First steps? Clutch or something else?

32k on an 81` kz650.

About 500 miles ago I put regular synthetic oil into the engine (I know, I know) and noticed about 200 miles later the bike would "slip" under any spirited acceleration. I'm not sure if it's something caused by the clutch slipping, or possibly the original chain that's still on the bike. The chain seems to have a lot of slack in it. I changed the oil to motorcycle oil but it's still slipping. I don't know much, and the clymer manual isn't made for the regular joe.

Where do I need to start?

It isn't the synthetic but the friction reducers in oil that can make a clutch slip, but it's rare. If the can has the "energy saving" label, they are in the oil. How many miles on the bike?

I'd say it's the oil, give it some more miles before changing it again. maybe your clutch needs adjustment... You have to tell us what you've done to the bike and what you're capable of doing. Clymer is made for the regular joe, btw; I'm sure you can handle most maintenance repairs.

The bike has 32k miles on it. The oil I put in it was mobile 1 15-30 I believe.

Recent repairs include replacement of clutch cable (2k ago), throttle cable (yesterday), battery, air filter, front brakes (1.5k ago).... that's all I can think of at the moment. I haven't done any type of engine maintenance.

Another thing I'd like to address in this post is the smell of gas when the bike is garaged. I know there's a slow gas leak. I'm not sure where but all the rubber needs to be replaced. Which tubing/parts do I need to replace on the bike for this?

be sure your clutch cable is adjusted correctly, about 1/8 inch gap when you pull in the lever where it pivots but just be sure it's not completely tight when you first start to move the lever meaning that is clutch is partially disengauged all the time.

Like OKC_Kent said it may have alot to do with the oil, if you change it out and it's still sliping then it will be your clutch, easy repair but you may want to sand down your friction plates alittle with high grit sandpaper before putting them back into the clutch basket.

Carefully check clutch cable adjustmentS. In 2,000 miles it could easily have stretched enough to cause problems.

Though the chain needs to be properly adjusted, it's not likely to slip unless the sprocket teeth are nearly gone.

I, personally, have experienced no problems with Mobil1 in my bikes. When I sold it, my '92 Concours had over 60,000 miles on the original clutch swimming in Mobil1 with no slippage at all. Others will surely disagree.

check your clutch adjustment, I changed my handle bars once and had to adjust my clutch.

Okay I will try adjusting the clutch... I'm guessing I adjust it so that in 1/8th inches of pull the clutch begins to disengage?

Another thing I'd like to address in this post is the smell of gas when the bike is garaged. I know there's a slow gas leak. I'm not sure where but all the rubber needs to be replaced. Which tubing/parts do I need to replace on the bike for this?

shitimdumb wrote:

Another thing I'd like to address in this post is the smell of gas when the bike is garaged. I know there's a slow gas leak. I'm not sure where but all the rubber needs to be replaced. Which tubing/parts do I need to replace on the bike for this?

The gas tank is vented to the air thru the filler cap. A bike left in a garage will usally put out a gas smell.

How do you know theres a slow leak? Because its dumping on the ground? If gas is leaking into the cylinders, that is very bad, and should be addressed immediately.

You don't really need to replace any rubber unless it has become brittle/cracked, or no longer seals properly.

Open the manual and adjust the clutch exactly the way they say; it's more than just setting an 1/8" measurement. There are at least 4-5 different things to do to adjust a clutch.

You say you don't know where it's leaking from, but can't you narrow it down for us? We are at our laptops a thousand miles away, not at your side in the garage. Does your tank have a pinhole? Do you have the vacuum petcock? Is it coming from the carb overflows???

What rubber needs replacing? Intake system?? Brake hoses?? Tires?? gas cap gasket??

I wish I knew more... I really don't. I only figured there was a leak because when garaged the smell of gas in the morning was very evident... all the rubber looks like it needs to be replaced as it's brittle and beginning to crack. When I say rubber I mean hoses. I do have a vacuum petcock.
I don't know a whole lot about engines, you'll have to cut me some slack guys.

do you shut off your gas at night.....2. follow the clymer and adjust the clutch actuator on the engine...(bottom of cable)...then the cables central turnbuckle...(midway up the cable) then finally at the lever...do the cable and lever again after every ride untill it feels right everytime...leave the lever with a tad of play..it may change as you ride.......shut off the gas when parking.....then tackle the fuel after your clutch works it self out and you adjust your chain.....if the clutch doesnt fix you may need new friction plates...which also is covered in the manual and you can get em easy online and doit yourself it is a 3 or 4 on a one to ten for newer bike workers and is not so bad at all....you'll get it don't worry ..it can be fixed...good luck