Is my clutch Screwed??

[dnchevyman]

I have a 04 yz 250. went out today over a break in work to ride down to a guys shop. when the bike is in gear and the clutch lever fully pulled, i could feel the bike pull as i kick started it. then i put it in neutral and it started fine. going down the road i could pull the clutch in and feel/hear no rpm drop. When i got off, i put the bike in 1st, pushed with no clutch and the bike naturally would not move, then i pulled the clutch in and pushed, i could hear the motor turning and the bike had a definate resistance to pushing, not as much as it did without pulling the clutch in, but still not pushing free. It did not push like it was in neutral. is my clutch toast? my clutch cable isnt binding and i can feel the cable move when its pulled. if i start in neutral then put it in first with the clutch pulled in it idles fine tho. doesnt pull the bike.

 

[mischi_punk]

mine does the same thing. I was never too worried, try tightening the cable a little more.

 

[ellandoh]

search on clutch adjusting and adjust it correctly, it is natural for it to be sticky like that til its broke free. if it engages when you let it out, with no slipping, your golden

 

[dnchevyman]

did a search and didnt find much help though. how do you know when to replace your clutch? any other ideas/thoughts?

 

[ellandoh]

not sure of the best way but i ride it til it starts slipping while in gear, replace , then repeat. i know one guy whos had his bike since day one its a 96 cr250 , hes a B rider and an abuser of clutches. he changes the oil and air filter when the bike is not running quite right, hes done 2 top ends since he bought the bike and finally had to replace the clutch last year. i have no idea if this is typical or the exception . but i wouldnt worry about it til its slipping . also if you can see into your clutch pack looking into the oil fill plug, look for rough surface on the basket

 

[darringer]

Since the bike has a "wet clutch", it won't operate correctly unless the bike is running. It is completely normal for the bike to drag quite a bit when shut off. The clutch needs to be spinning in an oil bath to work properly. Adjust the clutch cable for just a bit of slack at the lever ( a nickel wedged between the lever and perch is just about right), and ride. If there is no slipping, and no dragging with the bike running and in gear, you are good to go.

 

[dnchevyman]

i changed my oil tonite, thrugh the sight hole, on the edge of the clutch basket there is about 1/8th inch wide area that is not smooth, looks like its been rubbing. is this a sign or is this how they are from the factory?? thanks for the help all.

 

[DLHamblin]

did a search and didnt find much help though. how do you know when to replace your clutch? any other ideas/thoughts?

Either when its not acting right after adjustment (slipping, grabbing etc); or once a year (or more depending how much you ride) drain the oil and pull the cover and give the basket;plates etc a good visual check. Look for grooves worn in the clutch basket (will cause rough clutch action) and worn plates.

I prefer the inspection to catch things before they show up in bad performance personally.

 

[83MX80]

my KDX does the same thing. the place i bought it from tried to fix it but it still does it. and not sure what it is. mine sometimes when i go to stop it doesnt and keeps going, even with the brakes locked up. its like it wants to engage into gear.