1500 Clutch Problem

[49Reo]

My 1500 Drifter was the same. If it sat for a prolonged period, the clutch would not release; I would warm it up good, hold the clutch in for a couple of minutes, it would still jump when put in gear. 2 years ago, I changed the oil prior to winter storage (I always change in the fall, last ride, then run bike to push clean oil through all oil passages and bearings) this time I used Kawasaki synthetic oil. I have not had the problem since.

When I had my fathers bike here to sell, it had the same problem. (1999Yamaha V-Star) If it was being rode regularly, no clutch sticking. After it sat all winter, I had to let it warm up for about 10 minutes before it would release. Also. my Harley is the same; needs to warm up a bit or bike wants to stall when put in gear if it has been sitting; I changed it out to synthetic primary oil last fall, this spring it was fine. Try warming bike up good(take it for a good ride) and change it out to Kawasaki synthetic; should cure the problem.

Regards and such,
49Reo

[smrgroup]

Thank you for your guidance. 

[waltervl]

It is a common vulcan issue: http://www.gadgetjq.com/faq.htm#lurch . Also nice to read the other faq's
As mentioned: exercise the clutch lever a few times before putting it into first gear.

[Troll]

If the clutch seems (feels) normal, there is probably no need to bleed the system. The plates sometimes do this after prolonged time sitting.  Maybe the lack of use was not such a great selling point. I haven't had this happen with my 1500, but the first time I take out my W650, after sitting through the winter, the clutch will be a little sticky, as you describe.

[smrgroup]

Troll..thank you for your response. I had changed the oil before posting the problem on the site thinking that may be causing the problem.   I ran the motor just long enough to check fluid level so maybe not long enough to warm up the oil to free the clutch plates.   I hope to get back to the garage in the next day or so to try your recommendation.  Anything else I should be looking at like bleeding the clutch system or safety switches that may be the causing this type of problem?

[Troll]

Warm it up and change the oil. If the lever feels normal, then the plates are stuck together. This kind of thing happens with wet clutches and dirty oil.  I would also rock the bike back and forth with the trans in gear, engine not running, and clutch pulled in, see if it breaks loose.

[smrgroup]

Ok.. I'm new to the Drifter world with a 2005 1500 with just 2k miles on it.  Purchased last Nov and the bike rode fine.  Had it in garage storage for winter.  Now I'm having a clutch problem. I can start the bike in neutral just fine.  With the clutch pulled in I drop it into first the the bike jumps forward and stalls, as if I did not have the clutch pulled in.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you