How to tell if your clutch is slipping?

Hero Danny · July 25th, 2014, 11:57 AM

A few members recommended that I checked my clutch for slipping. Since my bike will be revving at around 9k RPMS going 60 MPH (and I only weigh 150)

At first I didn't think my clutch was slipping, but now I'm starting to think otherwise. I read somewhere that you can tell if your clutch is slipping by coming to a complete stop while in 2nd gear and then slowly let out the clutch without giving it gas and you should stall out, if your bike doesn't stall then the clutch is slipping.

I tried this, and my bike did not stall, which means it is slipping.

However, this was on a cruiser forum where they are completely different bikes (Red line at like 6k rpms, etc.) So I wanted to know, is this test valid for our little 250's?

If so, and my clutch is slipping. What would be the fix for it? Any DIY's or how-to's

Thanks everyone!

alex.s · July 25th, 2014, 12:12 PM

clutch all the way out, in gear, with the bike not going anywhere....

either your clutch is slipping or you don't have a chain

CajunNinjaR · July 25th, 2014, 01:06 PM

If you can let the clutch out some what quickly with the rpms mid range, around 6-7 and get the rpms to hang there wile the bike accelerates, and you have fully released the clutch lever, the clutch is slipping
Posted via Mobile Device

Alex · July 25th, 2014, 01:24 PM

If the clutch lever is all the way out, you give it gas, and the engine revs higher without the bike gaining speed, the clutch is slipping. Otherwise, it's not. Your symptoms do not sound like a slipping clutch.

NinjaZX6R123 · July 25th, 2014, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

At first I didn't think my clutch was slipping, but now I'm starting to think otherwise. I read somewhere that you can tell if your clutch is slipping by coming to a complete stop while in 2nd gear and then slowly let out the clutch without giving it gas and you should stall out, if your bike doesn't stall then the clutch is slipping.

On my 250 and ZX6R the bike doesn't stall in 2nd at a full stop if I let out the clutch. I'm pretty sure this test is only on certain cruisers you're talking about.

ForceofWill · July 25th, 2014, 02:55 PM

In 5th or 6th get on the gas all the way. The revs should rise much too fast for speed gained.

Hero Danny · July 25th, 2014, 03:10 PM

Thanks guys, I guess it's not slipping.

Hopefully your information will help other's questions of whether not their clutch is slipping.

I'll continue to search for a solution, I think maybe my chain might be too loose. Or something of that matter o_O

N-m · July 25th, 2014, 03:16 PM

Check your shifting technique, your clutch cable adjustment and cable lube. We did all of these things last weekend and now my bike is shifting with maybe a 1/4 inch of lever being thrown and the shifts are so fast its almost like an auto transmission. When you hit that sweet spot for that gear it is awesome.

Hero Danny · July 25th, 2014, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N-m

Check your shifting technique, your clutch cable adjustment and cable lube. We did all of these things last weekend and now my bike is shifting with maybe a 1/4 inch of lever being thrown and the shifts are so fast its almost like an auto transmission. When you hit that sweet spot for that gear it is awesome.

Good tips, only problem is that my RPMS are high in 6th gear (i'll be at around 70 mph (indicated by speedo) and i'm at 11k RPMS)

choneofakind · July 25th, 2014, 06:19 PM

Dude. It's either the CDI or the tach. I think this is an electrical problem, not a mechanical problem.

Hero Danny · July 25th, 2014, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Dude. It's either the CDI or the tach. I think this is an electrical problem, not a mechanical problem.

Well if you honestly think that then I will stop trying to fix it. As long as there is no real damage being done, etc. Then that's fine,

Glad to hear it's not a serious mechanical problem. Thank you

Alex · July 25th, 2014, 07:45 PM

Well, if the CDI is off that bad, it's likely that there are power & economy issues that go along with what you're seeing.

Hero Danny · July 25th, 2014, 07:55 PM

Last fill up I got 64 MPG

choneofakind · July 25th, 2014, 08:36 PM

There's known issues with the tach read out as the CDI heats up. Where's a link when you need one...?

