Gear suddenly grabs when clutch level released

[littleroot]

On TOM_MLC's old 80GS1100E I put new springs in the clutch and yes I did not bother to measure the fibers so I'm a dufus. It did seem to help the slippage, in fact I don't think it is slipping at all, though with my carbs out of sync and compression low on one cylinder, I am not exactly pushing the envelope of performance from a standing start.

What I do know is that when I release the clutch lever from a standing start, the bike begins to move just fine and dandy but just as I release pressure on the lever completely there is a sudden grab as if the gear is finally put in the right place. This example is without raising the throttle at all - just let out the clutch slowly with revs idling at about 1600 and off I roll. But I get the same result with the revs up so I can pull away from the traffic I just lane-split through.

Does this symptom point to old fiber plates or something more? Let me know if you want me to test anything.

Thanks!
-Bob

Ps. The clutch cable is new and has about quarter inch play you can pull on the lever before the arm at the crankcase moves

 

[BassCliff]

Hi Bob,

The is probably unrelated but the play at the clutch lever should be only 2mm-3mm (0.08-0.12 inches). You've got over twice as much play as the factory recommends.



Thank you for your indulgence,

Cliff

 

[Agemax]

also make sure the clutch cable is routed correctly, well lubricated and not kinked anywhere.

 

[littleroot]

Thanks, guys

 

[littleroot]

Still a problem. I've adjusted and re-adjusted. I want this thing to launch from a standing start, not so much for drag racing(!) but it should launch pretty good like a normal motorcycle. As it is now the bike stalls when I try to be aggressive. I am going to open the clutch cover again and this time do some real inspection.

 

[almarconi]

You seem to be having a lot of problems with your bike. Is there a knowledgeable member near you that could give you a hand with the basic maintenance?

 

[littleroot]

You seem to be having a lot of problems with your bike. Is there a knowledgeable member near you that could give you a hand with the basic maintenance?

Well, not since TomMLC passed away. MacBec is in the area but he does not do his own work, he has a guy out of town who comes in to help, if I heard him right. Tom sold me his bike before he passed and I'm trying to take care of it. He didn't have the strength the last three years to do maintenance and it needed a lot of parts and maintenance, top to bottom.

I'm not purposely trying to fill up the forums but the weather is good and I want to get it working right because I plan on doing a lot of miles. Previously with my old bike I would let things slide because I' was just out for fun. But this one, I really want it to be solid and I don't mind throwing a little money and time to get it right.

Thanks for your support, and patience!
-Bob

 

[Toasty]

I work in the city and live in the south bay, so I may be able to help out from time to time. I only really have experience with the 550 but basic stuff is pretty much the same.

 

[littleroot]

I work in the city and live in the south bay, so I may be able to help out from time to time. I only really have experience with the 550 but basic stuff is pretty much the same.

Yeah I think we met. Tom and I rode out to see you when you first got your bike. You were in Pacifica, no?

 

[Toasty]

Oh yeaaaa, I met up with you and Tom on the Paso Robles ride. I remembered your name was Bob but I didn't make the connection until now.

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

Could this be a sloppy loose chain doing this?

 

[Toasty]

Possibly, a really worn cush drive would do the same thing though.

 

[littleroot]

Oh yeaaaa, I met up with you and Tom on the Paso Robles ride. I remembered your name was Bob but I didn't make the connection until now.

Oh you moved? I saw someone just today on a black 550 converted to cafe near 10th Street and Tully. Was that you by chance?

 

[littleroot]

Possibly, a really worn cush drive would do the same thing though.

Hmmm. Not sure what they do but drag racers like them apparently.

#1 Google result:

http://www.mpsracing.com/products/MPS/Cush.asp

 

[Toasty]

Oh you moved? I saw someone just today on a black 550 converted to cafe near 10th Street and Tully. Was that you by chance?

Haha no, unfortunately my bike hasn't moved under it's own power since October :-# . I think you guys actually stopped by my house that day.

Hmmm. Not sure what they do but drag racers like them apparently.

#1 Google result:

http://www.mpsracing.com/products/MPS/Cush.asp

The cush drive sits in the wheel and the sprocket and hub fit into it. It's there to dampen the shock when accelerating.

 

[littleroot]

Haha no, unfortunately my bike hasn't moved under it's own power since October :-# . I think you guys actually stopped by my house that day.

Yep, we were there.

OK, so not you.

Man I wish I could h ave taken a picture of this bike for you. It was a well done cafe conversion.

 

[littleroot]

Just closing out this, one of three clutch threads i stared since I got the bike: I went ahead and replaced all the steels and fibers and mission accomplished: no more slipping at high engine speed acceleration and no more clunky take off from stopped.