Clutch Slipping

(1982 xj650 Seca Non-yics)

Hey everybody!

I have my bike together but I'm starting to feel it slip when I really goose the throttle. It used to be very responsive and had good friction.

I've never replaced clutch plates so, any advice?

Should I just order new clutch plates and replace them or is there a trick to this? Any particular plates you recommend?

Also, I'd like to upload photos to the showcase but I can't figure out where to upload.

Any guidance would be great!

-Zach

 

Are you using the proper motor oil? Some modern oils are to slippery for wet clutch. Using JASO-MA rated oil?

 

if you are using proper oil and have adjusted clutch cable and lubed it(it may be sticking)

remove clutch cover and you would start by removing the bolts and springs measure springs see if they are in spec inspect bolts for streching.

inspect discs and plates measure. replace if needed.

or just install new setup when you have it unbolted

this thread will give you an idea of what your looking at doing.
CLUTCHES 101-Part 1: the 400/550/600s with pics

 

From what you are describing, guessing you changed oil recently and may have put the wrong type in. That or your pressure relief hole in the master cylinder is plugged or getting plugged not allowing the clutch to disengage.

 

??????? Master cylinder?????

 

^^ Very good.
The brake master cylinder that holds the brake fluid has a relief port. If this port is plugged it will not allow the fluid to come back into the reservoir and the hose will keep pressure on the clutch.
Just a trouble shooting thing, might not be what is or has happened to your motorcycle.
https://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/m...ld/attachment/073117-brake-master-cylinder-07

 

I'm confused??......as an old timer, its easy done...are we talking about the cable/hydraulic XJ front brake set up here ( 750....650/550 purely hydraulic) or the cable only clutch ( in the gearbox).....???

 

^^^You my friend are right on...I am having a senior moment..... Sorry for the confusion...admin can delete my posts if they please...

 

Lol, I have plenty of 'senior' moments too!!

 

I already forgot what we were talking about

 

The OP has a clutch issue, A forum member, suggested the arch nemesis of Felix The Cat, "THE MASTER CYLINDER" was the culprit.

 

I was always more of a Boss Cat/Top Cat man, myself.......

 

Y’all rock. I will inspect clutch ASAP.

I did change the oil very very recently as the temperatures dropped.. And the clutch doesn’t seem to be grabbing as well ever since.

I have a new lever and clutch cable (no master cylinder) so, what am I doing wrong with the oil?

Unfortunately I can’t recall what type/weight of oil I used.

What is the “right” kind of oil...?

-Zach

 

Or does this “wrong oil” hypothesis only apply to clutches with a master cylinder?


-Zach

 

At the risk of imploding everyone's heads, in the 80's/90's when things were less clear, I successfully used both 'car oils' and cheap 'supermarket oils', in a variety of my motorcycles, with NO ill effects, to clutch or engine

I will add, knowing how cheap those oils were, I changed them religiously at very low....sometimes < 2000 miles, believing that whatever spec oils you use, clean oil is ALWAYS better than dirty, degraded oil..

I believe Yamalube 10-40? is a popular oil and 'weight'.....myself.....don't ask why, I use Yamalube too, but in 20-50 spec , I will say it SEEMS to lessen 'sprag/starter 'clutch slip, in these old< ancient...Yamahas

 

Interesting.. it is an old bike so, I’d like to avoid any unnecessary stresses. I’m with you on the preemptive oil changes.

I’ll get my hands on some 20-50 Yamalube ASAP. I think the engine calls for 3L of oil.

You mentioned the starter. Can ‘wrong’ oil impact starter performance as well? What would that look/feel/sound like?



-Zach

 

you need a wet clutch motorcycle oil with JASO specs MA/MA2
I use shell rotella T4 it is a good price at about 15$ a gallon Jaso MA/MA2

it is diesel oil

the starter clutch could start slipping it will be anything from starter spinning to a can of rocks sound
it can also make your clutch slip

synthetic oil may or may not cause clutch and starter clutch slipping. some say yes some say no.
I would advise if you used an automotive oil and /or a synthetic oil and things started slipping and making noise to switch back to a Jaso spec oil and see if the issues go away. let the oil drain when hot and drain for a while to get it all out change the filter or drain the oil from the cover.
if you used a motorcycle oil that was synthetic and things started going bad, change it
it is a cheaper check than replacing parts first

now i want to add if the evil oil caused your issues you may be needing a new clutch anyways and if starter clutch started to fail it too. It may indicate worn parts and you will want to keep an eye on them . Just my thought on the parts

 

did you lube the new clutch cable?
is it routed the correct way on frame?

do you have 3 mm play at lever and perch?