QuestionApproximately 3 years ago I had the Clutch plates replaced and the bike has ridden well since then. Last weekend I noticed that I had real difficulty accelerating above 55mph even in 4th gear. Yesterday I took the bike out and even though it started up immediately and the engine seemed to be running smoothly I could not get it to go over 10 mph and after 1 mile it would not accelerate at all.The gears seem to shift smoothly but the bile acts as if it is always in neutral with no apparent friction coming from the plates.I checked the clutch fluid and it is full and the liquid is clear. I changed the oil a few months ago using Amsoil.The bike is garage kept and not driven hard. Do you have any ideas as to what is causing the problem?
AnswerHi Pete,
The clutch definitely needs attention. I suspect either a worn clutch or the oil has contaminated fiber plates.
Amsoil is very good oil. I use it and recommend it to all my Mobil 1 pals. lol... Be sure you use oil designed for use with a wet motorcycle clutch. Check your Amsoil distributer.
Always replace fiber plates, metal plates, and clutch springs as a set. Soak new fiber plates overnight in the oil you plan to use.
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
