kz750 clutch

So last year my clutch on my kz750 ltd would slip under heavy accel. I've been looking at just replacing the friction disks and plates. Questio is should I order the springs to and just replace them as well?

The manual has a spec for measuring the springs. To me, the question is how much does a part cost vs. how much labor is involved if I have to replace them later? Clutch springs aren't that expensive

The clutch friction disc service limit should be in your factory service manual. If the plates meet the spec, and they typically do, then you should be able to reuse them. Often times the cause of slippage is because the springs have sagged out, and replacing them with new OEM springs will eliminate the slippage. While the clutch is apart roughing up the steel discs can't hurt too. One other thing that's well worth doing is replacing the cable if it's older. A new clutch cable is a thing of beauty and makes working that lever much nicer. And don't be fooled into thinking that stiffer than stock clutch springs are a good idea unless your name is Charles Atlas.

The cable will go away faster too.
Steve

I have a factory WSM I've been looking at and found the spec but I do not have a tension measuring device. I was thinking about just replacing the springs but wanted to ask to make sure I wasn't wasting my time and money. As far a the plates go I would just replace them believing if the clutch slips it's creating heat on those plates better safe than sorry. Didn't think of the cable, $$$ keep adding up my wife is going to kill me.

Can't find the springs on z1 any other good sources? The clutches they have just as good as anyone else? Or are there better ones out there? Don't have much experience with bikes as I am a auto mech.

You measure the free height and note if they sag. Barnet makes good clutches. Unless you're putting out a lot of ponies stock ones or the like are good enough.
Steve

What motor oil are you using? Ed

Are we talking about the 750/4 engine? If so, I've got some good clutch plates you can have for the cost of shipping. As already stated, most of the time the clutch slips because the original springs have sagged out, not because the clutch plates are worn out.

650ed wrote: What motor oil are you using? Ed

+1
If you are using an automotive oil, the friction modifiers can cause the clutch to slip. The clutch needs a JASO-MA or diesel engine oil like Shell Rotella.
An improperly adjusted clutch cable and/or release mechanism can also cause slippage.
A very dry or frayed cable can prevent full engagement, resulting in slippage.
Bottom line, eliminate all the routine maintenance problems before replacing the clutch.

Well maybe that's the problem, I changed it with oil we have at my dealership. Maybe I'll just change the oil with proper oil and make sure everything is adjusted up right and ride it to see if it made a difference before I drop all the money on new parts. Seeing as the bike only has 16k mi on it but I hear the PO was a little abusive to it so that's what popped into my head. Alas it will have to wait for awhile yet....in the middle of another snow storm

I ran Castrol GTX for 40 years until I came to this site and learned they changed it without telling anyone. I just had to do my clutch. I've never "had to" before. I blame the oil. I switched to Rotilla but it may have been too late. The plates were cooked like.

Steve