Engine dies if the clutch is released too fast

[markg42]

If I let go of the clutch about an inch short of fully releasing it, which is how far I have to let it go in order to move the vehicle at all, let the vehicle move forward slowly for five seconds or so, then I can fully release the clutch without the engine dying and speed up. But if I let it go all the way, before moving at all, the engine dies.

It's a 2002 model, it's been sitting a while, and all I've done so far is put in fresh fuel with Stabil and Seafoam, change out the oil, change out the battery, and adjusted the clutch. I've been told it I might need to either clean out the carbs or change the spark plugs, which I'll do eventually anyway. Just wondering what you guys think.

[csmith12]

Welcome Mark!

I am making a few assumptions here but...

1. Clutch lever travel - that sounds normal but check to make sure one/both of the brakes is not dragging and double check to ensure the cable is in proper adjustment. And... letting the clutch all the way out at 0 mph is a sure way to stall the bike or get off to an abrupt start.

2. Stalling on starts - You might just be looking at a tune up and carb clean. Have you checked the air filter and airbox for debris? The 250's friction zone in the clutch is known to be small, are you by chance a new rider? Your skill at feathering the clutch in the friction zone will make this pretty easy when everything is setup and working properly.

Good luck and hope it's something simple to fix.

[taz]

Originally Posted by csmith12

I am making a few assumptions here but...
letting the clutch all the way out at 0 mph is a sure way to stall the bike or get off to an abrupt start.

.

adding to this another question is, can you drop the clutch on a car with no gas and expect it to not stall? My suggestion is to learn how to release/slip the clutch while adding gas as you go.

[markg42]

Yeah, I got my ride in december and haven't started driving it frequently until recently. And I was wondering if the friction zone was supposed to be small, so I guess that might be just it. I'll check that stuff out too, and practice putting on some gas at the same time. Thanks!

[Triple Jim]

Along the lines of the above posts, if you were to be able to let out the clutch fully without the engine stalling, before the vehicle starts moving, it would mean your clutch is slipping badly and needs repair.

[agentbad]

Originally Posted by markg42

Yeah, I got my ride in december and haven't started driving it frequently until recently. And I was wondering if the friction zone was supposed to be small, so I guess that might be just it. I'll check that stuff out too, and practice putting on some gas at the same time. Thanks!

So when you try this the kick stand is up right??? What's the mileage?

[Triple Jim]

Originally Posted by markg42

But if I let it go all the way, before moving at all, the engine dies.

Guys, I think you're missing this part. I don't know of any motorcycle that won't stall if you let the clutch out all the way before moving at all. This is the way it should behave.

Well, I guess if you have the power to get the rear wheel smoking you might get away with it.

[CaliGrrl]

Welcome to the board!

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by markg42

Yeah, I got my ride in december and haven't started driving it frequently until recently. And I was wondering if the friction zone was supposed to be small, so I guess that might be just it. I'll check that stuff out too, and practice putting on some gas at the same time. Thanks!

Welcome, Mark !!!

I would check the proper free play of the clutch lever and adjust it as needed first.
This is how to do it:
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Adjusting_the_clutch_cable

If you feel you need more practice, just put the bike on the center stand and start the engine and play with releasing the clutch while pressing the rear brake.

Two things may have happened while the bike has been resting:
1) The jets of the carbs got partially clogged.
2) The discs of the clutch dry out and do not fully separate when you clutch-in.

#1 will make the engine hard to start and weak: it takes a deep cleaning.

#2 will make the clutch act like a single disc clutch with very rough and short dragging zone: it takes riding and shifting gears for a little while.

[markg42]

So when you try this the kick stand is up right??? What's the mileage?

Yeah, nothing to do with the kickstand. The odometer reads 6000 miles, though one of the previous owners put down that it the mileage exceeds the mechanical limits, so it might be way more than that.

I would check the proper free play of the clutch lever and adjust it as needed first.

The clutch has about 2-3mm of free play.

[Triple Jim]

If you still think something may be wrong, try feeling the two exhaust head pipes shortly after you start the engine, and see if they warm up equally.

[jkv45]

What happens if you let the clutch out quickly (in gear) when it's up on the center stand?

If it doesn't stall, it's an issue with your technique.

Have you taken a basic rider course?

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by markg42

......The clutch has about 2-3mm of free play.

Please, read this:
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/What_is..._at_startup%3F

[juliusmichaelhonrada]

One thing i know about stalling engines, i once had a 220cc single thumper and when i let go of the clutch slowly it will start to accelerate even without giving throttle , tops at 12kph i cruise like that in our small village lol