Stuck Clutch

[crickleymal]

The bike's been off the road for a month due to weather and work and stuff. The last time I did this in December the clutch plates seized up. I didn't notice until I put it into gear when there was a clunk and the engine stalled. Fortunately that seemed to cure it. It's happened again but before I try the jamming it into gear malarkey, is there anything else I could do firstly to fix it and secondly to stop it happening again?

[red98]

Not sure about freeing it off but to stop it happening , pull the lever to the bar and zip tie it up next time you leave it ........

[unfazed]

When was the oil changed last?

[daviee]

mine has a new clutch plates  and springs in it fitted by a bike shop by the previous owner   and does it if left for a while i just put it into gear pull the clutch in rock it back and fourth and it frees off with out having to have the engine running

[crickleymal]

Thanks all. Oil is due a change in 2k. I'll try the cable tie method next time and the releasing method now.

[Fazerider]

The plates sticking slightly when left for a while is normal, you get a clunk when sticking it into gear but it's harmless.


Tying back the clutch lever on the other hand will leave everything under stress: the clutch cable, mechanism in the sprocket cover and the clutch springs themselves. Not something I'd advise doing.

[tommyardin]

mine has a new clutch plates  and springs in it fitted by a bike shop by the previous owner   and does it if left for a while i just put it into gear pull the clutch in rock it back and fourth and it frees off with out having to have the engine running

Agrees with the rocking method  
With Ignition OFF

[crickleymal]

It freed off easily just by rocking. Spat and spluttered for the first half mile then ran like a dream for the next ten.

[Ruby Racing]

Tying back the clutch lever on the other hand will leave everything under stress: the clutch cable, mechanism in the sprocket cover and the clutch springs themselves. Not something I'd advise doing.

I agree. I would not even consider doing this. I strongly suggest not doing this.

[red98]

Mmmmmmmm   ok, good point.dont listen to me CRICKLEYMAL      iam not wrong though , tying the lever back will stop the plates sticking , its just that iam not as right as FAZERIDER and RUBYRACING   




best way , as we all know is to just use the bloody thing   

[Ruby Racing]

Mmmmmmmm   ok, good point.dont listen to me CRICKLEYMAL      iam not wrong though , tying the lever back will stop the plates sticking , its just that iam not as right as FAZERIDER and RUBYRACING   




best way , as we all know is to just the bloody thing   

 

[crickleymal]

Mmmmmmmm   ok, good point.dont listen to me CRICKLEYMAL      iam not wrong though , tying the lever back will stop the plates sticking , its just that iam not as right as FAZERIDER and RUBYRACING   :rolleye

OK I'll only listen to half of what you say 😀.
It's a bit annoying that it stuck because I operated the clutch several times every time I went past the bike.

[unfazed]

What oil type do you use?
Have you changed the clutch springs for heavy duty one?

Is the clutch adjusted correctly?

[crickleymal]

Castrol oil and as far as I know the clutch is bog standard.

[Jules-C]

It's a bit annoying that it stuck because I operated the clutch several times every time I went past the bike.

That doesn't make much difference. 

Easy way to unstick them is with bike on centre stand and back wheel well clear of the ground start bike in gear and then pull clutch in and change gear like normal.

Best to warm engine up a bit first in neutral like normal then stop engine put it in gear and start engine again.

[unfazed]

Castrol oil and as far as I know the clutch is bog standard.

Next question, is the oil semi synthetic or fully synthetic?

Is the clutch a very light pull or a stiff pull at the lever? Any one close by with a standard clutch and springs to compare it to?

What mileage is on the bike?

There is a  reason for all the questions.

[YamFazFan]

Castrol oil and as far as I know the clutch is bog standard.

Next question, is the oil semi synthetic or fully synthetic?

Oh no, not that one again!  

[crickleymal]

Castrol oil and as far as I know the clutch is bog standard.

Next question, is the oil semi synthetic or fully synthetic?

Is the clutch a very light pull or a stiff pull at the lever? Any one close by with a standard clutch and springs to compare it to?

What mileage is on the bike?

There is a  reason for all the questions.

Can't remember it was pink though.
Clutch pull seems normal to me.
Bikes done 40k.

[unfazed]

When did you notice it happening first?

[crickleymal]

January after a month's layup then last week after another lay up.

[tommyardin]

Mmmmmmmm   ok, good point.dont listen to me CRICKLEYMAL      iam not wrong though , tying the lever back will stop the plates sticking , its just that iam not as right as FAZERIDER and RUBYRACING   :rolleye

OK I'll only listen to half of what you say 😀.
It's a bit annoying that it stuck because I operated the clutch several times every time I went past the bike.

Pulling the clutch lever in will not free the plates just pushes the pressure plate away but the plates will still be stuck together with the suction of the oil between the plates, they need to spin at a high speed to be able to be thrown apart, or the impact of vigorously rocking the bike back and forth.

[tommyardin]

Castrol oil and as far as I know the clutch is bog standard.

Next question, is the oil semi synthetic or fully synthetic?

Oh no, not that one again!

Yeah the old argument rears it's ugly head again, Mineral, Semi synthetic or Fully synthetic. I personally use ........................................ and I will not be persuaded otherwise. 

[unfazed]

Pink sounds like the thin fully synthetic usually used in race bike or sports bike. Last time I used it was in an RSV1000 Mille R Factory

I would suggest you change the oil and filter and use the recommended oil 10W40 semi synthetic motorcycle specific oil.

There will be fellows on bitching about the oil they use is XXXXXXX and they never had an clutch problems 

When you want to solve an issue go back to basics

Adjust the clutch properly and ensure the bolts on the clutch cover are all tight (10Nm is all they require)

Remove the clutch lever and check the hole as it can wear and elongate reducing the amount of leverage and not operate the clutch fully.
If the hole is elongated get a new clutch lever

Now adjust the clutch properly
Screw in the cable adjuster full at the lever end.
Remove the rubber bung on the sprocket cover
Loosen the lock nut with a deep spanner ( it will loosen with a crack and frighten the crap out of you)
Turn the lock nut anti clockwise a full turn
Hold you fingers lightly on the clutch lever
Turn the centre screw clockwise with a good fitting flat screwdriver
You will feel the lever moving out
Keep turning the screw until the lever is about 5 to 6mm from the lever housing.
Tighten the locknut.
Replace the rubber bung

Make the final fine adjustments with the cable adjuster at the lever.

The reason for asking about the pull on the lever is that heavy duty springs and very thin oil can  cause the clutch to stick.

This will get the bitchers on now again

To be honest I really don't care I am just recommending what to try to resolve the problem.

Let us know how you get on.