Hero Danny · July 25th, 2014, 09:15 PM

I don't know much about the CDI? Where it's located, how to diagnose it. etc.

Alex · July 25th, 2014, 11:26 PM

DaBlue provided a link in one of your other threads about the problems you are having with this bike.

https://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Ignitor_problem

DaBlue1 · July 26th, 2014, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

I don't know much about the CDI? Where it's located, how to diagnose it. etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

DaBlue provided a link in one of your other threads about t
he problems you are having with this bike.

https://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Ignitor_problem

Just in case you forgot- https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...0&postcount=20

....more threads on issues, diagnosis and resolutions for IC Ignitor/CDI issues.

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...1&postcount=53
https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...tor#post703109
https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...9&postcount=23
https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...tor#post675105
https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...tor#post629663

...another quick tip(in case you overlook it in one of the other threads). If you know somebody close by that has a 08-12 Ninja 250, that does not have rpm problems, swap IC ignitors for a test run and see what the results are.

LoneRonin · July 26th, 2014, 06:26 AM

when you're in 5th gear going over 60 mph pull back on the throttle...if rpm's go up but speed doesn't its slipping.

DaBlue1 · July 26th, 2014, 06:27 AM

You've been telling us about your high speed/ rpm issue, tell us what your avg low speed/rpms readings are, (say 25-35 mph, 40-50 mph, 45-55 mph). Do all of them all in 5th gear and at what temp you ride in.

It will tell you if those readings are off as well (for a stock bike).

Hero Danny · July 26th, 2014, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

You've been telling us about your high speed/ rpm issue, tell us what your avg low speed/rpms readings are, (say 25-35 mph, 40-50 mph, 45-55 mph). Do all of them all in 5th gear and at what temp you ride in.

It will tell you if those readings are off as well (for a stock bike).

Thanks Blue!

I'll report back once I get a chance to ride again.

Why 5th gear?

DaBlue1 · July 26th, 2014, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

....Why 5th gear?

5th gear has a 1:1 overall gear ratio.

verboten1 · July 26th, 2014, 12:08 PM

Oh, I forgot, I did a test for you. 4th gear is about 70 or 80 M/H at 11,000.

I forgot and haven't ridden the bike since then. But I wrang it out in every gear to see what's what.

Hero Danny · July 26th, 2014, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verboten1

Oh, I forgot, I did a test for you. 4th gear is about 70 or 80 M/H at 11,000.

I forgot and haven't ridden the bike since then. But I wrang it out in every gear to see what's what.

There's no way Amy would only be doing 11k at 4th gear going 70mph. She's at 11k in 6th gear going 70mph

Hero Danny · July 27th, 2014, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

5th gear has a 1:1 overall gear ratio.

Here are my results, (which seemed to vary by about 3-5 hundred RPM, although there may have been a slight incline/decline, wind resistance, less tuck, etc.)

All indicated in 5th gear
40 MPH = 6.5k
50 MPH = 8k
60 MPH = 10k

choneofakind · July 27th, 2014, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

although there may have been a slight incline/decline, wind resistance, less tuck,

Those all have no effect on your speed vs rpm relationship whatsoever.

You're still not getting numbers that tell me you're in the right gear. Using the speed vs rpm calculator for the pregen (which has nearly identical stock final gear ratios as the newgen), all your correlated speeds match right up with a pregen in 4th gear, not 5th. and your numbers for 6th are nearly identical to a pregen in 5th... I know for a fact that the pregen is not geared a full gear higher than the newgen; I've ridden both.

I know it's been beat to death, but are you POSITIVE positive, 150% sure, more sure than anything in your life that you're actually in the correct gear? Are you actually starting out in 1st gear and not just thinking that 2nd is 1st, 3rd is 2nd, 4th is 5th, etc? I swear I'm not trying to suggest that you're an idiot. Really, I'm not. The numbers just match up way too closely.

I guess I'm still just confused if the issue is you, the electronics on the bike, or something with your transmission.

Hero Danny · July 27th, 2014, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Those all have no effect on your speed vs rpm relationship whatsoever.

