Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hi guys.

I posted this question in the 'retro /resto' section but perhaps there are not many of these bikes still around these days.

Anyway, my problem is a slipping clutch. I know there are many reasons why this could be the case so trying to narrow it down a bit.
I have been rebuilding the bike for a while so I don't know if the clutch was slipping previously.

The hydraulic clutch oil has been changed.

The clutch seems to work well when cold but then slips when warm. The warmer the engine the worse the clutch slip.

Any ideas? Thanks

Glynn

You could try heavier springs like Barnett, Goodridge or EBC. There pretty cheap.

MadKaw wrote:You could try heavier springs like Barnett, Goodridge or EBC. There pretty cheap.

... with Dave as it sounds like the springs get 'soft' when warm

Hmm. Soft springs? Why would they get soft when they get hot? Is that normal?
I admit anything is possible with this bike though.

its not the springs getting soft when hot mate, that is just a function of the oil warming up and allowing more slip from worn friction plates in your clutch - stronger springs can help overcome this if the friction plates are not too badly worn.

Best bet by far is to replace the clutch springs like Madkaw has said, and also fit a new set of friction plates as a minimum. While the clutch is apart you can spec the steel plates for correct thickness and any signs of slip (blueing). If the steel plates are worn below minimum specs, replace these as well.

Ah, I see now. thanks guys. I think oil change, springs and friction plates are the go then.