Time for a new clutch?

[delvryboy]

Well, I've noticed some slight slippaage WOT in 3rd gear when cold about a month ago, and now maybe a tad in 2nd. I have been just getting it up to temp before ripping on it lately and haven't had any other problems.

Tuesday night, bike all nice and toasty, I got a major slip in 4th WOT on the expressway. Just like i pulled in the clutch lever for a second, then it grabbed.

Should I be shopping for a new one? Think I can get another 1.5k out of this one? Are they a pita to install?

I am using Lucas 10w-40 semi-synth, made for wet clutches, :fyi:

Thanks

[blensen]

Have you adjusted the throwout on the left side sprocket cover? Mine was doing the same and that seemed to help, but only for a little while. I would say it's time for some new friction plates/springs.

Installation should be no problem for you. You should be able to completely swap and adjust in under half an hour and you won't even have to change the oil.

Hope this helps!

[ragedigital]

They are not difficult to install, just slightly time consuming. The biggest hassle is cleaning off the gasket from both surfaces.

Have you adjusted the throwout on the left side sprocket cover?

I just so happen to have the manual pic right here:

[delvryboy]

Thanks, I'll give that adjustment a whirl. Maybe that will get me by the rest of the season.

I'd rather try and make it untill then, since I'm tearing some stuff down for powder coat and paint anyhow.

Any suggestions on clutch kits?

[ragedigital]

Any suggestions on clutch kits?

The only ones I know of are from Barnett. They seem to be the most popular brand.

[_Will_]

had the same issue with it breaking loose in the power band ( viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4985 ), after getting it apart really all mine needed was springs. the friction plates still had obvious material left. Went with the EBC kevlar kit with no issues other than a snapped bolt. Job was really easy (considering I'd never done one) . Lots of good info on here as you've seen including the wiki. The alignment of the pack got me at first until I re-read the wiki

[thatkid]

I'll throw my in

Every clutch wears even from new. Usually the clutch cable is slackened. The friction and metal plates wear = the push rod gets push outwards towards, the clutch actuator.

I've only ever owned 5 motorcycles since 1975. The first bike was a Honda fifty (i was 14) I didn't use in on the road, only grass fields.

Every bike since I have always adjusted the clutch actuator (back it off), then the cable. In my younger days I did thrash the hell, and power wheelie, slip the clutch, kill rear tyres E.T.C. I've never killed a clutch though. I don't have the reactions anymore hence im a hotsy (careful rider, pussy)

IMO the Haynes Manual has so much misleading bullshit.

[delvryboy]

Definitely getting some more slippage in the power band, around 8-12k wot. I'm starting to wonder if it's the oil. I switched to the Lucas 2 changes ago and that's when it seemed to start. I don't remember having a problem when I was using Valvoline VR1 20W/50.

What Rotella is everyone using? Just the regular car oil?

[delvryboy]

So, after reflecting a little, I came to the conclusion that my slippage started 2 oil changes( when I switched to Lucas) ago. I figured I would try a different oil before I dig into the clutch. Used Rotella T 15w-40..... not a single slip, hot or cold. Who woulda thunk some $10.99 a gallon conventional oil would beat out a $8 a quart made for wet clutches moto oil.