New GS, clutch problems?

[kzjordan]

I have been a diehard KZ fan, but have always had an eye out for a 4 valve suzi. Found a beautiful barn find 83 gs1100e in red. I got it home and started working on it. Drained the bowls, put in new gas, new plugs, and new fuel line. Fired up, and runs great even after sitting a few years. It is a flooded mess outside so it wont be able to leave the garage for a while, but i rode from one end of the garage to the other a couple times. When the clutch engages it doesnt make noise, but has a "stutter feeling". It grabs but at first it feels like it grabs rough or skips before engaging. What do you think is the culprit? Something serious or simply in the plates or springs? I will pull the cover off this weekend and look further, but i would like to have an idea of what i should be looking for

[Steve]

Easiest thing is probably to change the oil and filter then run it for a hundred miles or so, and change the oil again. After sitting compressed for several years, the clutch plates are re-impregnating with oil, so give them a chance. Just take it easy on the shifts for a while so you don't tear the plates.

.

[Nessism]

I agree with Steve, don't jump to conclusions. Get the bike out on the road and ride it good and hard. Some Seafoam in the gas tank couldn't hurt either.

[chuck hahn]

I was thinking the same thing ED..Get it out and see how it does under a road situation load. May have a few minorly stuck plates but they should shake loose fairly quickly under a normal riding scenario.. things just get a bit sticky sometimes and remember he said it has at for a "FEW" years....

[blowerbike]

if you have standard mechanical knowledge and don't mind buying a clutch cover gasket..........
pull the clutch out all the way back to the cases and check the basket and corresponding parts and inspect everything.
if every things ok then reinstall and your stutter should be gone and you will know that your basket isn't coming apart and going to blow through your cases getting oil on your rear tire causing you to crash and damage your new ride.

[bonanzadave]

if every things ok then reinstall and your stutter should be gone and you will know that your basket isn't coming apart and going to blow through your cases getting oil on your rear tire causing you to crash and damage your new ride.

Damn thats a long sentence . And so true.

[blowerbike]

Damn thats a long sentence . And so true.

sense as i'm not trying to sell any parts....
i still preach the truth brotha!
people who's never owned/worked on dozens of 1100/1150 16v.bikes has no clue how evil the helical gears are and an H/D backing plate kit should be mandatory...EVIL

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. kzjordan,

You've found one of the favorite bikes around here. Give it some TLC and you'll have a ton of fun for a long time. I'd like to cordially welcome you to the forum, the BEST motorcycle forum in the whole interweb! Come on in and make yourself at home! Let me say, "Howdy!"...

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Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[rapidray]

Everything Terry said! Ray.