You're still not getting numbers that tell me you're in the right gear. Using the speed vs rpm calculator for the pregen (which has nearly identical stock final gear ratios as the newgen), all your correlated speeds match right up with a pregen in 4th gear, not 5th. and your numbers for 6th are nearly identical to a pregen in 5th... I know for a fact that the pregen is not geared a full gear higher than the newgen; I've ridden both.

I know it's been beat to death, but are you POSITIVE positive, 150% sure, more sure than anything in your life that you're actually in the correct gear? Are you actually starting out in 1st gear and not just thinking that 2nd is 1st, 3rd is 2nd, 4th is 5th, etc? I swear I'm not trying to suggest that you're an idiot. Really, I'm not. The numbers just match up way too closely.

I guess I'm still just confused if the issue is you, the electronics on the bike, or something with your transmission.

Lol, yes, I straight up shifted all the way to 6th gear, then pulled in the clutch down shifted and my bike went "VROOM" like when you down shift. and I did the test, I did this multiple times. I also tried counting the gears as I went (1st gear pulled in clutch at stop sign, take off shift 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th then record MPH to RPM data)

I know you're not calling me an idiot, you've been helping me and I appreciate it. I'm just as confused as you are.

I really don't know what to say. According to the resource you supplied me with I would have to have a 11 tooth front sprocket to make these RPMS to MPH. Which is absolutely ridiculous... I am going to count my rear since I've never done so. Other than that I am completely lost, maybe it's my tranny? Or something electrical... It's completely banana's I really need to find a way to record a video of it...

choneofakind · July 27th, 2014, 06:05 PM

maybe amy just likes having her neck wrung?

Alex · July 27th, 2014, 06:13 PM

There has to be someone else in Massachusetts with a 250. Take the bike to them, and have them confirm that yours is actually behaving any differently than a normal one.

DaBlue1 · July 27th, 2014, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Here are my results, (which seemed to vary by about 3-5 hundred RPM, although there may have been a slight incline/decline, wind resistance, less tuck, etc.)

All indicated in 5th gear
40 MPH = 6.5k
50 MPH = 8k
60 MPH = 10k

Your next step is swapping out either the tach or IC Ignitor or see how far past redline the tach will read before you hit the rev limiter.

Hero Danny · July 29th, 2014, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

Your next step is swapping out either the tach or IC Ignitor or see how far past redline the tach will read before you hit the rev limiter.

Well, I think everyone is rich about the IC being faulty. Because when I first got on my bike and started riding her, I got her to about 65 mph and the RPMs were only at 8k. But then towards the end of my ride (45 minutes later) 65 MPH was indicated at 9k-9.5k RPM.

I looked online, a replacement CDI is roughly $150. Kind of steep. I think i'll just not bother fixing it, as long as it's just reading high and that's all. Then what's the point? If no damage is being caused then it'll just be something else that makes my bike unique lol <3

I am getting ~65 MPG

July 25th, 2014, 11:57 AM	#1
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	How to tell if your clutch is slipping? A few members recommended that I checked my clutch for slipping. Since my bike will be revving at around 9k RPMS going 60 MPH (and I only weigh 150) At first I didn't think my clutch was slipping, but now I'm starting to think otherwise. I read somewhere that you can tell if your clutch is slipping by coming to a complete stop while in 2nd gear and then slowly let out the clutch without giving it gas and you should stall out, if your bike doesn't stall then the clutch is slipping. I tried this, and my bike did not stall, which means it is slipping. However, this was on a cruiser forum where they are completely different bikes (Red line at like 6k rpms, etc.) So I wanted to know, is this test valid for our little 250's? If so, and my clutch is slipping. What would be the fix for it? Any DIY's or how-to's Thanks everyone! __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

July 25th, 2014, 12:12 PM	#2
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	clutch all the way out, in gear, with the bike not going anywhere.... either your clutch is slipping or you don't have a chain __________________________________________________

