Clutch slipping when bike is cold !!

I have an 83' KZ1100A shaft 20k on odo. Clutch will slip when bike is first run and only going 3k or higher on the tach, after it's warmed up say 5-6 miles down the road it's fine. I did put a new clutch cable on so I'm thinking it's me and I don't have it adjusted right ? Could I need the major adjustment down at the clutch rod ? Bike did sit for 5-6 years before I started ridint it here the last 2 months and been have fun hammering on it lol.Seems once the oil gets good and hot and some heat into the clutch plates it's fine.

If you havent done your adjustments yet as the manual states, I would start there. Also make sure your oil is rated for a wet clutch. If not corrected by doing these items I would inspect clutch parts for wear and warpage

If both of those are done and it still slips, it could be your clutch springs being too weak. They are cheap from Z1E and easy to replace. Just need clutch springs, clutch cover gasket, and probably an oil change or oil top-up.

Ok I will check all or make all the proper adjustments on the clutch and see. I'm using good old Castrol mineral base motorcycle oil 20w50. Oil has only 1k on it.

Definitely adjust the clutch according to the Kawasaki Service Manaul. Does the oil bottle say that it is JASO-MA rated? Ed

Granitestatekz wrote: ...major adjustment down at the clutch rod ?....

Remove cover plate

Loosen lock nut

set gap on screw

tighten lock nut

Reinstall cover plate


Estimated ET:

sober @ < 60 seconds

knee-crawling, commode-hugging drunk @ < 120 seconds (due to fumbling with tools)

:lol: :laugh: :lol:

Good Fortune!

Well I did all the manual stated adjustments and works pissah now ! Will take for a longer ride( need to gas up) , but it didn't slip at all and clutch feel and ingagement right off the bottom is there. The adjustment reminds me of my Rekluse on my 12' KTM 300. Pretty simple to do.