Sticking Clutch

[Troll]

I use Valvoline 10-40 or 20-50 motorcycle conventional oil exclusively. 111,000 miles on the original clutch, as of this afternoon. I change oil EVERY 3,000 miles, which means 3 changes, sometimes 4 a year....

[rwantin]

That helps.  20/50 has been my standard but maybe not the best application here.  I always leave it in neutral and let it warm a bit while having a cig (not that one should smoke or anything). 

[jmbo]

Not sure this matters but my sources say Drifters use 10w40 not 20w50 engine oil.  This may have something to do with your sticky clutch.  That said, I never leave my bike in gear when I park it for the night. When it is cold and if I leave in it gear it will always lurch forward when I hit the started even with the clutch level pulled. After I start it I let it idle in neutral with the clutch engaged. All is well after that.

[rwantin]

Thanks guys.  I did that, but will do it some more.

Thanks (again)!

[Bucko]

What Pilgrim said.

[Pilgrim]

pull the clutch handle in and out a few times before you put it in gear...found this helps after mine has set awhile.

[rwantin]

Hi,

So I appear to have a sticking clutch issue, that is, it doesn't disengage after sitting a few days.  I did a search here and it was enlightening.  Got home yesterday, without starting it, pulled the clutch in and put it in gear - no release.  After a little more rolling back and forth encouragement, I managed to unstick it.

Based on what I have read, not an entirely uncommon thing.  The bike only has 6700 miles on it, so it sat (A LOT), and it needed some sorting (I have never seen clutch slave fluid so black before).

The bike has fresh Mobil 1 20/50 V-twin synth.  I read that someone mentioned using Kawasaki oil, and that it helped.  Worth trying?  And if so, what weight?  A shame with the fresh oil already, but if it will help.

Is there anything else I should do?  Clutch slave is flushed with fresh fluid, seems fine.

Thanks much, great forum here.