newbie with 650 maxim questions

Hi guys,

Just bought my first bike which is a 1980 xj650 maxim. I've done a few things to it already: replaced spark plugs, new throttle and choke cable, new handle bars...also had to put a new rear tire on.

Anyways, I've been driving it around a little and I'm afraid the clutch is slipping. Here's what happens: first gear acts normal for the most part until higher RPM. However, I really notice the issue in 2nd and 3rd (only gone up to 3rd gear so far). When I try to accelerate quickly the engine revs but the bike accelerates slowly...when I accelerate slowly its fine. I'm a newbie when it comes to maintenance and repair on bikes so I was hoping for a little input from you guys.

I've probably only driven the bike less than a mile so far...I wanted to change out the fluids before I really rode it any further. Any suggestions on type of oil? Also, how complex is a clutch replacement? Any problem areas on this bike I should inspect?

Thanks guys!

 

Sounds like your clutch is slipping a little when your releasing it and accelerating. Clutch plates for a set is usually about $60-$70 and you buy them in a full set. Some guys have a how to on this forum for a clutch replacement.

As far as oil goes I think everyone runs a little something different. Not 100% sure though.

 

Clutch basics; although this contains 550-specific stuff that you wouldn't have to worry about, the basics are the same. http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29541.html The bigger bikes are actually easier.

It does sound like your clutch is slipping; start with that oil change. It should have been one of the first things you did.

You want to use a MOTORCYCLE oil, automobile oils have begun to have friction modifiers in them that will mess with your clutch and starter clutch. Any good motorcycle-rated conventional 20W40 or 20W50 will work fine, Castrol 4T is widely available.

How many miles on the bike?

And did you inspect your rear brakes for signs of delamination when you had it apart to replace the tire?

 

Before anything else check and make sure there is some free play in the clutch cable. If it's tight the clutch will slip.

 

What kind of oil did the previous owner use in it? Some don't know you can't use regualr car oil with these wet clutches. Just flushing the engine and using the right oil may solve the problem. Just sayin'.

 

Thanks for the replies!

The bike has 29.5K miles exactly.

I just bought some Castrol 4T and am going to change the oil right now.

As far as my clutch cable goes I may have to adjust it. The clutch doesn't engage until the handle is almost all the way out. Could that also be my problem...? Maybe its just not engaging fully?

When I had the back wheel off I did look at the brake although I did not know what I should have been looking for. The friction material seemed very thick to me still...like I said I'm no mechanic. It also feels fine when I brake. Are there any pictures around of bad/good rear brake?

Thanks again!

 

The clutch not engaging until the handle is all the way out could be the result of a number of problems. Out of adjustment is one of them.

You should have to pull the lever until it separates from the perch about 2mm before it takes up the slack in the cable.

When I ran 20W50 in my 650 I had some trouble with the clutch. I had to take up too much slack to get it to release cold, but then when it got good and hot it'd slip. Problem solved when I went back to 10W40 and set the free play properly.