Clutch? Issues on the way home from Romping in the Swamp

[Des]

Need some suggestions --- not sure if I've got a major or minor issue on my hands.   

97 Standard with 99700 miles.  Took trip back east -- everything went fine -- until we ended up in bumper to bumper traffic jam on I-10 in El Paso.

Really hadn't noticed any issues before -- I did have problems with the bike not starting  in gear when I pulled in the clutch -- BigBF had said it was the OEM levers and leather tassles I had installed.  So I did what he suggested and bought a set of wide levers.  Thought it was simple enough and changed them out myself.  I didn't get a new bushing with the levers -- so I used the old one.  Hoping from what I understand -- maybe that's the issue?

As we were stuck in the traffic jam - it was tough to keep holding the clutch moving a few feet at a time.  We got off at our next stop and I noticed I couldn't find neutral when we stopped.  Now when we stop - shut down - Kendall has to find neutral for me --- I can't do it.

It felt like I couldn't pull the clutch in all the way --- and shifting was getting tough.  Feels like although I can downshift it's almost a forced shifting --- and when I take off she's real sluggish like I'm not "really in 1st gear" --- but after I get her rolling she shifts up without any problem and runs fine.  One other thing I noticed was that when the clutch is pulled all the way in I can hear a rattly type noise --- if I let it out just a bit the bike sits still and the noise stops.

We rode 350 miles home after the issue began --- BigBF walked Kendall through bleeding the clutch and it seemed to help --- but not really.

Could it be the bushing?  Do I have another issue?  Any advice (while I impatiently) wait for Dr. BigBF to return from Oklahoma is appreciated 

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

First thing to do would be replace that bushing. Sounds like the culprit to me and would be the first and cheapest fix. 

[Valkpilot]

Need some suggestions --- not sure if I've got a major or minor issue on my hands.   

97 Standard with 99700 miles.  Took trip back east -- everything went fine -- until we ended up in bumper to bumper traffic jam on I-10 in El Paso.

Really hadn't noticed any issues before -- I did have problems with the bike not starting  in gear when I pulled in the clutch -- BigBF had said it was the OEM levers and leather tassles I had installed.  So I did what he suggested and bought a set of wide levers.  Thought it was simple enough and changed them out myself.  I didn't get a new bushing with the levers -- so I used the old one.  Hoping from what I understand -- maybe that's the issue?

As we were stuck in the traffic jam - it was tough to keep holding the clutch moving a few feet at a time.  We got off at our next stop and I noticed I couldn't find neutral when we stopped.  Now when we stop - shut down - Kendall has to find neutral for me --- I can't do it.

It felt like I couldn't pull the clutch in all the way --- and shifting was getting tough.  Feels like although I can downshift it's almost a forced shifting --- and when I take off she's real sluggish like I'm not "really in 1st gear" --- but after I get her rolling she shifts up without any problem and runs fine.  One other thing I noticed was that when the clutch is pulled all the way in I can hear a rattly type noise --- if I let it out just a bit the bike sits still and the noise stops.

We rode 350 miles home after the issue began --- BigBF walked Kendall through bleeding the clutch and it seemed to help --- but not really.

Could it be the bushing?  Do I have another issue?  Any advice (while I impatiently) wait for Dr. BigBF to return from Oklahoma is appreciated 

Since you've already got new levers, go ahead and replace the bushing as suggested.  It's cheap and easy and eliminates a variable.

But...

...based on the severity and number of symptoms, I'm betting you've got clutch damper plate rivet failure going on.  Here are a couple (there are more) of posts on the subject:

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

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,6007.0.html

[Jeff K]

I second the damper plate failure. 

[R J]

I turd the damper plate failure.

You just better sell me dat Burple bike.

I'll even send someone after it.....

[Ricky-D]

Des posts:

"One other thing I noticed was that when the clutch is pulled all the way in I can hear a rattly type noise --- if I let it out just a bit the bike sits still and the noise stops."

Would that be with the transmission in neutral? In that case, perfectly normal!

"As we were stuck in the traffic jam - it was tough to keep holding the clutch moving a few feet at a time.  We got off at our next stop and I noticed I couldn't find neutral when we stopped.  Now when we stop - shut down - Kendall has to find neutral for me --- I can't do it."

Probably happened from the excess heat build-up from that type of traffic. Should have corrected itself after a cool down and normal riding.

"Really hadn't noticed any issues before -- I did have problems with the bike not starting  in gear when I pulled in the clutch -- BigBF had said it was the OEM levers and leather tassles I had installed.  So I did what he suggested and bought a set of wide levers.  Thought it was simple enough and changed them out myself.  I didn't get a new bushing with the levers -- so I used the old one.  Hoping from what I understand -- maybe that's the issue?"

Could be simply a bad switch. The absolutely best (hands down) levers for your bike are OEM. Many problems related on this forum caused from aftermarket levers including what you report.

"We rode 350 miles home after the issue began --- BigBF walked Kendall through bleeding the clutch and it seemed to help --- but not really."

Shows you that was not a problem. Hopefully didn't start a new one!.

***

[wizard -vrccds#125]

Change the lever back to the original and see if you still have the problem ? I bought a new set,brake worked fine cluch DID NOT. changed back no problem ! Easy to try !

[Des]

Thanks for all the responses ---- I've done quite a bit of searching on the Tech Board and the General Board about clutch issues --- trying to ignore the possiblity of damper plate failure 

Kendall found a bushing at the Honda Dealer ($12.45) cheap in comparison --- if that doesn't work I'll go the next step and switch back to the old lever (easy enough idea --- thanks Wizard) --- if neither of those two options work ....

*big sigh*

I'll shut up and wait for BigBF to get the gargage built at his dads in Oklahoma so he can get his ARSE back and fix her for me!  I'm trying not to be heart broke --- I love that girl more then she knows!

Thanks again guys --- appreciate the advice and tolerance   

[Thunderbolt]

The bushing in the lever can be the problem, but there is also a brass bushing with part # listed in the other thread.  If the bushing is worn, the rod won't fully actuate the clutch.  The starting in gear problem as discussed in the other thread can be caused by a combination of either of the bushing being worn and or the contacts on the clutch switch being dirty or otherwise not closing when the clutch is engaged.

[daytona]

Clutch Damper

+1