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Posted by Drift1
- April 30, 2013, 05:04:11 AMNot a problem NTL,keep us updated on your solution to the fix,brother.
Posted by Never too late
- April 29, 2013, 20:15:06 PMThanks 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
Posted by CDNRatMan
- April 28, 2013, 23:09:34 PMI 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.
Posted by John Hopkins
- April 28, 2013, 21:02:46 PMI keep forgetting you guys still have cable clutches, I havent had a cable clutch on my last eight bikes..
John.
Posted by Drift1
- April 28, 2013, 20:10:21 PMNTL 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
Posted by John Hopkins
- April 28, 2013, 17:22:10 PMQuote from: Never too late on April 28, 2013, 16:09:07 PMGood 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.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.
John.
Posted by Never too late
- April 28, 2013, 16:09:07 PMHi 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!
Posted by kw-retrorider
- April 28, 2013, 05:19:23 AMBeen using AMSOIL's full synthetic 10W40 motorcycle oil and filters for the last 4000 miles in my 800. Absolutely no issues....before or after.
Posted by pcarrell
- April 27, 2013, 16:26:27 PMAccording 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.
Posted by CDNRatMan
- April 27, 2013, 16:19:23 PM 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 ......
Posted by Never too late
- April 26, 2013, 22:13:43 PMThe 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
Posted by John Hopkins
- April 26, 2013, 21:50:48 PMFurther 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.
Posted by Troll
- April 26, 2013, 19:30:18 PMNot 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..
Posted by David Baker
- April 26, 2013, 19:16:28 PMThanks RatMan... Wasn't sure, It really does help to drain the oil completely.
Posted by CDNRatMan
- April 25, 2013, 20:50:09 PMthe 800 does have a screen on the kickstand side of the engine level with the frame.