QuestionI have a 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Vn800 classic.My question is if the bike doesn't warm up for quite sometime when you put the bike in gear it will lunge forward and stall its also hard shifting till the bike is running about 20 mins or so.I had a mechanic look at the bike and he said the clutch plates were sticking and he said he cleaned them but the problem is still persiting.Would a thinner oil or a synthetic oil solve this problem? Or any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerMichael, it would have been helpful to know the mileage on the bike/engine.
Symptoms you describe often are caused by:
Sticking clutch plates.... when bike sits for extended periods, the plates can squeeze all the oil out between the plates and often rust/corrosion/fusion of the fiber plates will set in, leaving the steel plates with rough surfaces.
Warped plates... Steel plates must be flat and true. If corroded/warped from overheating, the clutch will not disengage completely.
Clutch out of adjustment. Make initial adjustment at the engine cases, then adjust cable to allow about a couple of millimeters free play at the lever. If left too loose, the clutch may not be disengaging completely, causing drag on the transmission gears.
On high miles engines, the clutch outer and inner hub splined sections can get notched from wear, which need to be cleaned up or replaced.
Try 10-40 wt oils (always use motorcycle oils). Good quality synthetics can help, but won't mask mechanical causes of sticking.
Bill Silver
