GS 700E shifting / engine questions....

[Guest]

So my 84 Katana 750 is running the same basic motor as the GS 750/700 E/EF/ES etc... from 83-85 with the only difference being cams and a hydraulic clutch. My problem (appears) to be this: shifting is very sticky for lack of a better word. Difficult upshifts and down, regardless of speed. Seems like it will shift without the clutch ok, but still stiff. It shifts less sticky in the garage with the motor shut off.

My first line of attack will be to flush and bleed the hydrauic clutch. If that doesn't solve the problem, where do I go next? I've been inside clutches, but I don't really want to tear it all apart. Any other suggestions?

My next question is this: Should I decide sometime in the future to replace the motor completely (don't know why I would, but you never know), what will fit? I've heard that the teapot Katana bottom end will bolt right on to the GS jugs but I has my doubts.
Or, conversely, (perversely?) will a teapot Katana (88-94) complete motor slot in?

Any thoughts?

[Steve]

How recently has the oil been changed? It is often said that older oil causes difficulty shifting.

If newer oil does not seem to help much, you might try one of the synthetic oils. Many have said that they help with shifting smoothness. Just be sure to get the proper viscosity and make sure it does NOT have the dreaded "Energy Conserving" rating.


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[Smokinapankake]

Oil is fresh. I thought the same thing, but I've changed oil in the past few weeks. Maybe I'll try the synthetic stuff...

Thanks for the tip!

[Smokinapankake]

So I just finished flushing and bleeding the clutch, seems like I have a noticeable difference. Not difficult shifting anymore, just feels "notchy". Clutch fluid wasn't anywhere near as bad as the rear brake, so I'm confident there's no need to get into it any deeper.

[Griffin]

My GS700 was always kind of "clunky" when shifting with a cold engine. After running for ten minutes or so, most (but not all) of the clunkiness went away.

I'm NOT trying to start another oil thread war, but IN MY PARTCULAR CASE when I switched to Rotella 5W40 synthetic, the cold shifting clunkiness almost disappeared. Once warmed up, it shifts smoothly with no perceptible clunk at all.

[Smokinapankake]

Thanks Griffin, I was going to ask what particular synth is people using - maybe I'll give the rotella a try.