78 GS1000E Shifting Problems

[dluszcz]

I called the local Suzuki dealership to order the springs and clutch cover gasket and he gave me a couple more possible solutions.

1. Put the front tire against a strong wall, with the bike in gear and running, pull the clutch lever in and rev it up a little bit. The rear tire must be on pavement for friction and that may free it up.

2. Put the bike on the center stand close to said strong wall, start it up and keep it running in gear. Pull the lever in and give it a twist on the throttle and push it off the center stand.

The shock from either method should be enough to free up the plates.

He said DO NOT drop it from neutral to 1st gear unless I want metal to come out. He had a similar problem with his KZ that sat for 12 years and putting it against a wall and revving it up freed up his plates.

Anyone here know of anyone trying that? I'd really like to avoid taking the clutch apart if I can.

[TeamDar]

If you attempt one of these methods, please make a video of it for entertainment purposes.

[tkent02]

The easiest way to free stuck plates is to ride around in first gear, pull the clutch in, and start cracking the throttle open and closed. Get the chain snatch going good. They will break free in no time.

[Big T]

I don't think either of those will work for you without disasterous results

Keeping riding it around in one gear ,speeding up, then letting off the throttle with the clutch pulled in

[dluszcz]

I've done another dozen or so laps tonight with the clutch lever pulled in and revving it up. Almost got a wheelie a couple of times and still not broken free.

I may end up taking it apart after all.

I have to buy more gas and do it again this weekend. I'll post results and or video if I'm dumb enough to put it against the wall.

[dluszcz]

I've decided to just take the plates apart manually.

I have the old motor that was in the bike and I took the clutch apart on that. Very straight forward and there's really no way I should be able to mess this up.

Took photos just to be certain. I will do the same when I take the real one apart next week. I won't have the clutch gasket before then.

Should I soak the plates in oil and nylon brush them or is there a special solvent that is needed to clean them, something like a brake or carb cleaner?

Also, is it possible that there will not be anything to file on the clutch basket? The one from the original engine looks good, except for the dirty oil residue.