1500 Drifter Clutch

[Bucko]

Mine clutch is always sticky when cold, especially after the bike has sat for several days - has been like that since new.  I've always used synthetic oil and have tried various grades (mostly in an attempt to try and reduce all the engine noises -that's a separate issue).  Thicker oil, not surprisingly, makes it lurch a bit more, but it will lurch with any grade of oil when it's sat for a few days.

It's a common Vulcan 1500 issue and is mentioned on Gadget's pages: https://gadgetsfixitpage.com/faq/index.php/10?query=Sticky+Clutch

[Troll]

This is a bit of an old thread...I can honestly say I have never had the sticky clutch plate issue with either of my Kawasakis...I did have it a few times when I still had H-Ds, those few winters where I didn't have it torn down.

[chief]

When was the last time you changed the oil and what type oil do you use? I use full synthetic (no friction modifiers) and haven't had this problem, even after sitting for 2-3 months during the winter (since 2002). May not help you, but might be worth a try before you open the box.

[Bucko]

Should have mentioned in the original replay......  This behavior is very common on these bikes after they sit for a while - even when the hydraulic clutch is working normally.  Exercising the clutch several times with the motor running before putting in gear helps.

[Big Foot]

I have the same problem. Let me know if you find a solution.

[JagLite]

Try a different brand of oil perhaps?
I start my bikes in gear (clutch in of course) with the rear brake on to break loose a sticky clutch.
Maybe that will work?

[greenbarn]

They have a tendency for the clutch plates to stick after they sit a while.  Not sure what you can do to prevent it

[Bucko]

If you've got air in your clutch line, the clutch won't 'release' as much as it should.

First thing I'd do is purge the old fluid with new - and that will get rid of any air in the lines too.

[Fitz]

Hello all, new guy to your forum so forgive me if you have already talked about this one. I have a 2001 1500 Drifter, I dont get to ride it as much as I would like due to running a business. After it has stood for a while, the bike runs fine but the clutch does not work, I think the plates are stuck together, if I try and engage 1st gear it leaps forward and stalls. If I run in down the hill where I am located with teh engine running then click it into gear, I can eventually break it free and it then works fine, I have to keep pulling the clucth lever in and revving the engine hard to break the plates loose. Once its free I can ride it normally and it works as it should
I rebuild and race classic bikes so I dont have much time, I really dont need to start stripping the clutch out if I dont have to - any ideas. There is a lot of information about slipping clutches on here and Youtube but nothing about this problem