Clutch slave or just me?

[magpie5456]

My recent acquisition of a 2003 1150gs has turned into a bit of a dilemma. I’m not sure if it’s me, or the bike but one way or another, my chances of pulling away without stalling seem to be little better than 50/50. Warm or not, I seem incapable of finding and riding the ‘bite point’ of the clutch and accelerating smoothly away. I can open the throttle to keep the engine from stalling, but I find the bike is going too fast if I’m pulling out at a junction. If I try to gently balance the throttle and clutch, it frequently stalls and, last time I rode it, falls over with me underneath it, rolling around in broken indicators and scratched rocker covers.
I’m sure I’m making this sound like I just have poor riding skills but I genuinely don’t think I’m that useless. I’ve had a GS before, and recently owned an ST1100 and a 900 Diversion, none of which I found difficult to pull away on.
The only clue I can find is that the clutch lever sometimes feels like it is dragging and then suddenly jumps. It’s hard to pin that down or describe it better. The master cylinder is smooth and works fine. I’ve replaced the clutch fluid, the previous owner has replaced the hose with a braided one and the clutch does not slip.
Is there a chance it could be the slave cylinder is sticking, then suddenly releasing the clutch ( and causing the stall)?
I’m quite comfortable with replacing it if it is a possible cause. I’ve spent quite a lot of time and money on this bike over the winter. New tyres, starter, braided brake lines, servo ectomy, full service etc, so I’d like to be able to enjoy riding it, but I’m starting to lose confidence in myself and the bike.

 

[Hay Ewe]

Check the rotation of the handguard, it cold be rubbing on the end of the clutch lever.

Also, check fluid level, the original hoses and fittings were prone to corroding under the protective rubber foam boot at the angle union on the slave cylinder, and based on that, check the hose, and better still replace the hose and bleed the system.

 

[theoneandonly]

I'll do you a favour ....£50 cover it ? collect on Sunday ?

 

[Neil W]

My old 1150 had a very good lever feel especially when I fitted a new slave cylinder and braided hose, current one has a really dead feel to it and will be getting bled this next week .
If it doesn't improve I will get a new braided hose and slave ( sorry you cannot call them that anymore) cylinder for the winter

 

[theoneandonly]

so you have a "notch" somewhere
master worn ?
lever sticky ?
service both , fluid change and grease the lever , check lever against hand guard as suggested .
or you have a dive in the back .
sticky clutch plate on the input shaft to g/box would be the last place to look.