SuzukiSavage.com - Clutch Slip at WOT

Gary On A Savage

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Clutch Slip at WOT
10/04/07 at 08:58:16

I've noticed the clutch on my savage will slip when I go wide open throttle. Where this is really noticeable is when I'm cruising along in 4th or 5th and need to gun it. If I crack it open, it slips for 1-3 seconds and then catches. I usually have to ease the throttle to full to keep it fully engaged. I don't notice it any other time, but then I don't go WOT off the stoplight. Only modest throttle even when I'm taking off fast (PLENTY of power for me).

Does this sound like worn out clutch springs? I have 22K on my 95 and I think they are factory. It does this even after an oil change and the oil level is good. I'm not wanting to drag harleys off the line (although if I had the opportunity...). But I would like the comfort of knowing that if I needed getaway speed in a dangerous situation it would be there for me.

Thanks for the help.

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'95 Savage with the lowered, full fender look
'96 Honda Shadow 1100 ACE
My Riding Blog: http://garyonasavage.blogspot.com/

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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Clutch Slip at WOT Reply #1 - 10/04/07 at 09:03:28 springs get my vote hands down - you can likely breath some more life into them by adding some washers as slavy does - or order in the heavier ones - I'll look up the part number when i get back to the house if you want - likely need a clutch cable if you beef up the springs as well
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Gary On A Savage

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Only 15 mins riding
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Fresno, California
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Re: Clutch Slip at WOT
Reply #2 - 10/04/07 at 09:30:55

Reelthing wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:10:

springs get my vote hands down - you can likely breath some more life into them by adding some washers as slavy does - or order in the heavier ones - I'll look up the part number when i get back to the house if you want - likely need a clutch cable if you beef up the springs as well

If you could get the part number that would be great (and a good supplier if you know one). I'm seriously planning the chain conversion so I probably need them anyway.

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'95 Savage with the lowered, full fender look
'96 Honda Shadow 1100 ACE
My Riding Blog: http://garyonasavage.blogspot.com/

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T Mack 1 - FSO

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Emmaus,Pa
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Re: Clutch Slip at WOT
Reply #3 - 10/04/07 at 09:37:51

At 22K, there is a small possibilty it's time for new clutch plates.

But before you do that....or before you go buying stuff....

1 - make sure the oil inside is Motorcycle oil. Many auto oils and some diesel oils now have anti-friction additives which aren't good for wet clutch applications.

2 - Make sure cable is adjusted correctly. You should have a little play in the lever before it start to disengage. The Stealership had mine adjusted right at the end after the yearly safety inspection (touch the lever and it was starting to disenage)

If these two thing are ok, then pop the side and have at it. Measure the clutch plates while you have it apart.

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Engineers design things, Technicians make them work.
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30% of being mechanical is confidence/30% is knowing to go slow when needed/30% is looking repeatedly at what you have/10% is dumb luck Wink

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verslagen1 YaBB Moderator ModSquad Offline Where there's a will, I want to be in it. Posts: 28884 L.A. California Gender:	Re: Clutch Slip at WOT Reply #4 - 10/04/07 at 10:23:04 Had the same problem just as you'd described. http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;n... Put a set of barnett mt10-4's in and the problems gone.
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Savage_Rob

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Re: Clutch Slip at WOT
Reply #5 - 10/04/07 at 11:04:28

I also noticed it on my Savage and corrected it by replacing the springs with new Barnett springs. Also remember that loss of spring tension is more a matter of time than mileage. Though my bike only had about 9500 miles or so at the time, it was nine years old. The wear on plates, on the other hand, is more a function of use/abuse. Lancer is an authorized Barnett dealer and can get them for you.

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Gary On A Savage Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Only 15 mins riding could save you $$$ in Dr bills Posts: 941 Fresno, California Gender:	Re: Clutch Slip at WOT Reply #6 - 10/04/07 at 23:50:07 Thanks. I'll get some clutch springs from Lancer and watch the oil. Appreciate the help.
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klx650sm2002 Serious Thumper Offline The more I learn the less I know. Posts: 2041 Cumbria,England Gender:	Re: Clutch Slip at WOT Reply #7 - 10/05/07 at 02:37:25 EBC also do plates and/or springs. Clive W
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