Motorcycle Repair: Honda XR125L, engine oil viscosity, worn clutch

Question
Hi Mark,
I bought this bike from a dealer with 600 or so miles on the clock very recently. I have had a couple of problems finding first when in neutral as it takes a good few attempts to get it to engage. Now, though, it has got more interesting and, no matter how high I have the revs, I engage first gear and the bike dies! I am not a technically minded individual and would appreciate any useful suggestions as to where to look and how to get this fixed. Please help.
Thanks,
Tom

Answer
Hi Tom,

I suspect a simple clutch adjustment should resolve the problem.

I recommend taht you get a copy of the service manual and learn about adjusting the clutch. Check your local library or purchase a manual here:

www.repairmanuals.com

Respectfully,
Mark Shively



Clutch Operation Faulty

Clutch slipping:

No clutch lever play
Friction plate worn or warped
Steel plate worn or warped
Clutch spring broken or weak
Clutch release mechanism trouble
Clutch hub or housing unevenly worn
Clutch inner cable catching

Clutch not disengaging properly:

Clutch lever play excessive
Clutch plate warped or too rough
Clutch spring compression uneven
Engine oil deteriorated
Engine oil viscosity too high
Engine oil level too high
Clutch housing frozen on drive shaft
Clutch release mechanism trouble
Clutch hub locknut loose