerCobra]

thanks. appreciate the help. ill have to drain the oil to do this correct?

[DonTZ125]

While on the sidestand, the oil should all be to the left side and won't come pouring out; have a drip pan or newspapers underneath to catch drips. If you have it on a paddock stand, all bets are off!