Clutch

[jpk928]

GS550L I just went to go for a ride and pulled in the clutch to start the bike and noticed it was very loose with hardly any tension. I can start it but I can't engage the clutch enough to keep the bike running in gear. It just stalls out as soon as I try to put it in 1st. Any suggestions on where to begin would be appreciated.

[MisterCinders]

Check the clutch cable at the engine. Pull clutch cover and set cable tension per the service manual.

[Nessism]

Dude, tighten the cable.

[jpk928]

thanks for the info.

[jpk928]

picked up a clymer manual this morning followed the instructions for clutch adjustment. It was easy as apple pie and it's good as new. Thanks again.

[Nessism]

picked up a clymer manual this morning followed the instructions for clutch adjustment. It was easy as apple pie and it's good as new. Thanks again.

Good job getting a manual.

Please do yourself a favor and go down the list of maintenance items and start bring everything up to date. Things like valve adjust are critical otherwise the engine valves will burn.

[ScrumDown]

I have an additional question or 2...

The GS550's have a wet clutch correct?

What would cause it to into gear? ---- I'll use the shifter to raise or lower a gear & most of the time it works fine. But occasionally it acts as if it is "stuck" in la-la land or stuck in between gears. My only way to correct this is to let out the clutch until it engages, pull the clutch lever/cable back in and they try shifting again.

[hampshirehog]

I have an additional question or 2...

The GS550's have a wet clutch correct?

What would cause it to into gear? ---- I'll use the shifter to raise or lower a gear & most of the time it works fine. But occasionally it acts as if it is "stuck" in la-la land or stuck in between gears. My only way to correct this is to let out the clutch until it engages, pull the clutch lever/cable back in and they try shifting again.

Change the oil. If that doesn't work it's either your gear shifting tecnique or the shifter forks are getting a bit worn.

[ScrumDown]

Change the oil. If that doesn't work it's either your gear shifting technique or the shifter forks are getting a bit worn.

Since it is a wet clutch, could the precious owners used the wrong engine old and that be a possible cause? The reason I ask is I changed the oil as soon as I got the bike w/ designated MC oil.

Explain what you mean by "shifting technique".

[hampshirehog]

Dirty oil plays havoc in some gearboxes. I don't know why but I've seen many knackered gearboxes 'cured' just by changing the black stuff.

Gear changing tecnique - do you snick in to gear, feeling everything move 'through your toes' as you go or do you stomp it in. Suzukis make the best gearboxes of any bike but you still have to treat them nice if you want them to work.