Clutch problem???

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:10 pm

Hi,
Went out on the bike today, pulled up at some lights, they went green so went to pull away as normal but it snatched really harshly twice. It then did it at another roundabout.

Gearchanges appear normal / not slipping etc.

Any ideas? Its certainly not safe like this!!!

It was ok on run out. It was on run back from stopping and restarting.

Paul

LotusSevenMan · Post by **LotusSevenMan** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:58 pm

Clutch fluid level up OK? Not introduced any air due to low level (with a possible leak etc???)

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 10:28 am

Nope thats fine.

I did find a thread which kinda sounded like this where one of the guys on here changed the clutch springs to ebc ones?

Could it be this and is it an easy job? Also where would i get them from?

Paul

stueyburr · Post by **stueyburr** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 11:50 am

Hi

Before u panic too much did you just lube your chain ?

Sounds mad but I am I new VTR owner when I lubed my chain the muck and grease off the cahin caused the Plunger? on the clutch to start sticking.

I stripped the front sproket cover and cleaned up the plunger and it is as sweet as a nut.

Its due a lube again.... hope it doesnt happen every time

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 4:07 pm

I use a scottoiler! Could it be caked then?

Stratman · Post by **Stratman** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:24 pm

Never had that problem in 43,000 miles with a Scotoiler, so that's not really likely at all. The clutch isn't known to be weak, but these things may happen. If I'm at a loss I always go to the Honda dealer and if its a simple but labour intensive job I take it back and do it myself.

stueyburr · Post by **stueyburr** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:36 pm

for the sake of 10-15 mins work - clean the plunger - i read something on here and put 2 + 2 together in 1525 miles it happened to me

its the simplest option
OR take it to a Honda Dealer
OR buy some clutch springs

I know which i would try 1st....

Stormin Ben · Post by **Stormin Ben** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 1:13 am

bonerp wrote:Nope thats fine.

I did find a thread which kinda sounded like this where one of the guys on here changed the clutch springs to ebc ones?

Could it be this and is it an easy job? Also where would i get them from?

Paul

That'd be me then!!
Yep, stock springs are a bit shitty and aren't really strong enough (especially if you are trying to learn how to wheelie)
Mine would perform that same trick you experienced -usually much worse if you have quite a few revs on at launch
Basically its a combination of sticky plunger, slightly worn clutch basket (it puts slight pits on the teeth so the clutch plates dont slide smoothly over them)

Fitting replacement springs is a doddle but does involve draining the coolant (not a biggie, sounds worse than it is)
Remove the side cover CAREFULLY -if not you'll need a clutch gasket
Remove springs
Fit replacements
Refit cover
Refill coolant (reuse old stuff if cost is an issue)

EBC springs were Â£8 from a local dealer but I'm pretty sure Demon Tweaks do them
Not noticeably heavier at the lever either (I only ever use 2 fingers -ooh err missus)

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:30 am

do you need to drain the oil, Ben?

Post by **kevg** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 1:47 pm

not if you lie the bike on it's side...your choice/risk.

Kitch · Post by **Kitch** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 6:16 pm

The other thing is:

Was it hot?

When the engine temp gets up (like if you've been sat in traffic or something) the clutch will be more grabby when it engages.

Would explain the intermittent nature too.

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:16 pm

only rode for no more than 2 miles before it did it.

Stormin Ben · Post by **Stormin Ben** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 1:59 am

bonerp wrote:do you need to drain the oil, Ben?

Nope, yuo can do it with the bike on its sidestand which puts the oil level below the clutch case cover

Just make sure you dont drop anything in the oil while you are working (Tescos carrier bags work well at wedging below the clutch basket prior to starting work)

bonerp · Post by **bonerp** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:55 pm

just to let you all know I took off the sprocket cover and underneath it was caked. I removed the plunger which was covered in chain gunk and cleaned all around the area, the plunger and the cover.

Refitted it, did 25 miles and had no problems at all.

Many thanks
Paul

Post by **sirch345** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:53 pm

It's good too hear the out-come Paul

I'm glad you've got it sorted

Chris.