Clutch slpping

[bigdog]

So I need advice on the best route to go with this clutch slpping problem. The bike is an '05 Nomad, Valvoline 20w-50 4 stroke motorcycle semi-synth oil, 32K miles, commute during the week, 2 up on the weekends, never considered myself hard on a clutch.

I've checked with some Delphi folks and am getting varied opinions on it, which is fine. Most suggested a Mean Streak spring. I went to my dealer to get a Mean Streak spring and they told me it is the same for both bikes.......ok, what'd I miss.

So, does a new, one size fits all, OEM spring take care of the problem for the most part? Do I replace the friction plates plus spring and be done with it? Do I use OEM plates and spring or get a Gorilla kit? Do I put in a set of Judges' washers in any case?

I realize part of the question is answered by measuring the plate thickness, but obviuosly that would require a tear down just to check before ordering parts and I don't want to make a habit of this.

did you already read this........ http://gadgetjq.com/clutch_spring_replacement.htm

[ringadingh]

I would use a Meanstreak spring p/n 92145-1449 you will also need a gasket p/n 11061-1081, and exhaust gaskets, I use the Harley gaskets p/n 17048-98 Total price is around $55.00 approx.
I used the Judges washers on my 02 bike and really like the positive feel it now provides. Im not sure if they are available for sure on the 05's, but if they are, I would recomend them. Most likely the clutch plates are fine but there is no way of being certain unless you measure them, mine where fine after 40,000 miles. Follow the instructions on Gadgets page and you should be fine, its not hard to do at all. Hope this helps.

[bigdog]

Yes, I have read through Gadgets procedure and when I went to get a Meanie spring, that's when dealer told me all the vulcans now use the same spring. So is the spring you mentioned a different one or what. this where my confusion started.

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by BigDog

Yes, I have read through Gadgets procedure and when I went to get a Meanie spring, that's when dealer told me all the vulcans now use the same spring. So is the spring you mentioned a different one or what. this where my confusion started.

I think its the same spring they all use currently, that is the correct p/n.

The clutch on my buddy's 1600 started slipping early on. He's a big guy, but still the clutch shouldn't have slipped at 15,000 miles. One gasket, one spring, and a couple exhaust gaskets later (plus an oil change) it was all better; but he put that bike aside when it had about 22,000 miles, and bought a VN2k. So the jury is still out on how long our "fix" would last before it started slipping again. We didn't change any plates. Just the main spring.

[bigdog]

Yeah, I think that's what I'm going to do for now. If it starts slipping again I'll go the Barnett and Judges route for a final fix.

[ringadingh]

From what Ive seen most seem to slip between 35,000 and 45,000 miles in most cases.

[bigdog]

Mine's at 32,000. Anyway, headed up to dealer to get parts.

[watchman]

If you have the extended warranty just let the dealer fix it and worry about it next time.

[bigdog]

As far as the dealer is concerned, they don't think Kawasaki will warranty a clutch except very, very early on, less than a few thousand miles or so. I don't want to have them tear it down, hoping for warranty to cover it and get turned down, ending up with a major repair bill, so I'll change out the spring and put in "Judges" washers and see how that does.

My clutch is at 32,500 miles now and doesn't slip. My clutch gets a real workout. I use it in hot stop & traffic all the time too. 90% of those miles are stop & go. The rest were usually with a passenger and luggage, going up and down the mountains.

The clutch has grabbed though. If I get it real hot, racing between stoplights (particularly with a passenger) it will tend to grab until it cools off a little.

[bigdog]

Well, I decided to go ahead and get Judges' washers and put them in while it's apart, so I'll have to wait a little longer to get this done.

Does anyone have the measurements on the plates? I'd like to check them while it's apart.

[ringadingh]

Friction plates are 3.3mm new
service limit 3.1mm
measure at several points around the plate.

[vulcanero03]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

Friction plates are 3.3mm new
service limit 3.1mm
measure at several points around the plate.

My 03 nomad did the same thing, the later models have a little ring between the clutch "spring" and the holder. my 03 came without it. I went ahead and added that little ring to my 03. one thing though, if your clutch it's been slipping for a while, you might have glazed your plates, in wich case they are no longer any good. i replaced the plates, added the ring, plus a new spring holder and haven't had any problems. and it's been about 10,000 miles since. holding great, grabbing good. two up on 5th gear up any grade i have no problems. hope this helps.