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how do you know when your clutch is on it's way out ?

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:07 pm
by royster81
i need some help here fella's as i'm having some strange issues with my gear changes,now i've never had any problems with my clutch before and i'm normally pretty mechanically simpathetic when it comes to gear changes and "race" starts at traffic light GP's but i have noticed over the last 500kms or so that when i change up a gear it's not as smooth as it was ,say 3 months ago, infact i would almost say it has a slight notch going into gear.

also i stalled the bike in the cold the other night ( cold fingers and couldn't feel what i was doing ( it's my excuse and i'm sticking to it )) and with it still in 1st and the clutch in a hit the starter to find the bike rock forward with the motor firing up ,again something i haven't noticed before on this bike or anyother i have.

this motor was used in a race/track bike for a few years before i bought it then it was tracked 3 times before i got it roadworthly and began road riding it so could the clutch have taken a hammering and be on it's way out or do i simply have to adjust the cable ? :shock:

Re: how do you know when your clutch is on it's way out ?

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:42 pm
by G-MAN
Your basket could have a couple of notches out of it preventing the plates to separate :shock: but it could also be that the plates have been scalded and don't want to grip anymore :(

Re: how do you know when your clutch is on it's way out ?

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:35 pm
by bradders
As for it rocking forward when you started it, when the oil is cold it's alot more sticky, so the clutch is a bit sticky and not freeing off completly, all normal.
If it's been tracked, I don't suppose it could hurt from some new springs in there, and it's probably worth just taking a look at the plates themselves

Re: how do you know when your clutch is on it's way out ?

Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:08 pm
by Neosophist
When did you last change the oil?

Old / Cold oil could be hamering your gear changes.

Check your clutch is adjusted properly firstly though. then if the oils old change that too.

Final step would be to inspect the clutch, springs usually go way before plates. you'll need a set of digital calipers to measure everything to check its within specs.

Doddle to do.

If I were you i'd check the clutch cable adjustment first off.

If thats fine i'd dump the oil, inspect the clutch (needs oil dumped anyway) then replace any parts where needed and fill up wtih fresh oil ;)

(you'll need a clutch side gasket)

One of my 24's was occasionally slipping at high RPMS and had notchy gear changes at high rpm, thought the plates were worn, was actually worn springs.

Re: how do you know when your clutch is on it's way out ?

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:29 am
by Sligeach
another trick to see if the clutch is in trouble is trying to bump start it.
the plates on my bike are fubar and i cannot bump start my bike (if i needed to)
got some EBC plates to install over the festive period thank funk

Re: how do you know when your clutch is on it's way out ?

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:39 am
by viper_biker
Start with the simple things first. A little slackening of the cable, or adjust the knuckle that's on the gear selector shaft. Remember, we had that off when we fitted the shock. I might be in the wrong position. I was ready for binning my Gilles, but a simple change of position and gear changes are perfect.

As for the stall, blame cold fingers.