how do u check 4 clutch slipping?

81 kz550 ltd high rpms at 65 mph about 7500 in top gear, rpms drop some at 80 to 85 mph, bike is stock, 16/38 ratio sprockets any thoughts? HELP

Hi!

(cue music from The Twilight Zone!!)

I have a 1981 kz 550 ltd and it has been doing the same thing. I rode 200 miles plus with no problem., the next day I'm on a slight incline with the girlfriend on pillion, and it starts to spin up when I go over 65mph. (No, she is quite slim) (Yes, I could lose a few pounds)

Checking the clutch.

Find a deserted road, empty mall, etc..,

Start riding the bike..,

Change up into 6th gear at about 20mph..,

Open the throttle wide...,

If it is going to slip, that amount of load with that high a gear should push it..

1. Check that there is some free play in your clutch cable. Your lever should move before it picks up the cable, otherwise a movement on the handlebars may transfer to a lifting of the clutch cable and hence, slip.

2. Is your oil level correct? I have found that low oil level can coincide with clutch slip, (pauses for knowledgeable types to laugh out loud), but it may be coincidence.

3. Are you using synthetic oil? Newest technology is not always best, and these bikes don't always like the additives in certain oils. They can cause clutch slip. Try an oil change to semi-synth. Could be a cheap fix!

peterperfect

1981 Z550 LTD C2
(or US Custom version as it's known in the UK)

That's how it starts. The clutch will slip forst in top gear where the clutch feels the most torque. Eventually the problems will move to the lower gears as well.

Have you checked the clutch adjustment?

Better get on it.

KZCSI

ya my 900 does it in 3rd and 4th real bad

What oil are you using? I recently switched from Havoline 10w-40 (non-energy conserving, i.e. no friction modifiers) to Valvoline 4 Stroke Motorcycle oil, and I noticed much better bite on the clutch. I had to adjust my clutch cable because it was engaging so much earlier.

KZCSI wrote:

...clutch adjustment....

clutch adjustment --- as in clutch pushrod adjustment (entirely separate from cable slack adjustments via the handlebar lever thumbscrew and inline cable slack adjusters).

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/11/23 10:38