Need a new clutch in my 2007 GS500F. What are the best brands? Should I just replace the plates and springs? Clutch works "OK" after oil change and adjusting cable but can feel it slipping when I open it up.

I'm always a big fan of going OEM when it comes to clutches.  I have used Barnett on bikes I didn't want to dump a lot of money in.  If money is a concern you can re-use the steels if they still look good.  Springs tend to be cheap so it is usually a good idea to replace them.  Whatever brand you go with, read the installation instructions.  Some friction plates need to be soaked in oil before installing.  God luck 

-Jessie

Have you checked the rough adjustment down by the counter shaft sprocket lately?

I have jacked with the rough adjustment. I had never done it before and after I adjusted it the clutch did not work. I was able to adjust it to be a little looser and got it to work again but I'm not sure if it is done correctly.

Bike only has 8K on it. I would like to think it does not need a new clutch.

If it needs a new clutch at 8K, it's either severely abused, or has a defective clutch. I have 3000+ miles of race/track use on my GS clutch, including a lot of race launches. Clutch never gave me an issue during that time. The clutch is kind of over-built on the GS500, IMO.

If you do want/need a clutch kit, I have a brand new EBC clutch kit and Vesrah heavy duty springs still in the packaging I'd let go for less than what it would cost you elsewhere.  I bought them for my wife's bike, but ended up not needing them.  They've just been sitting around now for a while.

Quote from: GS303 on October 04, 2011, 05:34:32 AMI was able to adjust it to be a little looser and got it to work again but I'm not sure if it is done correctly.

If the adjuster screw (6) in the middle it too tight your clutch can slip, 1/4 turn CCW from resistance is enough. (6) being turned in too far is like pulling the clutch lever in. This is why I asked about your rough adjustment.

Before adjusting the clutch too much, simply check if you have free-play in the clutch lever. You should feel some slack in the cable before you start putting tension on it. No freeplay = probable slippage. If that is the case, I'd suggest adjusting the clutch at the engine cover as Suzuki Stevo suggests.

Thanks Suzuki Stevo

The rough adjustment did it! 

I adjusted the rough adjustment according to your instructions and took the bike for a spin. At first it was still slipping but after about 5 minutes of riding and opening it up a few times the clutch finally started to work correctly.

Now when I have it in 5th gear going 20 MPH and open it up instead of the engine revving up to 11k and the bike going nowhere the bike now slowly starts building up speed.

And now when I open it up and start banging the gears instead of feeling it slip and slowly grab the gear I feel it GRAB the gear and  the engine just keeps on revving.

What a rush. I love it!!


Thanks burning1 for your input on this. You guys were a great help. Beers are on me.


Corona time. 

Stevo, wasn't aware of items 5 & 6. Awesome info, thanks for sharing!