1999 Drifter 1500 shifting problem

Troll · May 07, 2020, 11:40:27 AM

There are very few motorcycle systems that are compatible with DOT 5 silicone fluid. H-Ds are probably the most common. Kawasaki says DOT 4...as do most other manufacturers...Why gamble? https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/mc-garage-video-brake-fluid-grades-explained/

Bucko · May 06, 2020, 19:43:13 PM

I have run DOT 5 brake fluid in many, many motorcycles, all of the originally equipped with either DOT 3 or DOT 4 one of them for more almost 40 years, and it has not destroyed, or damaged in any way, any seals. The issue is not the seals, it's that you must not mix DOT5 with any other type of brake fluid as it will cause formation of clumps of brown goo that will clog the hydraulic circuits. If switching to DOT 5, all components of the system must be completely dissembled and cleaned to remove all traces of the old fluid.

Troll · May 06, 2020, 14:42:43 PM

DOT 4..Dot 5 is NOT compatible with your system, and will destroy the rubber parts

GiacoBress · May 06, 2020, 14:13:24 PM

Quote from: Bucko on May 06, 2020, 12:53:41 PM
Could be both (I've had that happen on a really poor condition system), but I'd start with just a flush - if it flushes easily then your hoses probably aren't a problem. Key is cleaning the ports - there are two ports and the small one, witch can be cleaned with a high E guitar string (or something similar - but be gentle) is the one that causes pressure build up problems and because it's small, can clog easily. If you clutch is clogged, you should check your front brake as well the fluid vintage and condition are probably similar. Brake fluid is extremely corrosive to paint - you need to be careful and cover everything in sight when working with brake fluid.

Great thanks! I will do that, with the front break I think it is ok, since I change the break fluid couples of months ago, didn't do it with the clutch. Now, would you recommend using DOT 4 or DOT 5?

Bucko · May 06, 2020, 12:53:41 PM

Quote from: GiacoBress on May 05, 2020, 17:13:26 PM
Thank you for this, in this case should I only clean the system and the hose? Or should I change the hose?

Could be both (I've had that happen on a really poor condition system), but I'd start with just a flush - if it flushes easily then your hoses probably aren't a problem. Key is cleaning the ports - there are two ports and the small one, witch can be cleaned with a high E guitar string (or something similar - but be gentle), is the one that causes pressure build up problems and because it's small, can clog easily. If you clutch is clogged, you should check your front brake as well the fluid vintage and condition are probably similar. Brake fluid is extremely corrosive to paint - you need to be careful and cover everything in sight when working with brake fluid.

GiacoBress · May 05, 2020, 17:13:26 PM

Quote from: Bucko on May 05, 2020, 12:21:54 PM
This is a classic symptom of a partially plugged bypass (or equalizing port) in the clutch master cylinder. As you exercise the clutch a few times, pressure builds in the circuit which can't release back to the master cylinder as the port is clogged. Eventually enough pressure builds that the clutch stays disengaged. If you stop for a while, pressure releases slowly through the partially clogged port and the clutch will work again - for a while.

Thank you for this, in this case should I only clean the system and the hose? Or should I change the hose?

GiacoBress · May 05, 2020, 17:09:05 PM

Quote from: Troll on May 05, 2020, 07:44:04 AM
clutch lever feel normal? When did you last change engine oil? Does the bike creep forward when it's in gear and the clutch pulled in?

I have not used the bike that much, changed the oil 300 miles ago, it does not creep forward when it is in gear and clutch pulled in

Bucko · May 05, 2020, 12:21:54 PM

Quote from: GiacoBress on May 04, 2020, 20:03:43 PM
Hey guys!

I need your help. My Drifter has a shifting problem, when I turn the bike on and let it warm, the gears work perfectly, however, when I ride it for around 15 to 20 min, it seems like the clutch disks stay together and does not move forward, I stop the bike and try to engage 1st gear, however it stays on neutral and I have to wait for the bike to cool to continue riding, any thoughts ablut it?

This is a classic symptom of a partially plugged bypass (or equalizing port) in the clutch master cylinder. As you exercise the clutch a few times, pressure builds in the circuit which can't release back to the master cylinder as the port is clogged. Eventually enough pressure builds that the clutch stays disengaged. If you stop for a while, pressure releases slowly through the partially clogged port and the clutch will work again - for a while.

Troll · May 05, 2020, 07:44:04 AM

clutch lever feel normal? When did you last change engine oil? Does the bike creep forward when it's in gear and the clutch pulled in?

GiacoBress · May 04, 2020, 20:03:43 PM

Hey guys!

I need your help. My Drifter has a shifting problem, when I turn the bike on and let it warm, the gears work perfectly, however, when I ride it for around 15 to 20 min, it seems like the clutch disks stay together and does not move forward, I stop the bike and try to engage 1st gear, however it stays on neutral and I have to wait for the bike to cool to continue riding, any thoughts ablut it?