Clutch "funkiness"

[kkesler]

Got caught in traffic the other day on my GS450, and after about 20 minutes of stop and go, I noticed I was having to pull the clutch in farther and farther each time to get the clutch to disengage. The pull was getting noticably lighter as well. Finally had to "break the law" and run down the side of the road past the traffic. Went about 20 miles down the Interstate, tried the clutch and it seemed fine. However, yesterday it slipped a couple of times while running at road speed.

So, new clutch time? And what is going on with the resistance changing from a firm pull to a light pull and back again? Springs? Pressure plate?

And how hard a job is this? Done dozens of clutches in cars (and VWs ;-), but never a bike.

Thanks,
Kurt Kesler

[AOD]

when i got my barn raised 550 the clutch slipped a bit at first, but it smoothed out with use over the last year...that's beside the point.

i would take a look at the clutch adjustment screw and locknut first, make sure that you have the proper preload on the set screw. you want to screw it down till you just start to feel resistance, then back it off 1/4 to 1/2 a turn.

Check your cable as well.

start with the small things that might be overlooked, then move on to bigger internal problems if they aren't resolved.

~Adam

[robinjo]

Re: Clutch "funkiness"

And how hard a job is this? Done dozens of clutches in cars (and VWs ;-), but never a bike.

Thanks,
Kurt Kesler

If you've done lots of them in cars this one (if you have to) is going to be a breeze! It's right on the side of the engine. Do you have a manual?

[kkesler]

Why, yes I do (or at least the tattered remains of one...this 450 has needed LOTS of work).

Thanks,
Kurt