Rides a bit rough

[Drift1]

Not a problem NTL,keep us updated on your solution to the fix,brother.

[Never too late]

Thanks Gang

I appreciate the help.... I am no expert....but it could be a combo of both issues.... Clutch cable adjustment and a oil change.

never too late

[CDNRatMan]

  I went to both bike shops today after getting back from my ride and asked about the correct oil for my bike, told them it was because of the wet clutch and a discussion on a forum I was following, both went to their computers and then to the wrench benders in the back, called a good Friend who is a part time wrench bender and he had the same answer for me, Amsoil 10W-40 is perfect for the weather conditions in our area and should not effect the shifting. Then like D1 has said it would be a cable to just adjust.

[John Hopkins]

I keep forgetting you guys still have cable clutches, I havent had a cable clutch on my last eight bikes..

John.

[Drift1]

NTL I experienced the same exact thing I'm thinking your speaking about.I rode my bike to work Friday (76miles one way) and the bike rode great.On the way home about halfway through the trip fifth gear starting slipping.Oil was changed about a week prior to this happening so I knew it couldn't be the fluids.I stopped by the shop and was ready to order up some friction plates and got BSN with my friends there and they told me to bring the bike by on Sunday(today).On the way there I started to notice some clunking noise from the left side cover(crank case).Dude hopped on it and said he can fix the problems in 5 minutes.Rode to the back of the shop returned back within 5 minutes LOL and said,"Take her for a spin!"Well needless to say she rode like a charm and didn't cost me a dime(except $20)tip I insisted he take.All it was my clutch cable was a little out of adjustment believe it or not.Hope this is the same issue you are experiencing,my man!
Richie

[John Hopkins]

Hi gang

I rode it today and it still there ! I think I will phone the dealership on Monday or Tuesday to figure out specifically what type of oil they used.

Good luck with that..If they have cut the costs on the oil they are hardly likely to tell you, or at least they wouldn't over here.

John.

[Never too late]

Hi gang

I rode it today and it still there ! I think I will phone the dealership on Monday or Tuesday to figure out specifically what type of oil they used.  After that I will change the oil to a more compatiable brand like everyone recommends.... ( i have the shop Manual ) and hopefully see the results.

Cheers Never too Late

By the way I attended a show and shine in tsawwassen BC today and ther was a assortment of vintage and collectible bikes there! Saw only one 99 Drifter in the group and I started a conversation with the owner and believe it or not he used to be part of this forum.  Small world eh!

[kw-retrorider]

Been using AMSOIL's full synthetic 10W40 motorcycle oil and filters for the last 4000 miles in my 800. Absolutely no issues....before or after.

[pcarrell]

According to Amsoil, their 10W-40 Advanced Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is API SG, SL/CF, CG-4; JASO MA/MA2; ISO-L-EMA2; API GL-1.  ( http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/motorcycle/ )  I used their 20W50 in my 1500 and it worked well.

[CDNRatMan]

  ok I took my bike out for a close to 300 km ride today. An did notice, perhaps a louder then normal sound when shifting, but sifting was easy and smooth, so not sure what you are hearing. I am not aware of the type of oil the PO used in this machine, I did change it andused Amsoil 10W40.
Now today I checked all three manuals that I have and here is the results.

Vulcan 800 Manual
Grade SE,SF,SG class
Viscosity: SAE 10W-40 10W-50 @0w-40 or 20W50

Drifter Supplement Manual:
Grade: SE SF SG Class
Viscosity: SAE 10W-40 10W-50 20W-40 or 20W-50

Midwest manual For Drifter 2001-2006 800 Series:
Grade API SE, SF or SG
API SH or SJ with JASO MA
Viscosity: SAE 10W-40

so wondering were my Amsoil comes into play here. So went and bought another quart to see what it said.....Recommended for Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Husqvarna, Victory and other motorcycles where 10W-40 or 80W/90, API GL-1 is used in engines or transmissions. Not recommended where an API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil is required. API SG, SL/CF.CG-4 .....JASO MA/MA2  ISO -L-EMA2

in red letters it states Wet Clutch compatible Promotes cooler operation, prevents foaming, protects against rust. So I am going to say it is the right oil to use. Let me try it on my ride to Kingston next month and see what a 7 hour rides does ......

