2002 GS with dead clutch

[Timarge]

I've just bought a second hand 2002 GS. The clutch started slipping yesterday. Today it was worse until I went for a ride tonight and managed to fry it completely!. I have 2 questions...where's the best place to get replacement parts and should I look to replace the crankshaft seal at the same time?

P.S. bikes done 31K miles and is nearly 3 year old!

 

[Taipan]

Would it make it to London? Book it in with Steptoe.

 

[wheeliecrazy]

Same problem with mine, 01 22K, however on riding another 500 miles it has cleared (almost), i.e. it no longer slips...! It has to be oil contamination. I have been told its not going to be the rear main, but is more likely to be the main shaft seal on the g.box.

 

[Arbreacames]

Same problem with mine, 01 22K, however on riding another 500 miles it has cleared (almost), i.e. it no longer slips...! It has to be oil contamination. I have been told its not going to be the rear main, but is more likely to be the main shaft seal on the g.box.

Agreed! The contamination is typically from the rear input shaft seal, which is on the back side of the transmission. Gear oil flows across the entire gearbox, from the slave cylinder, along the clutch pushrod inside the input shaft, until it hits the clutch. Without special tools or previous experience, I did it myself in one full week-end. Fortunately, parts are fairly cheap.
One big advantage of being forced to do the repair is that you will get a spline shaft lube for free!
I have heard that some folks have had success spraying brake cleaner on the friction surfaces. You can have access to the clutch by removing the starter. (Watch for the hot lead!). Hold the clutch lever while spraying. The trick did nothing for my 40k-mile-old R, though...
If you want to attempt to do the work yourself, I can send you part numbers and useful links that show you how to go about it.
Carlos