Speed related clutch slip ?

[oblertone]

Having been away for two weeks I got the bike out today for a dry spin, all seemed fine except for what appears to be a slipping clutch, however this only happens in top gear ! It will pull to the red line in all gears (with appropriate acceleration), but in top (5th) it seems to start slipping above 5,000 rpm and while the revs rise there is little appreciable increase in velocity !

The bike is a '97 1100 with 12,800 miles on it and the clutch appears to be adjusted properly i.e. 5mm play at the lever.

Any idea why it would be speed/gear related ?

 

[jimcg]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30883&highlight=slipping+clutch[/URL]
Not sure if that link will work but if you search the forum you will find a similar posting from myself. I followed the good advice and removed the starter motor and there is evidence of oil contamination. So new seals and clutch ordered and awaiting an opportunity to fit them..

 

[Greg Masters]

It will pull to the red line in all gears (with appropriate acceleration), but in top (5th) it seems to start slipping above 5,000 rpm and while the revs rise there is little appreciable increase in velocity !

Paul

A clutch slipping due to wear or contamination will always show first in the highest gears at revs near max torque. (It's torque that puts the greatest load on a clutch and, apparently perversely, torque generally reduces as revs increase).

At that sort of mileage, it's probably oil contamination rather than wear.

Greg

 

[hops]

Been there

My 1100 had the same symptoms, however the mileage was much higher. Steptoe did a marvellous job on mine replacing the clutch assembly. Unless you can see oil contamination via the 'starter motor aperture' method as mentioned previously, it sounds like wear on the plates & unfortunately either way it sounds like a strip down for proper diagnosis. Perhaps with it lying for a wee while there is a partial siezure of the operating arm on the back of the gearbox, make sure it is not binding before you go the 'long way round'!

Good luck

 

[GSAde]

been there 2

Oil contamination not infrequent on the GS of around this year, mine was a 98 & suffered exactly the same symptoms @ about 10,000 miles - caused by oil egress onto clutch plates. Bike was out of waranty (only one year then) but BM covered parts & two thirds labour cost as good will gesture, cost me about £75 in total - may struggle with that at this age but in view of mileage could be worth a try - nowt to lose.

Ade

 

[Steptoe]

you could have a slight oil leak from the rear crank seal, which doesn't contaminate the plate if its used everyday, but has built up over a couple of weeks - very easily cured - don't take holidays -

have you got some play on the clutch arm on the rear of the gearbox, thats where you need a bit of play ( not just at the hanlebar end), but i suspect oil contamination, as it shouldn't be worn out at that low mileage ( you don't seem a wheelie merchant Paul ) .