Clutch problem. Need advice.

[FLAVALK]

Hi all,

I have a '98 tourer with 64k miles. I had a local shop replace the clutch about 2,000 miles ago and all was well for awhile. Suddenly I started having the following problem. After the bike sits overnight I start it in neutral and kick it into 1st gear, the bike lurches and dies...just like I never pulled in the clutch lever. After that I can start it up and it shifts fine for the rest of the day. It only does this one time after the bike sits overnight. So it seems that the clutch discs are sticking. Recently I have flushed/rebuilt the clutch master cylinder and bled it to death. I also changed the oil when I rebuilt the MC. The slave cylinder has never been rebuilt. My work around for now is to start the bike in neutral and shift it into 2nd gear so the lurch isn't as dramatic. Or, I shift it into 2nd, disengage the clutch and start it but result is the same. Anyone have a solution?

[Bagger John - #3785]

Start with the simple things.

Rebuild or swap the slave cylinder and rebuild the clutch master cylinder. Fill with fresh brake fluid, bleed properly. See if the problem persists.

Did the shop use OEM friction discs or another brand (such as Barnett)?

[FLAVALK]

Start with the simple things.

Rebuild or swap the slave cylinder and rebuild the clutch master cylinder. Fill with fresh brake fluid, bleed properly. See if the problem persists.

Did the shop use OEM friction discs or another brand (such as Barnett)?

I just rebuilt the MC and the fluid is new. I bled about 1/2 quart of fluid through  it. I can't say what discs they used. I may try rebuilding the slave.

[FLAVALK]

Forgot to mention....if I start it and let it warm up for 5 minutes it's shifts fine.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Forgot to mention....if I start it and let it warm up for 5 minutes it's shifts fine.

Thermal expansion of the clutch assembly is relieving spring pressure just enough...

Try the slave cylinder next. If the problem persists, I'd suspect the clutch pack. That shop did know the difference between "A" and "B" friction plates, I hope...?

[Steel cowboy]

What brand oil did you go with in the engine. Try and remember at what point since your working on it, the issue started. If you have air in the line, when you depress the clutch handle your not putting enough pressure on the clutch slave cylinder to release the clutch. An internal leaking slave cylinder might be letting in air, the idling might warm it up enough to seal the unit.

[FLAVALK]

Forgot to mention....if I start it and let it warm up for 5 minutes it's shifts fine.

Thermal expansion of the clutch assembly is relieving spring pressure just enough...

Try the slave cylinder next. If the problem persists, I'd suspect the clutch pack. That shop did know the difference between "A" and "B" friction plates, I hope...?

They're a reputable shop but I suppose it's possible. I'll do the slave cylinder and report back. Thanks

[FLAVALK]

What brand oil did you go with in the engine. Try and remember at what point since your working on it, the issue started. If you have air in the line, when you depress the clutch handle your not putting enough pressure on the clutch slave cylinder to release the clutch. An internal leaking slave cylinder might be letting in air, the idling might warm it up enough to seal the unit.

I've used Rotella T for years but this time I used a full synthetic motorcycle specific oil 10w-40. But the problem started before the oil change.

[-mike-]

I'd bet sticky friction plate pads when sitting for some times/when cold.
Some aftermarket brands are well known for that issue.
Changing the oil brand may help to reduce it.

Best to use OEM.

-mike-

[gordonv]

Motor oil.

Mine used to do this slightly, bang when started/in gear, like it was grabbing.

One oil change hasn't changed it all out. Start in neutral? Change the oil back to your Rotella T?

See if you can live with it till the next oil change or not.

[Willow]

Wet clutch.  One of mine does that regularly if I start it in neutral and shift cold.  Usually I don't experience that lurch as I start in gear with my foot  on the rear brake.

[FLAVALK]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback.

[..]

FWIW when i want to engage first gear after the bike has been sitting a while I'll squeeze/release the clutch lever 5 times.

Why 5?

I have no idea. Just seems like a number to use.