Motorcycle Repair: Rear wheel spinning in neutral, yamaha fz1, clutch basket

Question
Hey Christopher,

I own a 2003 Yamaha FZ1- When the bike is on the centerstand and warming up/idling in neutral, the rear wheel will spin, specifically with the choke on (high idle).  It can be stopped with light pressure from a hand or foot, but somewhat concerns me.  When I take the choke off the tire still spins but very slowly.

Also, if the engine is relatively cold and i begin to ride the bike will pull forward even with the clutch lever pulled all the way in.  When the engine is warm it does not do this.  I have tried adjusting the clutch but there is only cable adjustment, and no adjustment on the basket itself.  The last symptom is that the bike is very hard to get into neutral while the engine is running.  As soon as the engine is off, the bike will go right into neutral.  I have heard that the gears may be too tight and I have reason to believe that these 3 symptoms are related.  Do you have any advice on how to remedy this?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Tony Giannobile

Answer
Hi Tony.

First of all, the spinning wheel in neutral; This is quite normal.  Almost every bike out there does it.

As far as the bike pulling with the clutch engaged, there is no adjustment to the clutch basket.  Only to the clutch cable tension.  If it is out too much, then the clutch will slip while in gear.  If it is in too much then it will drag when engaged.  It may require some very fine adjustment.

Your problem could be that the clutchplates and springs need replacing.  The way to be sure is to pull them and check them against the specs in the repair manual.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON