Sorry - another clutch question/thread

[ffron69]

Riding the last couple days when the clutch is pulled in about half way can feel some ?? pulsating or something?? in the clutch lever. it's an 04 with 10,000 miles just switched to rotella T6 synthetic this year but I doubt that has anything to do with it because I felt it last year twords the end of the season too. So, being the 1st hydraulic clutch I've had, I'm guessing this isn't normal or is it? Any advise/help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
I tried to search for this in another clutch thread but didn't see anything so sorry for another clutch thread

[ndbigfish]

Check the level and condition of the fluid in the clutch reservior. You may need to bleed the clutch. Six years on the same clutch fluid is a long time. It is a little early for the clutch spring to go.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I have never had that situation with my '08. It doesn't seem like a normal thing for it to do. Seems as though it would have something to do with the clutch itself. I'm not an expert in that area and still learning new things every day on this forum. Maybe someone will give you some good sound advice. I will check back myself so I can maybe learn something new today.

[VulcanE]

I would try the simple stuff first. I would recommend changing the fluid (should be done every 2 years). That stuff gets tired with age, and also accumulates moisture, even though it's in an enclosed system. I would also go ahead and do the front and rear brake systems too while your at it. I like the Valvoline full synthetic brake fluid too. ;)

[ercbf]

That reminds me, I need to change my clutch and brake fluid also. Does it do it all the time? In other words, more noticeable when the engine is hot or cold?

[ffron69]

More noticable hot and it's fairly consistant after it warms up, or at least it was on our ride Saturday. Doesn't feel like it's slipping once released and it is shifting fine.
I wouldn't hesitate to get on it & ride anywhere it is just feels unlike aything I ever felt in a clutch lever - mabye I just need to do less thinking & more riding...

[macmac]

Change the fluid change the fluid....

Next, do you do a lot of stop n go riding in city traffic? Have you done many parades? Do you hold the bike at red lights on a hill with the clutch feathered?

Do you have any habits that might be considered unusual with clutches in general?

[ffron69]

I do a fair amount of slow speed stuff teaching the MSF courses, and I do a fair amount of stop & go traffic. I don't hold it on a hill with the friction zone. Keep in mind I have no idea how the bike was used prior to July last year when I bought it.

[ercbf]

If you need fluid Ron, lemme know, I have oodles of DOT 4 at work in unopened containers....benefits of my job, lol. I'll drop you some off some night this week if you'd like.

[ffron69]

Thanks but no need to go out of your way, I stop at a coulpe places a day where I can pick up some, I am very familiar with benefits of the job!

Guess I'll have to get a vaccum pump, anything special I need to know on these aside from what is on Gadgets site, I don't have a service manuel.

[ffron69]

Thanks all, changed the fluid seems to be ok...catches a little high but I'm guessing I a just paying more attention now...

[Cajunrider]

You more than likely solved your pulsation Ron. Mine was doing the same thing and stopped after I changed the clutch fluid. I used a Mity Vac vacuum pump and drew the fluid from the slave cylinder bleed point while adding new fluid in the reservoir. There was absolutely no sludge in the bottom of the reservoir. Fluid looked clear there but was very dark in the hoses and slave cylinder. I did the front and rear brakes also along with the clutch fluid. All were clear in the reservoirs but dirty at the bottom.

[ffron69]

The fluid was dark, and I used the mity vac also...

[flavor]

Mac. Does old brake fluid damage or shorten life expectancy of the clutch?

Originally Posted by macmac

Change the fluid change the fluid....

Next, do you do a lot of stop n go riding in city traffic? Have you done many parades? Do you hold the bike at red lights on a hill with the clutch feathered?

Do you have any habits that might be considered unusual with clutches in general?