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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: LocalGuyLawnCare on September 04, 2014, 11:28:00 AM

Title: Time for new clutch
Post by: LocalGuyLawnCare on September 04, 2014, 11:28:00 AM
I've been doing some searching and seems like Barnett clutch's are the best out there. Being Kevlar instead of normal clutch fibers. I have no clue in this area, just started to ride about 4 months ago and its my first bike. So what is everyone's opinion on a clutch brand? The bike only has right at 2200 miles, its a 05 Suzuki GS500F. Ive found them running between $40 to $150 and want to get one that's suited for me. I've read there are 7 fibers and 6 steels. And is there any special tools needed for the job? And do the bolts need to be torqued down to specs are just tighten with normal socket wrench?

thanks for everyone's input
Title: Re: Time for new clutch
Post by: Atesz792 on September 04, 2014, 11:50:32 AM
Don't you just need a 3 point clutch adjustment?
Title: Re: Time for new clutch
Post by: bombsquad83 on September 04, 2014, 12:10:54 PM
I agree.  Why do you think you need a new clutch?  With that many miles, you probably just need to do the 3 point adjustment.
Title: Re: Time for new clutch
Post by: Suzuki Stevo on September 04, 2014, 01:26:30 PM
Sounds like your rough adjustment #6 has no free play and is holding your clutch open/on/ just like the lever is pulled back.

(http://home.comcast.net/~stykers/clutchad.jpg)
Title: Re: Time for new clutch
Post by: gsJack on September 04, 2014, 03:41:45 PM
I've had 2 GSs and put 80k miles on the first a 97 model and it received the hardest use of the 2 with trips to the mountains and running 7-9k rpm thru the mountain twisties for hours on end.  After the 97 was totaled I bought it back and fixed it and my son put another 10k on that engine and I saw the clutch after he replaced the engine due to high oil consumption using it for freeway commuting.  After 90k hard miles the clutch plates showed little wear.

The 97 was replaced with my current 02 GS that has over 100k miles on it now without any signs of clutch wear problems.  Hard to imagine a GS needing new clutch plates with only 2200 miles on it.  If the GS clutch has a weak spot it would be with the clutch springs.  Both of mine were difficult to get going again after downshifting at low speeds on steep hills without clutch chatter unless a lot of slippage was used.  Some stiffer aftermarket springs would help this problem.

Start with a good 3 point clutch adjustment as suggested above.  Both my 97 bought new and my 02 bought with only 4k miles on it had too much push rod free play and must have come from the factory that way.  Too much freeplay affects clutch action, it just doesn't feel right and too little can cause clutch slippage.
Title: Re: Time for new clutch
Post by: Nighthawk016 on September 04, 2014, 04:23:34 PM
my only experience with wet clutches comes from dirt bikes, but I can tell you that after 2200 miles your clutch is totally fine. dirt bikes go through years of about on the same clutch design, constant slipping to keep them in the powerband etc etc. However, if you are worried about it, buy a cover gasket and pull the clutch plate off and inspect the fibers and plates, see whats going on.