Long term Z1 storage - how to reduce clutch pack sticking

  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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07 Jan 2023 06:30 #878636 by slmjim+Z1BEBE
If one knows ahead of time that a bike will be mothballed for a few years, what are your favorite techniques to reduce or eliminate clutch pack sticking?

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

A biker looks at your engine and chrome.
A Rider looks at your odometer and tags.

1973 ('72 builds) Z1 x2
1974 Z1-A x2
1975 Z1-B x2
1993 CB 750 Nighthawk x2
2009 ST1300A

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  • Scirocco
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07 Jan 2023 07:10 #878638 by Scirocco
Pull the clutch leveler and lock him with a zip-tie.
Turn the engine gears and clutch basket pack with the kickstarter every month.

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07 Jan 2023 07:18 #878639 by krazee1
Interesting question.  Would fatiguing the clutch springs be a worry if you disengaged the clutch with a ziptie at the lever?  At least if they do get stuck accessing the clutch pack to separate and lubricate the fiber discs is not a big deal. That gasket usually doesn't tear, and you don't even need to drain the oil if the bike is on the sidestand.

Mike

Former M.E. at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing, Lincoln, NE
1966 W1 (the Z1 of 1966-50H.P. and 100mph!)
1974 Z1
1978 KZ1000 LTD
1976 KZ900B pile O parts
1980 KZ750E
1980 Honda XL250S (I know, wrong flavor!)

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  • Kelly E
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07 Jan 2023 08:45 #878643 by Kelly E
We've resurrected a lot of bikes and the bikes that had fresh clean oil in them when put away usually don't have a stuck clutch.

The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda Sabre 700
1984 Honda Interceptor 1000
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000
1994 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours

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07 Jan 2023 10:04 #878645 by Scirocco

Interesting question.  Would fatiguing the clutch springs be a worry if you disengaged the clutch with a ziptie at the lever?  At least if they do get stuck accessing the clutch pack to separate and lubricate the fiber discs is not a big deal. That gasket usually doesn't tear, and you don't even need to drain the oil if the bike is on the sidestand.

Mike
What about the valve springs if the cam lobe is fully engaged, would they fatiguing?

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07 Jan 2023 10:47 - 08 Jan 2023 08:39 #878646 by Dr. Gamma
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1972 H2 750 Cafe Racer built in 1974.
1976 KH400 Production Road Racer.
1979 Kz1000 MK. II Old AMA/WERA Superbike.
1986 RG500G 2 stroke terror.
1986 GSXR750RG The one with the clutch that rattles!

Up in the hills near Prescott, Az.
Last edit: 08 Jan 2023 08:39 by Dr. Gamma.

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07 Jan 2023 12:40 #878647 by Wookie58
I suspect humidity also has a part to play, in the same way disc pads stick to the disc due to surface rust

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  • gd4now
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07 Jan 2023 12:55 #878651 by gd4now
If it is to sit for several years, why not loosen the bolts (easy any pre-spring tension) and put note on the cover to tighten to spec upon getting back into use.

1977 KZ650 B1
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  • Scirocco
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07 Jan 2023 13:16 #878652 by Scirocco
If humidty or oxidation is the problem to stuck your clutch plates, fill your engine case with fresh oil up to the max. with no air left!

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07 Jan 2023 13:29 #878653 by krazee1

Interesting question.  Would fatiguing the clutch springs be a worry if you disengaged the clutch with a ziptie at the lever?  At least if they do get stuck accessing the clutch pack to separate and lubricate the fiber discs is not a big deal. That gasket usually doesn't tear, and you don't even need to drain the oil if the bike is on the sidestand.

Mike
What about the valve springs if the cam lobe is fully engaged, would they fatiguing?

I just brought the fatiguing springs up for discussion, it is an ongoing debate in the firearms community as far as leaving magazines loaded for an extended period of time.  Not personally a believer.

Mike
 

Former M.E. at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing, Lincoln, NE
1966 W1 (the Z1 of 1966-50H.P. and 100mph!)
1974 Z1
1978 KZ1000 LTD
1976 KZ900B pile O parts
1980 KZ750E
1980 Honda XL250S (I know, wrong flavor!)

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  • Scirocco
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07 Jan 2023 13:47 #878654 by Scirocco
So to be on the safe side, remove the clutch cover, spring set, all clutch friction and steel plates until reuse of the bike engine.
Storing a bike more than your persenal life span is bullsh*t. Bikes has to be driven as they are build for not for storage and look a like on display.

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  • Kelly E
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07 Jan 2023 14:01 #878655 by Kelly E

Interesting question.  Would fatiguing the clutch springs be a worry if you disengaged the clutch with a ziptie at the lever?  At least if they do get stuck accessing the clutch pack to separate and lubricate the fiber discs is not a big deal. That gasket usually doesn't tear, and you don't even need to drain the oil if the bike is on the sidestand.

Mike
What about the valve springs if the cam lobe is fully engaged, would they fatiguing?

I just brought the fatiguing springs up for discussion, it is an ongoing debate in the firearms community as far as leaving magazines loaded for an extended period of time.  Not personally a believer.

Mike



I was told that the spring sitting compressed doesn't hurt it, the repetitive motion is what wears them out.
 

The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda Sabre 700
1984 Honda Interceptor 1000
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000
1994 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours

And more

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