GS850G got a little clutch slip

[Chris G]

going on, it's not all the time, usually in top gear when giving it some, I'm going to try replace the springs first question is do I replace with OEM items or EBC who always tend to advertise there clutch sets etc as being 10% more heavy duty/stiffer!!!! I don't want to have to use both hands to pull the clutch in the bike had done very little milage in 10yrs and the clutch did slip more when I first got it, possibly due to the plates drying out a little, your thoughts please.

[tkent02]

10% stiffer means a harder clutch pull, and every part in the system wears out sooner. Cable, lever, perch, the clutch basket, all of it. Heavier clutches are not needed unless you are running a seriously higher performance engine, with good OEM springs and if necessary new OEM plates it will not slip at all, ever.

The springs have been compressed for thirty some years, they are shorter now and can't provide the pressure they once did. They plates may have no wear at all, or may be completely shot, it depends on how badly the previous owners abused the clutch.

[JTGS850GL]

Take her apart and inspect the clutch plates. If everything checks out, then I'd just replace the springs with OEM.

[Chris G]

Thanks fellas, makes good sense to me.

[Chris G]

Update: everyone one of the clutch springs in under the free length limit of 38.8mm, measured all the drive plates and these are all well within spec, I also found one of the metal driven plates to be distorted all others appear ok.

I also noticed in the clutch cover near the oil filler, is what I would describe as a jet, when I align the cover to the bike the jet mates with a hollow section of the engine case and appears to head down sump area maybe, question is is this just a breather? I did note that it was partially block, I could blow air through it, I've cleaned it out anyhow.

[wymple]

Your clutch can slip if you inadvertently use a wrong oil.

[Chris G]

Your clutch can slip if you inadvertently use a wrong oil.

This has also been in the back of my mind, I'm using a semi synthetic 10W 40 it's not a major brand name but it is specifically for motorcycles think it's Halfords own brand oil, I know folk who use it in there Yamaha XJR 1300 with no issue and these bikes do have some torque.

[JTGS850GL]

Get new springs and replace the warped steel plate. Your clutch will be fine. Oil type is not your problem.

[Chris G]

All back together, lever feels much better now with new spring, and replaced the dodgy driven plate, give it a test over the week end.

[londonboards]

Chris G - I use that Halfords ?29.99 for 5 litres stuff. Works well for me. Might just change the oil a little more frequently that with a more expensive brand.

I recently changed my clutch springs too (they are expensive OEM are they not!) and it cleared up the little slip as you described, in top gear. It's when it's in top and meeting the most resistance that it tends to slip.

Yes I also spotted the brass jet in the side of the clutch housing and just assumed that it was there to direct oil at the clutch. Does that make sense?

Greetings

[brownford]

I just replaced the springs on mine and it still slips. Plates measured almost new. I've either got to pony up for new plates or try the deglazing method I read on here somewhere.

[Chris G]

Chris G - I use that Halfords ?29.99 for 5 litres stuff. Works well for me. Might just change the oil a little more frequently that with a more expensive brand.

I recently changed my clutch springs too (they are expensive OEM are they not!) and it cleared up the little slip as you described, in top gear. It's when it's in top and meeting the most resistance that it tends to slip.

Yes I also spotted the brass jet in the side of the clutch housing and just assumed that it was there to direct oil at the clutch. Does that make sense?

Greetings

Now then Richard, how much we're you charged for the springs? When I put mine up against the old ones they were at least 2.5 to 3mm longer, yep hope this sorts it out, just got 5lts of Motul 5000 10w 40 of flea bay from DemonTweaks cost around ?23 delivered, use this in my XJR its good stuff.

[tkent02]

I recently changed my clutch springs too (they are expensive OEM are they not!) and it cleared up the little slip as you described, in top gear. It's when it's in top and meeting the most resistance that it tends to slip.

Just curious what you paid for springs?
They are usually very inexpensive.

[Chris G]

Cost me approx ?3.50 each inc Vat equates to around $5.88 each.

[Guest]

Your clutch can slip if you inadvertently use a wrong oil.

It can??