Clutch Slippage

[Poot]

Hi all,


I had meant to post about this earlier, but never got around to it.


When I was giving pretty good throttle, it seemed like my clutch was slipping slightly (while in gear) when getting up into the high rpms..


My bike has 65 000 km's on it; Is it normal for clutch plates/springs to wear at this milage?


If so, would my best bet to be to replace the plates + springs, or just the plates?


thanks!!




POOT

[duaneage]

Clutch wear depends, as you know, on how you drive it. IF the clutch slips, it slips and should be replaced. My clutch slipped at 10000 KM, some people get 150000 KM. Of course sitting on the highway for 1000 miles does not wear the clutch like 30 miles of traffic everyday I drive in.I'd say you need to try and adjust it while budgeting for a clutch job.

I would replace the plates and springs for sure, check the steel plate thickness for wear and see if they are still flat by checking them on a countertop. They go back in a certain order so make note of how they were facing when you take them out.

[Poot]

Yeah, I don't really notice anything under normal conditions, but it was just up around 6500-7000 rpm the rpms would buck up , and then right away return to normal sounds.



I just don't know too much about it (the clutch).

thanks




POOT

[DaveDanger]

poot, check to make sure that your clutch cable has the tiniest bit of slack when it's in the fully engaged (handle released) position. If that cable is a hair too taut, it could be disengaging the clutch the tiniest bit even when you're not pulling it. Maybe even loosen it a tad, and take it out and test the slippage again. If it still seems to slip a bit when twisting it, then yeah it needs to be relined, regardless of the mileage. Unless you have a specific desire to increase the standard clutch pressure for a more aggressive style of riding, I'd probably tend to leave the springs as is, and simply replace the friction plates. If someone here more knowledgeable suggests that the springs on the GS's tend to lose tension over time, that's another story, and may necessitate spring replacement as well. I happily bow to superior knowledge

[Poot]

I was keeping the lever at spec. settings, but it is possible that I did have it slightly too tight.

Itll be next year I think before I get to try it out again. oh well!

[LW_Icarus]

Ive seen recommendations to replace the springs at every clutch change on a motorcycle, I guess with all the heat they loose their tension after a while. I think Id put new ones in there to be on the safe side. probably wouldn't put heavier springs in than stock myself.

[Sean]

clutch slip

About a month ago I was having the same clutch issues that you are having. after changing the friction plates all is well now. from start to finish it was a 45 min job.

[GS_hoolagan]

poot, check to make sure that your clutch cable has the tiniest bit of slack when it's in the fully engaged (handle released) position. If that cable is a hair too taut, it could be disengaging the clutch the tiniest bit even when you're not pulling it. Maybe even loosen it a tad, and take it out and test the slippage again. If it still seems to slip a bit when twisting it, then yeah it needs to be relined, regardless of the mileage. Unless you have a specific desire to increase the standard clutch pressure for a more aggressive style of riding, I'd probably tend to leave the springs as is, and simply replace the friction plates. If someone here more knowledgeable suggests that the springs on the GS's tend to lose tension over time, that's another story, and may necessitate spring replacement as well. I happily bow to superior knowledge

good post ^^^




my 81 750EX had 43K miles when the clutch started to slip, when i took the clutch apart the driven plates (steel plates) where badly burnt i replaced drive plates (fiber plates) with veshra's standard drive plates and OEM stock suzuki driven plates and used heavy duty veshra clutch springs 10% stiffer than stock because i ride aggressive, i noticed a slightly stiffer lever.
i would recomend you replace your springs sence you're already that far into the job springs are relativly cheap its up to you if you want stock or HD springs consider your ridding style.