Hey everyone.

I have a couple of issues going on with my clutch and I was wondering where I should start on the diagnosis.

I picked this bike up a couple of weeks back. So I don't really have any history except it has about 10k miles, and I have just changed the oil (which was pitch black).

When I shift from 1st to 2nd I get a grinding sound. Sometimes it's hard to even get into second. This is the first bike I've ever had that loves neutral.

From 2nd to 3rd sometimes it doesn't fully engage. I would say that it was in 3rd, but I don't have any power.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Before anyone asks, yea I have been fully pulling back the hand clutch. I've tried a couple of user error things with it like softly trying to get it into gear, different, changing how I use the clutch ect. So I do not believe it is user error.

 

10k miles on a ride is nothing for that ride. Although a valve check and the normal cct issues that need addressed. What oil are you running? or has been in the bike?

 

I changed it about 150 miles ago with 10w-40 moyorcycle oil. I was having the issues prior to the change as well. I hoped some clean oil would solve it.

 

If it was my bike (and some of you may argue with this), based on the "pitch black" oil you describe, I would put about 1/2 cup of kerosene in the oil and let it idle for about 5-10 minutes, then drain. And, I would pull the clutch cover while the pan is empty, just to take a look at things. Clutch cover gaskets are easy enough to make and cut from sheet stock. If the clutch pack looks suspect, pull it and clean it. If it looks ok, then just leave it alone.
This procedure will clean the sludge and rule-in or rule-out the clutch.
Let the flames begin.....

 

My Dad has used the kerosene method a couple of times on cars. Despite how scary it sounds, it has always worked for him.

 

Have you bleed your clutch lever. If it is cable then maybe an adjustment. I have the 98 Vulcan classic and it was a job and a half to change the clutch pack. It was well worth it the clutch now is like new.