[Never too late]

The clutch seems too engage freely ( I am no expert.... Fairly green rider... Under 2 years.... But it shifts way easier than my old vstar, which I could use as a comparison .... i had tons of clutch engagement problems with the vstar ).

It hard to explain but when the engine is cold the shifts are fluid, but approximately 20 minutes in to a ride it changes slowly.   Clunky may not be the correct descriptive word.... It feels rough, but the engine feels / sounds strong.

Also John valid point about the oil.

Cheers Ntl

[John Hopkins]

Further to my statement about using the correct oil..

This is not just something I have experienced myself it is also a well documented problem on many different bikes and in some service manuals it goes as far as to state...

The Jaso MA standard is required to prevent clutch slippage.

The reasons I mentioned changing oil is because it is a cheap easy thing to try, and because it is possible that the place that changed the oil in your bike may have used a cheaper non Jaso MA standard in the interest of saving money or simply because they do not believe that it is important to use that standard.

John.

[Troll]

Not sure what to say here. If the shifts are getting harsher, is the shift effort increasing? My first thought, since this is a cable clutch, is that the free-play is set wrong. If the clutch isn't completely releasing, this could cause the problem. Really need more information here..

[David Baker]

Thanks RatMan... Wasn't sure, It really does help to drain the oil completely.

[CDNRatMan]

  the 800 does have a screen on the kickstand side of the engine level with the frame.

[David Baker]

@ John Hopkins, Do the 800s have an oil screen like the 1500s? I remove the oil screen when I do my oil change and it drains more out than just opening the drain plug and removing the filter as it's located at the lowest point of the block.

[Never too late]

Hi Everyone

It's funny I just had all the work done by the better known Kawi dealer in our area.  The oil used ( from the receipt ) says M4 10w40.  It had a 20,000 km service done also which includes oil change, coolant, front & rear brake fluid, spark plugs and valve adjustment.... The whole 9 yards.

The bike is stored in a unheated garage and the batteries were tendered in the winter. It starts easy.... But it only feels clunky after its been driven for a while.

But if this seems related to an oil change.... I think I can do it!

I appreciate the help!

Never Too Late

[CDNRatMan]

  There is a wide range of oil to be used in the 800 from the manuel, so I used 10w40 Amsoil. I did it myself, not hard at all. I added some seafoam to the crank, went for a short ride to get it nice and warm, pulled the drain plug and went for lunch. Came back and filled it with some cheap oil, went for another short ride, and pulled the drain plug again, and then the filter off, left it to drain while I went to read my emails and do some other stuff. New filter and fresh new Amsoil and we are up and running.
Shifting is easy and not noticed the clunky shifting........once the snow melts again I'll go out and try it and see.

[John Hopkins]

I think you need an oil change..

Having a bike serviced by someone else can be a bad idea, as Drift1 mentioned our bikes work with a wet clutch they can have shift problems if you don't use the correct oil..

I use SAE 10-40; Jaso MA-2; API SJ:

The brand I am using at the moment is Castrol Power1

But you should buy a service manual which will tell you how to do an oil change and do it yourself..

The manual will tell you to use 10-40; API SG, SH, SJ or SL. With Jaso MA:

Drain the oil, change the oil filter, leave the bike to drip while you go for a cup of coffee, then fit the new filter and top the oil up to the correct level..

This will not remove all the old oil because the clutch housing will retain some but the new oil will dilute the old oil enough to make it harmless.

John.

[Drift1]

NTL I was going to suggest an oil change being our rides are equipped with a wet clutch but,I see your ride has already been serviced.How is your bike stored?ex.(outside,heated garage etc.)I ask to eliminate possible internal moisture reasons.Also did your service include the cables being lubed?If so I'm thinking you may need a slight adjustment.These are were I would start with,"process of elimination" I'm sure It's something simple.Our professional members probably could shed more light on this matter.

[Never too late]

Hi Everyone

I have a 2001 800 and have been out going for some rides since the weather has brightened.  I find that when my ride starts out I get some even crisp shifts .... But when I am returning back the ride seems to change.   It feels like when the engine has warmed up 20 minutes or so the shifts / transmission feels clunkier.   Is that possible?  Or is it my imagination ?

My 800 was serviced this winter and it has about 21,000 miles.

Any thoughts?

Thanks Never Too Late