Hi all,

I noticed a bit of clutch slip in 5th so adjusted my clutch as per the service manual - now got about 3mm of free play at the lever/collar

It seemed fine for a few days, but today I again noticed some slip in 5th and I might be imagining it, but I think the free play at the lever has gotten less over the last few days.

I'll adjust it for some more free play for now and monitor it, but anything else to check?

I read in another post that oiling the cable can help - if so any advice (oil type, method)?

Does it sound like the clutch cable itself is on its way out?

Anything else i can check myself?

What's the average air speed of an unladen African Swallow?

_________________
"Because it's awesome" is always a good enough excuse

http://www.eugenereisch.com

Did you adjust the release mech ?........cable adjustment has no bearing on actual clutch adjustment.

_________________
Mithered ta death.
92 MB
96 S2T
98 S1W
00 M2
01 X1
03 P3
10 CR

I did the adjustment as per the service manual (loosen adjustment mech., open clutch inspection cover, spring out, lock plate out, screw counter-clockwise til bottoming out, 1/4-1/2 turn the other way, plate back on, spring and cover back on then adjusted the cable adjustment mech. until I had about 3mm of play at the ferrule/lever)

_________________
"Because it's awesome" is always a good enough excuse

http://www.eugenereisch.com

In that case, if it's still slipping, prepare yourself for a massive parts bill ie. 340 odd quid

.....you are using Formula + oil, aren't you ?

_________________
Mithered ta death.
92 MB
96 S2T
98 S1W
00 M2
01 X1
03 P3
10 CR

Well...

I bought the bike last year from an independent with 11k on the clock - they said they'd done the 10k service as per Harley spec, but I'm not so sure I trust that. They were not very forthcoming with any paperwork and when I did get something in the post is simply said "10k service carried out" no details.

So, I don't really hold out much hope that it was done properly - in fact I took it to Tubbs not long after
as the fuelling was a bit off and the fork seals were leaking (all fixed, thanks Tubbs), so no, not convinced at all that the 10k service was properly carried out buy the dealer and not sure what oil was used if it was changed at all!

I've bought some Formula + the other week, but actually looking at the clocks today it's nearly due its 15k service, so I'll ask for it to be changed at the same time.

All that said, the clutch seemed to be behaving this morning on my ride to work, so I'll keep an eye on it.

If it does reoccur, is there anything more I can check before going the whole hog? And what would I be telling Tubbs? "New clutch please?"

(thanks again Maz )

_________________
"Because it's awesome" is always a good enough excuse

http://www.eugenereisch.com

Tubbs will know the script ie. he'd strip/inspect the clutch before spending any of your hard earned

_________________
Mithered ta death.
92 MB
96 S2T
98 S1W
00 M2
01 X1
03 P3
10 CR

_________________
"Because it's awesome" is always a good enough excuse

http://www.eugenereisch.com

On the ride home it seemed fine again

It slipped a bit in 5th but only when I really wrung its neck from low revs and even then i had to actually try.

_________________
"Because it's awesome" is always a good enough excuse

http://www.eugenereisch.com

So a knackered clutch it is.

Bugger.

Back to Tubbs next week to have it fit

_________________
"Because it's awesome" is always a good enough excuse

http://www.eugenereisch.com

Make sure he fits genuine OEM parts.......Barnett stuff may be cheaper but you get what you pay for IME

_________________
Mithered ta death.
92 MB
96 S2T
98 S1W
00 M2
01 X1
03 P3
10 CR

Excellent help from the Shame he resides so far from me, as I would gladly give my hard earned cash to such a skilled artisan

Tubbs did mention a couple of non-OEM brands, but then he also said he'd not had to replace many Buell clutches, so I guess that says something about the OEM ones

_________________
"Because it's awesome" is always a good enough excuse

http://www.eugenereisch.com

In 14 years of spannering Buells, I bet I haven't fitted more than half a dozen or so clutches and those that needed replacing were always down to bad adjustment or the use of the wrong oil.......OEM clutch is very expensive but definitely the best IMO.

_________________
Mithered ta death.
92 MB
96 S2T
98 S1W
00 M2
01 X1
03 P3
10 CR

Yikes! Nearly £600 for the OEM one including all the bits I need and labour.

Much as I'd normally rather go OEM and at risk of a I just can't afford that, so Tubbs is sourcing a DP one which he says he's never had an issue with - it's literally half the price at £300 fitted.

Fingers crossed.

_________________
"Because it's awesome" is always a good enough excuse

http://www.eugenereisch.com

That doesn't make any sense ........the OEM clutch is 340 quidish, which means Tubbs is charging circa 250ish to fit with the other bits required.......so if he's fitting the DP for 300 quid, that means the clutch is only costing 50ish ?......the labour and other bits required is the same

_________________
Mithered ta death.
92 MB
96 S2T
98 S1W
00 M2
01 X1
03 P3
10 CR