Clutch rattle, doesn't engage in any gear????

[Bob Shaw]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I have a 1982 gs850g. I started out of my driveway, heard rattling noise and the bike didn't move anymore. The clutch doesn't engage in any of the 5 gears. I took the side cover off and everything looked good. When I drained the oil it was clean, same with the middle oil. I have never replaced a clutch before but it looks simple enough along with Clymers, I don't anticipate any problems there. Can any one advise me as to what happened????
Thanks, Bob Shaw

[tom203]

When you say "the clutch doesn't engage in any of 5 gears", does gear shift lever move thru gear pattern? Is bike stuck in some gear now, or will it roll freely ,as it appears to be in neutral?
clutches seldom quickly fail, but the secondary drive system can.

[Bob Shaw]

Thanks for looking. The bike shifts fine but acts like it's in neutral. It's not stuck in gear, it rolls freely.

[tom203]

Thanks for looking. The bike shifts fine but acts like it's in neutral. It's not stuck in gear, it rolls freely.

Suspect the propeller shaft u-joint attachment

http://www.alpha-sports.com/spst/1982%20GS850GL/34.htm?q=suzuki-parts

[Bob Shaw]

I'll look into that part. is there some kind of test I can perform to determine if that's the problem??

[tom203]

I'll look into that part. is there some kind of test I can perform to determine if that's the problem??

Put in any gear, if it still rolls sorta freely (clutch engaged) ,problem lies in secondary gear stuff. Peel back rubber boot and go exploring.

[hjfisk]

Check the spline in the rear wheel , they are known for stripping out very common problem

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Suzuki/Motorcycle/1982/GS850G/REAR+WHEEL/parts.html

part # 14 in the rear wheel

[blowerbike]

Check the spline in the rear wheel , they are known for stripping out very common problem

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Suzuki/Motorcycle/1982/GS850G/REAR+WHEEL/parts.html

part # 14 in the rear wheel

oh yes...that would be my guess....good call.

[Bob Shaw]

Thanks to all of you. I started taking off the rear drive. I'll see what I find.

[Bob Shaw]

Clutch rattle, doesn't engage in any gear?

I looked for propeller shaft coupling, don't make them any longer. It was easier and probably cheaper to get another final drive. I installed it and have power to rear end in all gears. Another problem came up. When putting the clutch back together and adjusting it as per Clymner, when I'm in gear I don't have any free spin like when I'm in neutral There is definitely drag . When I hold in the clutch lever and rotate the engine the rear wheel moves??? Any help is appreciated.. When I pull on the clutch lever the clutch discs only move about 1/8 th of an inch. Is that about right??

[turbojonn]

There are 2 indents in the back of the clutch basket that the oil pump drive fits into. If these aren't aligned correctly the clutch won't disengage.

[Bob Shaw]

I know about the indents. Does it make any difference which indent goes into which slot? I'm pretty sure I have them in correctly. Clymer doesn't specify.. Thanks.

[turbojonn]

I do think it does. As long as the basket is fully flush and seated.