[Alberta VRod]

Hi. I have an 05 VRSCB and the clutch is slipping. We opened and found the resevoir was pretty contaminated. We used clean DOT5 fluid to fill and again bled the air out. After a short test drive I felt the same slippage going on. I installed a Power Commander about 2000 miles ago.

Questions please.

Did the clutch possibly wear beacuse of the extra horsepower and torque of the power commander?

Is the Clutch replacement expensive?

Any advice please... Thanks!!

 

[stever975]

Hi. I have an 05 VRSCB and the clutch is slipping. We opened and found the resevoir was pretty contaminated. We used clean DOT5 fluid to fill and again bled the air out. After a short test drive I felt the same slippage going on. I installed a Power Commander about 2000 miles ago.

Questions please.

Did the clutch possibly wear beacuse of the extra horsepower and torque of the power commander?

Is the Clutch replacement expensive?

Any advice please... Thanks!!

Unlikely that a PC would provide any significant horsepower increase and regardless, all VRSC engines (even the restricted HDI versions) are capable of burning up a clutch if miss-used.

A slipping clutch is not caused by air in the hydraulic lines. The symptom of a hydraulic clutch that needs bleeding is difficulty going from neutral to first (the clutch won't release).

A slipping clutch means either too much fluid in the reservoir (the slave piston can’t move back and allow the plates to engage) or worn/damaged plates. If the plates are worn or damaged the only solution is replacing them. If the bike has been abused by riding the clutch, not fully releasing when applying high torque, or running with too much fluid in the reservoir, the plates could be damaged and may need to be replaced. It would be hard to diagnose without looking at them (there will be signs of excessive heat on the steel plates). Another way the clutch can be damaged is using the wrong engine oil. Some motor oils have friction reducing additives that will make the clutch slip. Once it’s soaked into the friction plates it's virtually impossible to remove.

BTW, a new clutch (37938-08KA) is relatively inexpensive (US MSRP is $240) and easy to replace (see this thread).

 

[Hal64hd]

using the wrong engine oil will also contribute to clutch slippage as well as some of the aftermarket levers that will not let the master cylinder piston release all the way

 

[stever975]

using the wrong engine oil will also contribute to clutch slippage as well as some of the aftermarket levers that will not let the master cylinder piston release all the way

I mentioned the motor oil issue.

As to a clutch lever with a different shaped plunger, I don't see how this would make a clutch slip. If when assembled the MC piston is moved forward or back relative to where it would be with OEM levers, the slave cylinder would be affected on the first or second actuation but it would eventually be pushed back by the clutch springs and full friction would be achieved. These non-stock levers may affect how far the MC piston moves and the slave piston motion would follow and this could lead to under or over clutching but because of the hydraulic coupling and self adjustment there is no free play in the clutch lever so the clutch springs will eventually push the slave piston all the way out (unless the reservoir is overfilled). The other way to see this is to consider what would happen if you bleed the clutch after installing these levers that move the MC piston in more than OEM levers. This would force the initial excess fluid out through the bleed screw and the slave piston would not move at all.

 

[Hal64hd]

I mentioned the motor oil issue.

As to a clutch lever with a different shaped plunger, I don't see how this would make a clutch slip. If when assembled the MC piston is moved forward or back relative to where it would be with OEM levers, the slave cylinder would be affected on the first or second actuation but it would eventually be pushed back by the clutch springs and full friction would be achieved. These non-stock levers may affect how far the MC piston moves and the slave piston motion would follow and this could lead to under or over clutching but because of the hydraulic coupling and self adjustment there is no free play in the clutch lever so the clutch springs will eventually push the slave piston all the way out (unless the reservoir is overfilled). The other way to see this is to consider what would happen if you bleed the clutch after installing these levers that move the MC piston in more than OEM levers. This would force the initial excess fluid out through the bleed screw and the slave piston would not move at all.

Stever, you've been here long enough to remember the rash of clutch slippage and front brake drags and locks up a few years ago due to aftermarket levers not allowing the plungers to fully retract. In order to allow the fluid to return to the master. Its the equivalent of riding the brakes and clutch. There was a member that went down due to aftermarket levers.

 

[ncvrodracer]

Maybe it's just wore out....

 

[stever975]

Stever, you've been here long enough to remember the rash of clutch slippage and front brake drags and locks up a few years ago due to aftermarket levers not allowing the plungers to fully retract. In order to allow the fluid to return to the master. Its the equivalent of riding the brakes and clutch. The was a member that went down due to aftermarket levers.

You’re right, sorry about that. I forgot to consider compensating ports. If the levers move the MC piston in far enough to block the compensating ports then this would cause a problem.

 

[Alberta VRod]

Thank you guys!! My dealer here in Calgary tells me the new clutch could be up to $1500! He said they had to possibly go through the top of the engine and do some work. After seeing some Youtube and the replies here I think he's not dealing straight. I will await their assesment and consider other options.

 

[Hal64hd]

thank you guys!! My dealer here in calgary tells me the new clutch could be up to $1500! He said they had to possibly go through the top of the engine and do some work. After seeing some youtube and the replies here i think he's not dealing straight. I will await their assesment and consider other options.

run away as fast as you can

 

[Luigit]

i call BS. for that money, i will drive up there and install the $200 clutch on your bike myself.

1500$ holy christ

 

[ElrodontheV-Rod]

Thank you guys!! My dealer here in Calgary tells me the new clutch could be up to $1500! He said they had to possibly go through the top of the engine and do some work. After seeing some Youtube and the replies here I think he's not dealing straight. I will await their assesment and consider other options.

What would they possibly do through the top of the engine for a clutch replacement?

 

[Hal64hd]

What would they possibly do through the top of the engine for a clutch replacement?

Pull their head out of their A$$

 

[Alberta VRod]

You guys rock!! Thanks for the head's up. I thought they were out to lunch with their pricing. I am obligated to give them a few bucks for an inspection but will take it to another dealer as soon as possible.