Hot Clutch!

Appreciate some feedback on this issue. As far as I can tell my XJ900 has the original 1985 model clutch plates, never replaced.

During cooler running the clutch take up is progressive and reasonably smooth.

But, on a hot day after a bit of riding, pull up to a stop at the lights and then take off it seems to come in slowly and then all of a sudden grab towards the end. Is this a sign of clutch friction plates needing replacing. Can't figure out any other reason it would be doing it, other than it is a common "feature" of the XJ900's?

Thanks.

 

Thr friction plates and/or the drive plates.....chattering and grabbing is a sign of the drive plates (the metal ones) being burnt, scored, or warped. Sometimes they can be broguth back from the dead with some emery cloth, assuming they aren't warped. If they are warped, then they need to be replaced.

A weak or broken clutch spring could also cause similar symptoms, although if it's only evident when hot, then my first guess would be the drive plates.

 

Re: Hot Clutch

Chacal,

Thanks - I should have added that I took the clutch plates out when I first got the bike around 3 years ago, cleaned them and put them back in. The friction plates didn't look burnt (as it were) and I did check for warpage (none). Had no problem since apart from slippage under load at one stage but that disappeared as quickly as it came. I think it might be time soon to replace the friction plates anyway - I don't ride hard but it has been an item on the "to do" list for a while.

Cheers.