Bad Clutch or Dying Trans?

[RVertigo]

My poor abused GS...  Up until a few months ago, shifting would get a bit crunchy if the oil was low or excessively dirty, but once I changed/added oil, it would get better again.  Recently, the shifting has gotten soooo crunchy and it has new oil, filled properly.  It gripes about shifting into gear fast, slow, high RPM, Low RPM...  The only time is goes in smoothly is if I shift without the clutch at all.  Shifting from neutral into first is a pretty big pain as well.

The clutch lever is adjusted properly and the friction zone is pretty much at the very end, so I know I'm pulling the clutch all the way in.

I'm wondering if I need to replace my clutch or if I've killed the trans.

Any ideas?

[cafeboy]

I would think if it was the trans you would have trouble shifting with or with out the clutch

[Affschnozel]

If it's a high millage bike your clutch basket might be worn making the plates stick in the grooves

I did this to mine and it helped a lot:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=47754.msg543711#msg543711

Go up for the clutch part

[bobthebiker]

check the clutch basket, its probable that your problem is in that area. also clean/lubricate your clutch cable just to be 100% sure that isnt the issue.

[RVertigo]

GS has 27k miles on it.

I know the clutch cable is cleaned and lubed, 'cause the shop just did it (and I can feel the diff)... 

I'm a wrenchtard...  But, once I get a new tire for the other bike, I'll have to look into the clutch basket.  Affschnozel, what did you do to "refurbish" your clutch basket?

[Affschnozel]

With time plates will wear grooves in the clutch hub so the shifting won't be as smooth , but you can

file these grooves and restore a smooth surface.

Here is a good write up on a subject if you're interested in doing the job yourself:

http://www.ktm495.mxbikes.com/clutch/

It took some time and effort but the end result is great ,totally smooth clutch operation  

Here is the problem:

You gradually file aluminum off until it's smooth:

Like this:

[RVertigo]

Yeah...  Sounds like the problem.

Thanks for the info!