Clutch recommendation

[Guest]

Hi All,

I think I need to rebuild the clutch in my '80 1100L. Only 17,000 miles, but I can't get it adjusted so that it shifts well and doesn't slip. So..., I figure a rebuild can't hurt.

Question 1: am I missing something in the adjustment? Is there some Jedi mind trick I could use?

Question 2: Assuming the answer to question 1 is no, any recommendations on a clutch kit?

THX!!!

[JTGS850GL]

#1: Here a link that can help you out with the clutch adjustment:

FSM for 80-83 GS1100LT

Make sure you have a small amount (~2mm) of slack in the cable.

#2: Factory stock clutch plates and springs.

And here is a like to a web site that has a ton of info:

BikeCliff's Website

[A-train]

#1: Here a link that can help you out with the clutch adjustment:

FSM for 80-83 GS1100LT

Make sure you have a small amount (~2mm) of slack in the cable.

#2: Factory stock clutch plates and springs.

And here is a like to a web site that has a ton of info:

BikeCliff's Website

I tried to create that 2mm of slack in the cable, but when I did I couldn't get the thing into neutral. I had a friend try the same thing too (motorcycle guru I know) and he experienced the same thing. What does that mean? Seems counter-intuitive...

[Nessism]

Typically, slippage can be eliminated by installing new stock springs. Sometimes the plates petrify with age and heat cycles though, and replacing them will improve the both the ease of finding neutral, and eliminate slippage.

The OEM plates are tried and true. EBC are a reasonable alternate, but don't use their springs unless you have a kung fu grip.

[sharpy]

I used EBC fibre plates and just 3 of there springs and best clutch i every felt. Then again im 6'2 and 90KG

[Dj66]

Sounds like warped plates to me, How rough have those 17000 miles been?

[A-train]

Sounds like warped plates to me, How rough have those 17000 miles been?

Not sure about the miles - I've only put about 500 of them on...

[A-train]

Typically, slippage can be eliminated by installing new stock springs. Sometimes the plates petrify with age and heat cycles though, and replacing them will improve the both the ease of finding neutral, and eliminate slippage.

The OEM plates are tried and true. EBC are a reasonable alternate, but don't use their springs unless you have a kung fu grip.

Makes sense.

Where does one find OEM plates for a bike of this age? Suzuki dealership?

Finding neutral is really easy where I've got it set, but it'll slip a bit if I get on it.

Do I need to make sure I buy both the face (metal) plates and the friction plates? A few kits I've seen look like they only include the friction plates.

[A-train]

I used EBC fibre plates and just 3 of there springs and best clutch i every felt. Then again im 6'2 and 90KG

Sharpy - only 3 springs and no slippage when you're really getting on it? Wow - maybe my springs have failed. I think I'll start with that.

[blowerbike]

Sharpy - only 3 springs and no slippage when you're really getting on it? Wow - maybe my springs have failed. I think I'll start with that.

he is using 3 stock and 3 ebc.
i commented in another thread about your problem..not sure which one

[blowerbike]

if your springs have failed neutral would be easy and the clutch would slip all the time.

[A-train]

if your springs have failed neutral would be easy and the clutch would slip all the time.

Blowerbike - thank you. That's exactly what I needed to hear. I just ordered a new set.

[blowerbike]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=2032812&postcount=22

read that post from another thread.
you are misunderstanding what i said.
free play wouldn't matter if your clutch springs was bad...it would slip even if the cable was un-hooked.
i think you may have an after market clutch in the bike...they are all crap and cause problems like your having.
OEM is the best for stock and race applications.

[A-train]

@ Blowerbike - I hear ya. Still, the symptoms point to at least the springs being bad - maybe plates too. I'll start with springs and see what happens. Pretty easy job. Also, I bought it with 16.5k miles - I have a hard time believing the previous owner replaced the clutch. But he certainly could have...

Thx for the feedback.

[blowerbike]

ok as long as you understand weak springs will not keep you from getting neutral(they will help you get neutral).
heavy duty springs will stop you from getting neutral.
i set up clutches that have a 2 finger pull and neutral is like butter.
i use OEM steels/fibers and very weak springs and of course a centrifugal lock up device.
just giving you an example of weak springs above....