Somehow, I ran my bike low on oil. It had been a while since my last service but I only had 500 miles on the oil. My bike doesn't leak or smoke. I drained the oil to measure how much was left and it was down under a quart. I can't figure out where the oil went.
It starts up fine now with fresh oil and filter. I drove it several miles to see if it was going to be ok. Everything seemed to work as it should. Clutch worked fine. It seemed to be OK, but now when I go to put it in gear with the clutch engaged, the bike jumps into gear and dies. It seems like the clutch isn't working. I bled the system and it seems like the hydraulics are fine. I can hear the slave cylinder working.
Does anyone have a suggestion?
Thanks BiG FOOT!!!!! :(
Is your kickstand down when you release the clutch (in gear)? If so, the motor will die - there's a 'kill switch' on the kickstand.
If your kickstand is not down, sounds like the plates are stuck. Try pulling the clutch in and out several times and then put it in gear. If that don't work, bike not running, pull clutch in, put it in gear and roll it forward until the plates break free.
Thank you! Clutch plates were stuck. I ran the rpm's up a bit then dropped it into gear with clutch engaged and brake. That broke it free.
Cool...if you haven't ridden it in awhile, pull and release the clutch handle several times before putting in gear. I have found this will free the plates. Glad you got it and thanks for reporting back.