Is it the Dreaded clutch Slip

[Timbuktu]

Hello Each,

I'm after a bit of help and advice please.........

Riding my 1996 1100 (only has 110k on the clock – so just run in then) over the past few days I've noticed that accelerating in 5th tends to cause the revs to rise, but a momentary lag between the rise in revs and the bike gaining speed. It tends to be between 3500rpm and 4500rpm/60+ mph there or there about.

I can't say that I've noticed it when pulling away from lights and going through the gears, but it is noticeable in 5th but not all of the time. to further confuse the issue, the bike maintains it speed and stills pulls like a train, the "top end" seems unaffected, whilst on the flat and when on long hills - so far


I've spent the last couple of days trawling through the boards of this site trying to gain some insight as to what it may be; so far as I can ascertain, it sounds like it could be clutch slip, but then again it could be "surging" (not sure I'm any clearer as to what surging is having read about it!!!)


I appreciate that diagnosis over the net is difficult, but in the experience of folks that frequent this fine site, any suggestions on what it could be - or is it Clutch slip?

If so, can anyone recommend a place to get it fixed in and around the Wilts/Somerset/Dorset area.

Your help and polite suggestions are welcomed,

Regards,

Timbuktu

 

[Steptoe]

First of all check there is play in the clutch arm on the rear of the gearbox.

Having no play at the arm can lead to the clutch slipping.

Just because you may have play at the clutch lever on the handle bars doesn't mean it's adjusted correctly.

 

[Timbuktu]

First of all check there is play in the clutch arm on the rear of the gearbox.

Having no play at the arm can lead to the clutch slipping.

Just because you may have play at the clutch lever on the handle bars doesn't mean it's adjusted correctly.

Crikey - that was quick out of the blocks.

Thank you for the prompt reply.

Incidentally I haven't noticed any more "play" in the lever position than I'm used to, since I've had the bike (appx 2 years - 25k) the clutch lever has always felt the same - good pressure and the same biting point.

However I shall wander down and check it out.

Thanks again.

Regards

Tim

 

[Steptoe]

Incidentally I haven't noticed any more "play" in the lever position than I'm used to, since I've had the bike (appx 2 years - 25k) the clutch lever has always felt the same - good pressure and the same biting point.

I'll repeat myself. "Just because you may have play at the clutch lever on the handle bars doesn't mean it's adjusted correctly".

Any play at the handle bar lever just shows how much slack/play in the clutch cable.

You MUST have play in the rear clutch arm. No play = clutch slip.

 

[Timbuktu]

I'll repeat myself. "Just because you may have play at the clutch lever on the handle bars doesn't mean it's adjusted correctly".

Any play at the handle bar lever just shows how much slack/play in the clutch cable.

You MUST have play in the rear clutch arm. No play = clutch slip.

My apologies, I miss-read/misunderstood your original post.

Thank you for the repetition - it’s much clearer now.

I shall have a fettle with the adjusting nut on the clutch arm and report back.


Regards,

Tim

 

[Timbuktu]

Quick update

Spent a bit of time with the tools on Sunday and adjusted the clutch as per the Haynes manual.

Did my usual journey to work and back today and so far so good. The clutch now bites in a different place, but is just as refined as ever.

Thanks to those that offered help and advice

Regards,

 

[Big Jessie]

Quick update

Spent a bit of time with the tools on Sunday and adjusted the clutch as per the Haynes manual.

Did my usual journey to work and back today and so far so good. The clutch now bites in a different place, but is just as refined as ever.

Thanks to those that offered help and advice

Regards,

Have found exactly the same symptoms with mine , only under load in fifth, will have a shuftie regarding what Mr Steptoe has written in the morning, thanks to him in advance Big Jessie

 

[darrenptalbot]

same happening on mine, will look at it this weekend coming.

Thanks to the font of all knowledge for the tips

 

[waterloo700]

Funnily enough - the previous owner was convinced his clutch was on the way out (1100GS 50k) - turned out it was just the clutch arm freeplay.

Did make him open to a low offer though

 

[Trullion]

Trouble is, if you run it for long without sufficient clearance you will wear the clutch out prematurely. To answer the original point, clutch slip manifests itself in the higher gears, when the engine is under load i.e. under acceleration, when a lot of torque is being transmitted through the clutch. The fact that it doesn't slip in the lower gears doesn't necessarily mean it's ok.