Clutch slipping?

Hey everybody! First I just want to say what an amazing forum! I just signed up a few days ago and have learned so much just browsing through everything.

So I just purchased my first real street bike a week ago, a beautiful 86 maxim 700 with 11,000 original miles and I love it already. I am having a problem though I would like to throw pass you more experienced guys out there. I think my clutch might be slipping. I can take off fine in first fine but when I really get on it and shift up, the RPM’s stay up pretty high and it feels like the engine is going faster then the bike, almost the tire is just spinning. Once I slow down a bit it is fine and I could cruse without a problem I know the oil was just changed before I bought it and I read somewhere that certain oils might make the clutch slip?? If so will an oil change with the proper oil fix the problem, or would the damage already be done to the clutch? What ever info anyone might have would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

Jesse

 

Adjust the cable, or you're looking like you'll need to replace the clutch packs and.

Unless you're using an oil with a teflon additive, then you'll be looking at a completely different reason to need to change out the clutch packs.

 

any oil that says "energy conserving" on the round tag is bad news for the wet clutch. change the oil first, it's a cheap fix if that's the problem.

 

Right up on the Clutch Lever ... where the Clutch Cable gets attached to the Lever ... there's a Knurl and a Thumb Wheel Adjuster.

Loosen the Locking Disc and turn the Thumb adjustment a little bit putting a little bit of slack in that Clutch Cable.
Not a lot.
Just enough to "Feel" some "End Play"

If having the tightness of the Cable doesn't give you a Non-slipping Clutch then don't even hesitate about putting some new Clutch Friction Plates in that Clutch of yours.

You DESERVE a good, new set of Clutches if the ones in your 11,000 Miles Bike are slipping already.

If you continue to have problems after making the adjustment ... PM me and I'll make arrangements to speak with you about the whole Clutch and Cable Adjustment procedures on XJ Bikes.

Rick

 

Thanks everybody. I adjusted the clutch cable and that seemed to help. It is still pretty wet out here in Southern California so I have not been able to really get on it and try it out. Hopefully that was it. Thanks again!