Motorcycle Repair: 99 Honda Shadow 1100 Clutch, honda shadow 1100, clutch unit

Question
Clutch will not engage to put it into gear.How do I fix this?

Answer
Hi Dana,

The repair depends exactly on what is happening
with the clutch. If the gears are grinding
and will not shift then your clutch
is not releasing properly.

The clutch plates may be stuck together and may loosen
if you can get the bike warmed up and drive it a bit.
This can be risky unless you have a place
where it is safe to jump on and put it in gear
as it rolls.

The clutch lever should only have
about 1/8" free play before it starts
to pull on the clutch cable with
resistance from the clutch springs.

The clutch plates or discs may be burnt
or lightly warped preventing them from
releasing. There are fibre discs and metal
discs in the clutch unit under the right engine
case.

If you drain the oil and remove the right engine
cover then the clutch springs can be removed
and then the clutch plates or discs.

The metal discs should be very flat and
not burnt blue colored.
The fibre discs should not be worn on their
surface.

Check the clutch basket for wear on the
fingers that the plates fit into.

The plates are alternated fibre then steel
on reassembly.
The cover may need a new gasket.

Tighten the clutch springs progressively
until tight and do not overtighten them as the
aluminum posts they screw into can break off.

Refill with oil and then adjust your
clutch lever for 1/8" play.

If you get the plates fixed up the clutch
should release and allow you to put the bike
in gear.

Good luck!
Wayne S.
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