clutch???

[Garry 2r's]

I was coming up to a traffic light yesterday and dropped into a lower gear than I wanted and released the clutch. Right after that lever would only pull in half way and clutch is also slipping at higher rpm's and a little shudder when taking off in 1st gear. Did tech search and currently changing fluid. Hopefully not my rivets let loose. Bike has 51,000 on her. Any other suggestions is greatly appreciated. My super Honda guru is in Colorado riding.  First time my girl being sick!!!!!

[F6Dave]

50K seems like low mileage for the rivets to shear, but the lever pulling in part way is the symptom.  In my case, the problem went away as the rivet got spit out from the clutch pack.  Then it came back as another sheared and I knew what had to be done.

Many on this board have done the repair and it really is not difficult.  It was very similar to the clutch replacement on my old Concours.  The only real difference was the accessibility -- the Kawasaki was easier to get at.

[tank_post142]

any where from 30-70,000 miles seems the average. symptoms say damper rivets. i dropped my alternator for access and did the whole job in 4-5 hours. 

[Hook#3287]

When my girl chewed up her clutch rivets I was highly depressed   , but I only had myself to blame for smacking gears and chirping the tires.     Don't do that much anymore.

Changing out the clutch is not overly difficult if you have basic mec skills and tools.

Do a search and ask for help if needed.

Good Luck

[YoungPUP]

Is there a reason why the rivets seem to crap out on the clutches? or is that one of the wonders of the world?

[Valkpilot]

I was coming up to a traffic light yesterday and dropped into a lower gear than I wanted and released the clutch. Right after that lever would only pull in half way and clutch is also slipping at higher rpm's and a little shudder when taking off in 1st gear. Did tech search and currently changing fluid. Hopefully not my rivets let loose. Bike has 51,000 on her. Any other suggestions is greatly appreciated. My super Honda guru is in Colorado riding.  First time my girl being sick!!!!!

I've read that it happens more often with 97s and 98s and has been blamed on a bad batch of damper plate assemblies.   The sweet spot, mileage wise, for a rivet failure seems to be in the 50k to 60k range.  As far as I know, there's been no confirmation of the former, but the latter seems to be true.

I had to do mine a couple of years ago:

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,20870.0.html

Here's a couple more good threads on the subject:

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,30321.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,30038.0.html

[greggh]

mine had the same symptoms and it only Had 17k on it.
cost me 400 plus.

[Garry 2r's]

Thanks everyone might dive into it or see if my mechanic is back home, He probably has done over hundred of clutches. 

[Ricky-D]

I fee most damper plate rivet failures come from misuse of the clutch.

You can identify the type of misuse yourself whether it came as a result of a previous owner's riding style or some other cause not connected to you the present owner.

The rivets in the damper plate assembly see no real shear forces which I feel is the cause of the rivet failure.

You should remember that although the Valkyrie is a real stump puller, it is not drag strip material and the results of riding it in such a manner will surely result in problems arising from such use.

There is no "lifetime" associated with the damper plate, and they should last the life of the motor. You should never expect to have to mess with the damper plate.

In closing I would suggest if the need arises, to look into the possibility of incorporating additional plates in the clutch in lieu of the damper plate.

***

[Garry 2r's]

2nd owner bought with 8000 miles on it from a younger rider. and I did my share of speed shifts eating Harley's and car tire so not surprised it has done this had bullet proof theory for it being a Honda. Now its time to pay the price and less abuse this time.

[Valkpilot]

I fee most damper plate rivet failures come from misuse of the clutch.

You can identify the type of misuse yourself whether it came as a result of a previous owner's riding style or some other cause not connected to you the present owner.

The rivets in the damper plate assembly see no real shear forces which I feel is the cause of the rivet failure.

You should remember that although the Valkyrie is a real stump puller, it is not drag strip material and the results of riding it in such a manner will surely result in problems arising from such use.

There is no "lifetime" associated with the damper plate, and they should last the life of the motor. You should never expect to have to mess with the damper plate.

In closing I would suggest if the need arises, to look into the possibility of incorporating additional plates in the clutch in lieu of the damper plate.

***

Based on personal experience, I completely disagree.

[Garry 2r's]

Thanks to everyone for the help and input decided to do it my self. Borrowed lift from friend sure was nice to sit on chair and work on it, now will have to buy one!!!  Found exactly what everyone said rivets let go in damper plate. Ordered parts from HDL but not in stock and they ordered them from Honda and I should have them this Friday ??? My clutch basket appears to be Ok.  If all goes well should be able to ride before July 4th!!!!  Super nice write up from valkpilot on removal and install.  Will get back when finished.