Author Topic: Clutch question. (Read 3403 times)

jag · « **on:** December 23, 2005, 08:03:40 PM »

I have posted some questions regarding shifting and smoothness. I noticed today while the bike is on the center stand that sometimes when the transmisson is in neutral the rear wheel turns. I performed a test and something isn't right. I put the bike on the centerstand and shift into first. I release the clutch and the tire begins to spin. When I squeeze the clutch, the tire keeps spinning in gear. Shouldn't the tire stop spinning when I squeeze the clutch. I know momentum will keep it spinning for a while, but it spins as if I hadn't squeezed the clutch. This could also be the problem with my overly notchy transmission feel. Do I need to perform a "Major Adjustment" as per the owners manual, or is it something more serious.
I changed the oil recently to Mobil 1 MX4T 10 w 40 and it seemed to smooth out the shifts at the beginning, but it feels clunky (notchy) again.

Thanks again.

jag · « **Reply #1 on:** December 23, 2005, 11:03:43 PM »

Ok. I think I might have Used bike (new to me) paranoia. I ran the same test with the bike on the centerstand. I shift to first (I know not the safest thing to do) let the rear tire spin and then squeeze the clutch. The tire does keep spinning but does eventually stop. I still am not pleased with the notchy shifting. I am goning to change the oil again. I am going to try Mobil 1 gold cap 15w50. I will post my reults next week after some riding time with the new oil.
Thanks

Vee Dub Nut · « **Reply #2 on:** December 24, 2005, 12:39:36 AM »

when the bike is unloaded the rear wheel will turn even if its in neutral or the clutch is pulled in. Currents in the oil from the internals of the engine moving will keep the unloaded wheel spinning, its really noticable in cold weather or when the engine is cold (the thicker the oil the more noticable the rotation is).

Its completely normal, no need to worry...

The last time i lubed my chain, it was in the 50's, with the bike on the centerstand the wheel spinned quite a lot, very quickly

Vlad · « **Reply #3 on:** December 24, 2005, 11:45:53 AM »

Quote from: "jag"

I am going to try Mobil 1 gold cap 15w50. I will post my reults next week after some riding time with the new oil.
Thanks

My bike started shifting noticeably smoother after I switched to that same Mobil 1 oil. I don't know what was in it before, though, as the previous owner didn't tell me.

pmackie · « **Reply #4 on:** December 24, 2005, 02:19:28 PM »

Hey Jag

As mentioned by others, the condition you mention is normal and nothing to worry about. The clutch is a "wet clutch" running in the oil bath. When you pull in the lever, you are reducing the pressure on the plates allowing it to slip. But even pulled in, there is still some friction between the plates in the clutch and the oil. A small load on the rear wheel should stop the wheel spinning however.

The same is true in nuetral, but to a lesser extent. When the trans is in nuetral, the input shaft of the trans is still spinning and and the gears are in a position where they are not transferring power from the input to the output shaft, but there is still friction between the shafts and gears due to the oil bath and clearances.

By moving to a heavier oil (15W50 vs 10W40) you will make this effect worse. The upside is that the heavier oil will provide more cushion and make the transmission feel a little smoother. The downside is that the heavier oil will cause the engine to run a little hotter (more friction).

jag · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2006, 05:46:27 PM »

Update: The Mobil 1 gold cap 15w50 has worked real well. The shifting is noticeably smoother than the Mobil 1 MX4T 10w40. I am very pleased. Now I just need to work on getting the choke to work properly.

Thanks