clutch engagement possibly need new

[RitzykicksHQ]

whatssss up yall,



So just picked up a 250r, clutch engages really late like far out. Bike has 2200 on it. I'm thinking the guy before me learned on it and chewed it up. I tried adjusting the cable topside and bottom side but hasn't really made much of a diff. Question is should I go ahead and replace the clutch? Thoughts? Appreciate your 2 cents..

[csmith12]

Hi Mike!

Do you feel it's slipping or something?

Sounds kinda normal to me really. I bought my 250 brand new and it was like that. Way out on the lever action and the friction zone is kinda small when compared to many other bikes. After getting used to it, I prefer it to be like that compared to my r6's and cruisers that I have had. A little squeeze puts me right where I want to be.

Maybe some adjustable levers will help you get the lever action you're after? Or maybe it just needs adjusted really well. I don't put much stock in the adjuster knob at the base of the lever as an clutch adjustment. It's pretty much only for adjusting to proper slack. There is a different procedure for adjusting the clutch cable.

[RitzykicksHQ]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Hi Mike!

Do you feel it's slipping or something?

Sounds kinda normal to me really. I bought my 250 brand new and it was like that. Way out on the lever action and the friction zone is kinda small when compared to many other bikes. After getting used to it, I prefer it to be like that compared to my r6's and cruisers that I have had. A little squeeze puts me right where I want to be.

Maybe some adjustable levers will help you get the lever action your after?

Thanks for the reply man, so yea it's not slipping just thought it should've been sooner, like towards the middle or something. I guess they're like that..
I was comparing it to my experience with cars but from what your saying seems normal then.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by madisonhq

clutch engages really late like far out. Bike has 2200 on it. I'm thinking the guy before me learned on it and chewed it up. I tried adjusting the cable topside and bottom side but hasn't really made much of a diff. Question is should I go ahead and replace the clutch? Thoughts? Appreciate your 2 cents..

if its not slipping theres nothing wrong with it. adjust the lever pull or get different levers that are adjustable if you dont like where it is

[RitzykicksHQ]

Originally Posted by alex.s

if its not slipping theres nothing wrong with it. adjust the lever pull or get different levers that are adjustable if you dont like where it is

Roger that, thanks

[Ghostt]

The clutch is pretty much bulletproof, Kawasaki used it on bigger bikes, like the kz1000 etc.... Your clutch pull sounds normal, you can adjust it by adding more slack.

The biggest problem is the clutch springs themselves, Kawasaki put soft ones in, this leads to slippage at high RPMs, do yourself a favor and replace them with HD ones, like Barrett brand, also take the time to inspect the friction and steel plates while your in the neighborhood.

Another common cause of slippage is using the wrong motor oil.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

The clutch is pretty much bulletproof, Kawasaki used it on bigger bikes, like the kz1000 etc.... Your clutch pull sounds normal, you can adjust it by adding more slack.

The biggest problem is the clutch springs themselves, Kawasaki put soft ones in, this leads to slippage at high RPMs, do yourself a favor and replace them with HD ones, like Barrett brand, also take the time to inspect the friction and steel plates while your in the neighborhood.

Another common cause of slippage is using the wrong motor oil.

nah jeff blew his 250 clutch out in like 20k miles doing wheelies. not bullet proof. just a normal multiplate wet clutch. bullet resistant.

[Ghostt]

Bulletproof under normal circumstances, I don't consider doing wheelies normal.

My 91 ninja 500 has over 40k, and still looks and performs excellently, with the springs from a zx600, same goes for my Ninjette with 34k.

[RitzykicksHQ]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

The clutch is pretty much bulletproof, Kawasaki used it on bigger bikes, like the kz1000 etc.... Your clutch pull sounds normal, you can adjust it by adding more slack.

The biggest problem is the clutch springs themselves, Kawasaki put soft ones in, this leads to slippage at high RPMs, do yourself a favor and replace them with HD ones, like Barrett brand, also take the time to inspect the friction and steel plates while your in the neighborhood.

Another common cause of slippage is using the wrong motor oil.

Hey Ghost, depends on how long I plan on keeping the 250r. Love the mechanics of the bike though, it's all pretty simple to tinker with imo.

[Sirref]

The clutch can take some serious abuse on these bikes, what you described sounds normal to me.

as for the slippage at high RPMs that @Ghostt is talking about, I get that too and it seems to be a common issue on these bikes at higher RPM in higher gears but can be solved by being a bit firmer with your left foot

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by madisonhq

Hey Ghost, depends on how long I plan on keeping the 250r. Love the mechanics of the bike though, it's all pretty simple to tinker with imo.

It's a cheap and easy upgrade, and IMHO needed as well.

I love both my 250 & 500, both are very similar in a lot of ways

The picture below shows the difference between the OEM 27k miles (yellow stripe) Vs aftermarket springs(red stripe).

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by Sirref

The clutch can take some serious abuse on these bikes, what you described sounds normal to me.

as for the slippage at high RPMs that @Ghostt is talking about, I get that too and it seems to be a common issue on these bikes at higher RPM in higher gears but can be solved by being a bit firmer with your left foot

Hence the need to upgrade the springs themselves.

Below are pictures of the ones from my 500, the OEM ones are thinner diameter, and compressed with just my fingers.

[RitzykicksHQ]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

Hence the need to upgrade the springs themselves.

Below are pictures of the ones from my 500, the OEM ones are thinner diameter, and compressed with just my fingers.

Yea definitely see a difference there.

[michvin]

Was wondering the same as the OP, but looks like it is a feature, not a bug.. Good to know