gs850g clutch question

[zblip2]

Hi

My bike runs real well. The only thing (it's a detail) I noticed is that when the bike gets hot, the clutch action is less smooth. For example, when I pull away from a stop in first gear, the friction point is harder to find and when it grabs, there is a suttle clunck that is felt through what seems to be the final drive, as if something locks in. It only does this when the bike is hot. I don't mind it that much actually but if it is an ajustment thing I would try to "fix" it.

Thanks guys

[Dogma]

Hi

My bike runs real well. The only thing (it's a detail) I noticed is that when the bike gets hot, the clutch action is less smooth. For example, when I pull away from a stop in first gear, the friction point is harder to find and when it grabs, there is a suttle clunck that is felt through what seems to be the final drive, as if something locks in. It only does this when the bike is hot. I don't mind it that much actually but if it is an ajustment thing I would try to "fix" it.

Thanks guys

Hmmm. There shouldn't be anything engaging or taking up slack when taking off. The whole drive train should be under tension any time you're in gear and running. If you can get into neutral when sitting still on these things, then your clutch is out of adjustment. The 1100g manual (very similar to the 850) actually says to shift into neutral just before stopping.

If that's not it, I'm thinking maybe final drive splines? A lot of guys on here have stripped out the splines where the final drive engages the wheel, with strange symptoms. IIRC, 81-83 were susceptible to this, and required a good dose of grease on a regular basis to preserve this part.

Any more cheerful theories out there? Like maybe the seat shifting slightly?

[zblip2]

Hmmm. There shouldn't be anything engaging or taking up slack when taking off. The whole drive train should be under tension any time you're in gear and running. If you can get into neutral when sitting still on these things, then your clutch is out of adjustment. The 1100g manual (very similar to the 850) actually says to shift into neutral just before stopping.

If that's not it, I'm thinking maybe final drive splines? A lot of guys on here have stripped out the splines where the final drive engages the wheel, with strange symptoms. IIRC, 81-83 were susceptible to this, and required a good dose of grease on a regular basis to preserve this part.

Any more cheerful theories out there? Like maybe the seat shifting slightly?

Thanks for replying.

I can shift into neutral while still. Sometimes it requiers a bit of fiddling like rolling the bike 6 inches or so, but usually it goes in.

Where are the "splines"? What are they? and How do I grease them?

Thanks again!

[Dogma]

Thanks for replying.

I can shift into neutral while still. Sometimes it requiers a bit of fiddling like rolling the bike 6 inches or so, but usually it goes in.

Where are the "splines"? What are they? and How do I grease them?

Thanks again!

Strange that you can get an 850 into neutral. Does your clutch slip under power? Do you have any free play in the clutch lever at the handlebar when the clutch is released? If not, then your problem may be a tight clutch cable.

The splines are the mechanical components that transmit power to a shaft. Imagine two gears with the same number of teeth. Now turn one of them inside out so that one can slide inside the other. Three examples that are easier to see are on the shifter lever, the rear brake lever, and the clutch lever (the one on the engine)

The final drive splines are not visible with the rear wheel on. I understand it is difficult to examine the splines throughly, even with the wheel off. Apparently, the visible end of the spline teeth may not show wear, even on one that has failed. I think you have to disassemble the final drive some. I've never actually done this myself, since the '80 final drives rarely develop a problem here. If yours is an 81-83, you need to at least figure out how to grease it. The factory service manual on BassCliff's site should explain what you need to know. Get some opinions from others in the group before you take it apart. I was only offering theories when I mentioned it.

[mcloud]

Zblip2,
I remember you posting about clutch cable issues, could it be related?
If the cable is not well adjusted, you constantly have tension on it and could cause the slipping, and premature wear on your cable as well.
The manual also recommends good lube.
Am I on to something or should I just shut up?

[zblip2]

Zblip2,
I remember you posting about clutch cable issues, could it be related?
If the cable is not well adjusted, you constantly have tension on it and could cause the slipping, and premature wear on your cable as well.
The manual also recommends good lube.
Am I on to something or should I just shut up?

Thanks for asking and your point makes sense. But, my clutch cable seems whell adjusted: a bit of free play and friction point about half way. Plus the clutch doesn't slip or drag. I'm starting to thing it is a carb thing. It's like the idle rise up point occures later when I turn the thottle as the bike gets hot. Maby the carbs needs a sync job...

[mad1200]

zblip2,

I am getting the same thing with my '81 850G. After the bike warms it there seems to be a delay with the throttle. I thought maybe I needed to adjust my throttle cable, but then noticed it is better when cold. Once I get above 2K everything is fine.

Carb clean or balance? Ideas anyone?

-Mark

[Roostabunny]

Check out this thread...

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=123909

[cranemonkey]

missing pics of splines.

These are missing in the Photobucket thunbnails...

The driven gear on the left is from an '83 850--the one on the right from a 81 1000. Notice how it is difficult to see the damage from this side, but there is only a sliver of each tooth left on the 83.