Need new clutch?

[Crimson]

My wife's GS500E (92) is becoming increasing difficult to shift geats smoothly.. I am wondering if a new clutch is in order.  The difficult comes in that it just doesn't pop into gear.  For example, coming to a stop, and shifting back into first, often you have to pop down on the clutch level several times to get it back into first, it doesn't switch easily.

Compare this to my 2000 Ducati Monster (I know, not a fair comparison, a much newer bike), all I do is just push it once and it pops right into the next gear very easily.

Does this sound like a clutch problem?  Or should I expect this from a GS500E, or a 92, or???  If clutch replacement is the answer, how much should I expect to pay for that?

[cummuterguy]

nope, not a clutch.

1st thing to check is engine oil level, 2nd is check clutch cable for too much slack.

[Crimson]

Oil level is good, although I am using 15w-50, would a thicker oil make for harder shifting?  I will check the clutch cable.. your thinking its not fully disengaging the clutch?

[davipu]

it could make for shifting problems, when was the last time you changed the filter? btw,  sounds almost like the clutch isn't adjusted properly too.

[cummuterguy]

Oil level is good, although I am using 15w-50, would a thicker oil make for harder shifting?  I will check the clutch cable.. your thinking its not fully disengaging the clutch?

yeah, it's possible your cable is stretched a bit, and you're not getting the full 'pull' on the clutch. Try shifting to 1st with engine fully warmed up. shut off bike. restart bike still in first... does it jump forward? (I know it will with a cold engine, that's normal, but done as described it shouldn't, or at least mine doesn't)

Also, why are you running such a thick oil? There is a lot of different opinions about oil type etc, but IHMO 15w50 offers no benefit to a well running motor. maybe if you had excessive clearances it might help.  :dunno:

[treybrad]

Well, if clutch free play is ok, then the cable should be fine.

1st thing I'd check (b/c it just happened to me) would be the screw inside this cover:



Make sure the screw under that cover is screwed in. Mine managed to back itself out causing my clutch to be REALLY difficult to pull and ineffective. Eventually it came all the way out which made my clutch totally worthless. Plus, it made another part inside the cover break b/c of the extra force I was applying to compensate...

trey

[denman]

when riding in high gear the bike will rev and not pull,that's a bad clutch.