July 25th, 2014, 01:24 PM	#4
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	If the clutch lever is all the way out, you give it gas, and the engine revs higher without the bike gaining speed, the clutch is slipping. Otherwise, it's not. Your symptoms do not sound like a slipping clutch. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

July 25th, 2014, 03:10 PM	#7
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	Thanks guys, I guess it's not slipping. Hopefully your information will help other's questions of whether not their clutch is slipping. I'll continue to search for a solution, I think maybe my chain might be too loose. Or something of that matter o_O __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

July 25th, 2014, 07:45 PM	#12
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Well, if the CDI is off that bad, it's likely that there are power & economy issues that go along with what you're seeing. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

July 25th, 2014, 01:06 PM	#3
CajunNinjaR ninjette coonass Name: Joshua Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 ninja 250, 06 wr450f, x15 110, tiny 50 Posts: 30	If you can let the clutch out some what quickly with the rpms mid range, around 6-7 and get the rpms to hang there wile the bike accelerates, and you have fully released the clutch lever, the clutch is slipping Posted via Mobile Device

July 25th, 2014, 02:55 PM	#6
ForceofWill Blind 250 Loving Whore Name: Tom Location: Chesapeake, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R, 02 FZ1, '20 Fat Bob 114 Posts: A lot.	In 5th or 6th get on the gas all the way. The revs should rise much too fast for speed gained.

July 25th, 2014, 03:16 PM	#8
N-m Captain 2 Sexy Name: Newton Location: South TN Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Kwaka EX250 Posts: 241	Check your shifting technique, your clutch cable adjustment and cable lube. We did all of these things last weekend and now my bike is shifting with maybe a 1/4 inch of lever being thrown and the shifts are so fast its almost like an auto transmission. When you hit that sweet spot for that gear it is awesome.

July 25th, 2014, 06:19 PM	#10
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Dude. It's either the CDI or the tach. I think this is an electrical problem, not a mechanical problem.

July 25th, 2014, 07:55 PM	#13
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	Last fill up I got 64 MPG __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

July 25th, 2014, 08:36 PM	#14
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	There's known issues with the tach read out as the CDI heats up. Where's a link when you need one...?

July 25th, 2014, 09:15 PM	#15
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	I don't know much about the CDI? Where it's located, how to diagnose it. etc. __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

July 25th, 2014, 11:26 PM	#16
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	DaBlue provided a link in one of your other threads about the problems you are having with this bike. https://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Ignitor_problem __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

July 26th, 2014, 06:26 AM	#18
LoneRonin ninjette.org sage Name: Jason Location: Mississauga Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 634	when you're in 5th gear going over 60 mph pull back on the throttle...if rpm's go up but speed doesn't its slipping. __________________________________________________ ”Any man dies with a clean sword, I’ll rape his f*ing corpse!”- The Hound

July 26th, 2014, 06:27 AM	#19
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	You've been telling us about your high speed/ rpm issue, tell us what your avg low speed/rpms readings are, (say 25-35 mph, 40-50 mph, 45-55 mph). Do all of them all in 5th gear and at what temp you ride in. It will tell you if those readings are off as well (for a stock bike).

July 26th, 2014, 12:08 PM	#22
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	Oh, I forgot, I did a test for you. 4th gear is about 70 or 80 M/H at 11,000. I forgot and haven't ridden the bike since then. But I wrang it out in every gear to see what's what. __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

July 27th, 2014, 06:05 PM	#27
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	maybe amy just likes having her neck wrung?

July 27th, 2014, 06:13 PM	#28
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	There has to be someone else in Massachusetts with a 250. Take the bike to them, and have them confirm that yours is actually behaving any differently than a normal one. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Clutch slipping... how to fix?	walty87	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	35	September 10th, 2022 06:33 AM
Slipping clutch	The_big_dill	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	11	July 29th, 2013 05:43 PM
{HELP} Clutch Slipping	sprtonyy	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	20	April 21st, 2010 05:42 PM
Clutch slipping? and lube? :D	kyle98927	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	7	October 20th, 2009 09:32 AM
back tire slipping/clutch slipping???? help?	richierich781	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	17	June 19th, 2009 07:13 AM