Slightly slipping clutch?

[Odinist]

Motorcycle clutches are weird.

Haha, anyway, I'm not sure what my symptoms would describe (new plates, new springs, etc.), so let me tell you guys what's going on. My clutch is, for the most part, fine. If I'm leisurely going through the gears, each gear grabs like you'd expect it to. But, if I really get on it, it'll slip up past about 7K, and it'll slip a bit when the next gear is engaged, then catch, and pull hard up until around 7K, repeat.

From what I've read through searching, this is most likely just my springs?

[Nessism]

If you use the search function you will find that most of the time a margionally slipping clutch can be traced to old springs. Of course, you should measure the plates while the clutch is apart so you don't have to guess as to the cause.

[marvinsc]

Springs are the likely culpret but a set of plates is only a little over $100, perhaps less so as long at you are there............................

[Odinist]

If you use the search function you will find that most of the time a margionally slipping clutch can be traced to old springs. Of course, you should measure the plates while the clutch is apart so you don't have to guess as to the cause.

Measure the plates? Like, for the amount of material that's on them?

[Steve]

Yep, measure the thickness of the plates. All service manuals have the specs for minimum thickness.

I have not seen any that were too thin, but I have not been inside that many clutches, either.
I have, however, replaced several sets of springs, and that fixed the problem every time.

.

[Baatfam]

Measure the plates? Like, for the amount of material that's on them?

Yes, there is a minimum thickness listed in the manual...

[Odinist]

I have, however, replaced several sets of springs, and that fixed the problem every time.

That's the kind of (inexpensive) answer I love hearing.

[bonanzadave]

I have not seen any that were too thin

Heres one thats too thin......or should I say too gone ! This was a Barnett clutch fiber that disappeared. Probably from using old weak springs and energy conserving valvoline car oil.

[Dave8338]

AH YEP...THEY'RE SHOT!

GREAT pics, Dave. Why did you run the Valvoline with the additives, anyway?

[bonanzadave]

Why did you run the Valvoline with the additives, anyway?

Pre GSR. Buy a case. 4 for the car - 4 for the Bike. I have now been enlightened.

[Macmatic]

I think your bike probably has the style of clutch where the cable comes across the rear of the engine and moves a lever right over the clutch, right? If not and it's like mine where the cable acts on a rod on the left side make sure your adjustment there is correct. I had an itty bitty bit of preload or lack of clearance and was getting a little slip when I twisted hard enough in low gears. Probably a sign of weak springs or worn parts...

/\/\ac

[Odinist]

I think your bike probably has the style of clutch where the cable comes across the rear of the engine and moves a lever right over the clutch, right?

Correct. =)

[bwringer]

I'd just drop in springs and see where that gets ya.

No need to disassemble the clutch -- just replace the springs one at a time.

[Odinist]

I'd just drop in springs and see where that gets ya.

No need to disassemble the clutch -- just replace the springs one at a time.

Awesome, sounds nice and easy. Drain the oil, pull the clutch cover, take out a bolt, bring out the spring, put in new spring, tighten bolt back in?

I've ordered the springs from BikeBandit today, so if they ship quick this may be my weekend project.

[bonanzadave]

Awesome, sounds nice and easy.

You dont have to drain the oil. Just do it with the bike on the side stand. I would get a new clutch cover gasket and some SS allan head cover screws.