I recently bought an on/Off Road Bike used. It was in spectacular condition on the outside and only had about 400 miles on it. It runs well.
I have noticed a problem developing. Sometimes after the bike has been sitting under my carport, even sometimes for just a few hours after my previous ride, Ill get on it to ride and start it up.
I start the bike in neutral. Its a one down, four up shifting bike. After starting the bike and holding the clutch handle all the way down, I will go to downshift the bike into first gear. As soon as i shift, however, the bike lunges forward as if i didnt have the clutch pulled in at all. After a few attempts at restarting the bike, somehow it will correct itself.
Any ideas as to whats going on, or what i need to do to fix this problem?
change the oil, if you havent already. if it works fine after it pops loose, dont worry about it. i have an aprilia that does the same thing, and has for years. i start it, then put it in 2nd gear instead of 1st, and take off with the clutch pulled in. after a few seconds, or a few throttle blips, it pops loose, and is fine the rest of the day. ive had it apart, and the clutch is fine, and it doesnt slip under a load, so i dont worry about it.
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Whats the play like in your clutch? Sounds like the clutch needs an adjustment, because it has too much play. Simple enough, turn the handlebar adjuster our till you have between 1/8 to 1/4" play at the ball end of the lever. If you can’t get the adjuster at the ‘bars to accomplish this, then turn it all the way in (toward the bars) and adjust the cable -keep an eye on the ball end of the lever and adjust the 2 nuts one takes the cable out the other locks the cable adjustment and then fine adjust the handlebar adjuster
The only other things it could be is -if the other owner used synthetic oil, and you use regular motoroil or if the clutch is starting to go. Low miles mean nothing if someone rides the clutch and burns it up.
References :
motorcycle mechanic for 35 years
Most motorcycle clutches are soaking in the motor oil. This is called a wet clutch. If the oil is low or burnt, there may be to much friction between the plates.
Check the oil level. Type of motor oil may have this effect too. Drain and refill with motorcycle specific oil. Synthetics are a waste, use JASO type mineral oil. I like Yamalube, use it in all my bikes.
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start simple by following your work shop manuals instructions on clutch adjustment. you do have a work shop manual, right? Changing fluids on a used bike should be standard procedure, who knows what someone may have put in there. I don’t agree with synthetic being a culprit but to each their own. If you gave a Make Model and Year you might get more detail in the way of an answer. There are other reasons for the clutch grab / hanging but try this for a start.
References :
change the oil, if you havent already. if it works fine after it pops loose, dont worry about it. i have an aprilia that does the same thing, and has for years. i start it, then put it in 2nd gear instead of 1st, and take off with the clutch pulled in. after a few seconds, or a few throttle blips, it pops loose, and is fine the rest of the day. ive had it apart, and the clutch is fine, and it doesnt slip under a load, so i dont worry about it.
References :
riding dirt bikes for over 30 years
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