Clutch Slipping during high RPM shifts?

SV_Hadder · December 27th, 2010, 11:29 PM

Hey guys, I've been having a problem with my 01 Ninja (14,800 miles total).... I just picked it up a few months ago, and have put on about 2500 miles. Ever since I bought it, whenever I shift hard from 1st to 2nd, it takes about a second for the clutch to fully re-engage....

I'll be at about 13 grand in 1st, let off, clutch in, grab 2nd, then clutch out and back to WOT, and the revs float up high for a second, as if my finger was still lightly on the clutch, and then it will fully grab and have no problems at all.

My clutch is correctly adjusted (nickel's worth of space between lever and perch) and the cable is nearly brand new and fully lubed. I have run Rotella-T non-syn and full-syn, neither of which make any difference.

Obviously it sounds as if the plates are toast... but 15k miles on a 30 hp bike? I find that kinda hard to believe, unless the PO did stupid stuff with it, which I don't believe he did..

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

KELPHYN · December 28th, 2010, 12:23 AM

The only thing I would suggest, as you say everything is adjusted properly, is to take off the clutch cover and check the clutch plates and springs. If the plates are good, replace the springs. I never checked but stronger springs are usually available. Then again if you have it all apart maybe replace friction and springs, it's usually not that pricey. There is a DIY for it I believe.

M · December 28th, 2010, 12:11 PM

Your springs are probably compressed up to or past the service limit. Measure them, and then replace with Barnett springs ($15-20 for four) if necessary.

You'll be able to tell visually if your friction plates are bad on the clutch. It's unlikely unless (1) you are stunting the bike, or (2) you've ridden it for awhile with the slack way too tight for the clutch cable.

SV_Hadder · December 28th, 2010, 06:37 PM

Thanks for the advice guys! Just ordered some EBC Heavy Duty springs, they are supposedly 10% to 15% stiffer than stock. $12.22 shipped to my door, should be here in 3 to 4 days. I have a pretty good feeling that the springs should fix my problem; I'll be sure to report back with my results.

Cheers!

Jinx250 · December 29th, 2010, 12:12 PM

Before you take it apart - check the pinch bolt on your clutch lever. Your description sounds exactly like one I had a while back. I loosened the bolt and voila! she was "fixed." Then you can save the springs until you need them.

SV_Hadder · January 5th, 2011, 10:10 AM

I installed the EBC Heavy Duty clutch springs the other day and..... no more shifting troubles! The original springs were about 1/4" shorter than the new springs I was installing, so it's no wonder why it was slipping. All the plates seemed to be in acceptable shape, as most of you figured. Thanks for the help!

December 27th, 2010, 11:29 PM	#1
SV_Hadder ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Raleigh, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250 Posts: 94	Clutch Slipping during high RPM shifts? Hey guys, I've been having a problem with my 01 Ninja (14,800 miles total).... I just picked it up a few months ago, and have put on about 2500 miles. Ever since I bought it, whenever I shift hard from 1st to 2nd, it takes about a second for the clutch to fully re-engage.... I'll be at about 13 grand in 1st, let off, clutch in, grab 2nd, then clutch out and back to WOT, and the revs float up high for a second, as if my finger was still lightly on the clutch, and then it will fully grab and have no problems at all. My clutch is correctly adjusted (nickel's worth of space between lever and perch) and the cable is nearly brand new and fully lubed. I have run Rotella-T non-syn and full-syn, neither of which make any difference. Obviously it sounds as if the plates are toast... but 15k miles on a 30 hp bike? I find that kinda hard to believe, unless the PO did stupid stuff with it, which I don't believe he did.. Any suggestions? Thanks! __________________________________________________ "Nicole" - Pirelli Diablo's front and rear, Two Brother's Exhaust, Apex Custom SS lines , 15 T, UNI Air filter, Fiamm El Grande horns, EX500 fork springs, EX250J rear shock, Fender eliminator.

December 28th, 2010, 12:11 PM	#3
M ninjette.org member Name: M Location: Oklahoma Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 x2, Ninja 650R Posts: 165	Your springs are probably compressed up to or past the service limit. Measure them, and then replace with Barnett springs ($15-20 for four) if necessary. You'll be able to tell visually if your friction plates are bad on the clutch. It's unlikely unless (1) you are stunting the bike, or (2) you've ridden it for awhile with the slack way too tight for the clutch cable. __________________________________________________ The Rally - Oklahoma

December 28th, 2010, 06:37 PM	#4
SV_Hadder ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Raleigh, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250 Posts: 94	Thanks for the advice guys! Just ordered some EBC Heavy Duty springs, they are supposedly 10% to 15% stiffer than stock. $12.22 shipped to my door, should be here in 3 to 4 days. I have a pretty good feeling that the springs should fix my problem; I'll be sure to report back with my results. Cheers! __________________________________________________ "Nicole" - Pirelli Diablo's front and rear, Two Brother's Exhaust, Apex Custom SS lines , 15 T, UNI Air filter, Fiamm El Grande horns, EX500 fork springs, EX250J rear shock, Fender eliminator.

January 5th, 2011, 10:10 AM	#6
SV_Hadder ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Raleigh, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250 Posts: 94	I installed the EBC Heavy Duty clutch springs the other day and..... no more shifting troubles! The original springs were about 1/4" shorter than the new springs I was installing, so it's no wonder why it was slipping. All the plates seemed to be in acceptable shape, as most of you figured. Thanks for the help! __________________________________________________ "Nicole" - Pirelli Diablo's front and rear, Two Brother's Exhaust, Apex Custom SS lines , 15 T, UNI Air filter, Fiamm El Grande horns, EX500 fork springs, EX250J rear shock, Fender eliminator.

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December 28th, 2010, 12:23 AM	#2
KELPHYN ninjette.org guru Name: Calvin Location: Quesnel, B.C Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R (sold), 2013 300SE Posts: 276	The only thing I would suggest, as you say everything is adjusted properly, is to take off the clutch cover and check the clutch plates and springs. If the plates are good, replace the springs. I never checked but stronger springs are usually available. Then again if you have it all apart maybe replace friction and springs, it's usually not that pricey. There is a DIY for it I believe.

December 29th, 2010, 12:12 PM	#5
Jinx250 Smoker Name: Bob Location: SoCal Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): Guess.... Posts: 556	Before you take it apart - check the pinch bolt on your clutch lever. Your description sounds exactly like one I had a while back. I loosened the bolt and voila! she was "fixed." Then you can save the springs until you need them.