Mushy clutch is slow to engage - Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Forums

ccr · #1 06-21-2009, 10:30 AM

Lately, my clutch lever releases slowly, and does not feel as stiff or quick to return to the out position. I have started to push the lever out so it engages at the speed I was familiar with instead of just releasing the lever.

After I ride for a while and the bike warms up, the clutch begins to operate properly.

This issue seems to be getting progressively worse, and now when the lever releases slowly the clutch is starting to dump a little bit by engaging all at once.

What may be causing this mushy clutch? My bike needs cleaned, could the slave cylinder be gunked up? Old fluid? Crappy lever? This is my first hydro clutch.

Heavy · #2 06-21-2009, 11:51 AM

Mileage and/or year is handy. Different possibilities if it is brand new or has lots of miles.

ccr · #3 06-21-2009, 04:17 PM

good point. 04 with 18,000. i just got back from my buddy's house, and i found that if i pump the clutch lever 5 to 10 times it seems to stiffen up. i didn't have any of the "drop" feeling today.

dukesean · #4 06-21-2009, 04:41 PM

Maybe it's time to check the condition of the clutch fluid.

MightyShep · #5 06-21-2009, 05:19 PM

And check the slave cylinder to see if there's a bunch of gunk built up around the piston.

Jimding · #6 06-22-2009, 07:42 AM

The lever pivot, like it says in the manual.

ccr · #7 06-22-2009, 10:56 AM

i was visiting with some friends that are soon leaving the country last night, so i didn't do anything.

my bike is a brick today. ran great yesterday, and i parked it in the garage over night. this morning, i tried to ride it to work and the clutch does not engage. period. first and second gear, clutch lever out, 0 - 4000 RPM. no response. nothing.

thanks for the tips. i will start looking at it tonight.

ccr · #8 06-22-2009, 08:34 PM

my outermost clutch plate skipped a beat.

i fiddled with a screwdriver, and i can't see how this can be fixed through the oil filler hole.

was i negligent in maintaining the clutch fluid and proper bleed? how does this crap happen to a bike that hasn't been taken apart?

any ideas? is the side cover a pain to take off?

ccr · #9 06-23-2009, 10:12 PM

Even though most you boners couldn't be bothered to talk this issue up with me, I am providing an update on how I dealt with this problem. I still have no explanation, but here's what went down today.

My buddy Sam came over tonight after work to help me fix the clutch plate. He's an SV guy and more recently a TL1000 and RC51 guy, and really knows what the heck he's doing with these engines.

First, we drained the coolant. 2.4 liters right on to the drive way. Sam recommended that I run the engine for 10 seconds after the initial drain to free more of the coolant from the engine. Smart, I tell ya.

Then, we wrapped all my patio furniture cushions in a tarp so we could lay my bike down. Yeah. We took the side cover off without changing the oil. It works. I had to loosen my left mirror to get it out of the way, but other than that we just lowered it down onto the big pad we made in my garage.

The right footpeg needs to be moved out of the way along with the brake light switch and some of the overflow drain tubes. Technically, only the top 3 bolts on the water pump and all of the clutch cover bolts need to be taken out to remove the cover. We stuffed a rag into the coolant channel to prevent the coolant from getting into the engine oil. That's the smaller pink rag stuffed between the clutch assembly and the engine slider. You can also see how we left all the bolts in the cover and just rotated it right without disconnecting the radiator hose.

Here's a shot of the clutch assembly that shows the outer most clutch plate not lining up with the rest. If you are reading this in anticipation of learning how the heck this sort of thing happens, you are going to be severely disappointed.

From this point, removing the clutch spring bolts and pressure plate is really easy. We dropped the clutch plate back in place and bolted everything back up. New coolant and a quick spin down the road confirms that my bike moves again. I will put some miles on it tomorrow to see how everything feels. The clutch lever squeezes a bit easier which is hardly a problem.

The best part about this fix was that I got to install half of my stainless engine bolt kit that my bike's PO gave to me unopened. Now, my right side cover is secured by all allen keyed stainless bolts that make up the "Chewy's" kit.

It moves again! If anyone wants to buy an RC51 let me know and I will put you in touch with Sam. He's looking for a track worthy SV.

dukesean · #10 06-23-2009, 11:01 PM

Glad you fixed it.

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