Acceleration Issues

[rackevo]

Hey Guys,

I'm on the verge of tears! For the the last week, every time I ride my 2003 1500 Nomad FI, I noticed the acceleration is TERRIBLE. It seems as if the bike takes forever to warm up, even after just riding it an hour earlier. The acceleration only slightly picks up after riding for 20 min. And trust me, I know the Nomads are slow as hell, but this is different. I'll be trying to pull out into the street and I'll "redline" in first gear and be creeping along. I have no idea what the issue could be:
Fuel injection? It has recently gotten hotter and humid (here in Indiana) and maybe its running too rich? Clutch problems?

Thanks for the help guys!

[ringadingh]

It sounds like your clutch may be slipping bad. How does the motor rev and sound in neutral?

[rackevo]

Thanks for the reply---

The engine sounds and revs normal in neutral. I'm gonna look into the clutch, thanks.

Any more suggestions are appreciated!

[cactusjack]

I'll be trying to pull out into the street and I'll "redline" in first gear and be creeping along.

Sounds like the clutch to me, too.

[rackevo]

Does this sound like what I need?

http://www.gadgetjq.com/clutch_spring_replacement.htm

The local Kawa service dealer is saying I need to buy $200 worth of plates and springs.

Just want to make sure!

Thanks

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by rackevo

Does this sound like what I need?

http://www.gadgetjq.com/clutch_spring_replacement.htm

Just want to make sure!

Thanks

Yes it does. Just follow Gadget's instructions and that should fix your problem. I would inspect the clutch plates while you have it apart, but the majority of clutch issues are simply the spring. Replacing it with the Mean Streak spring and Judge's washers is a good fix.

[redjay]

Is the engine firing on both cyclinders ?

[rackevo]

red-

I'm an idiot...I have no idea if both are firing. i would assume they are, because everything sounds normal, but who knows?

[ringadingh]

You would know it easily if it wasn't firing on both cylinders. You should scrub the throttle body with carb cleaner and a toothbrush if you havn't in a while. It makes a considerable difference in mileage and your idle.

[rackevo]

Ok, well I've decided to take apart the clutch stuff. Do I need Judges washers? Gadgets website says I need 2 Exhaust header gasket...which I have no idea what those are. I also am not sure how to tell if the plates are worn. Thanks in advance for the help guys

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by rackevo

Ok, well I've decided to take apart the clutch stuff. Do I need Judges washers? Gadgets website says I need 2 Exhaust header gasket...which I have no idea what those are. I also am not sure how to tell if the plates are worn. Thanks in advance for the help guys

The exhaust header gaskets are the metal seals between the exhaust pipes and the cylinder head.

In my case, I looked at my clutch plates with about 22,000 miles on them and they looked brand new. They were not burned, scuffed or scored in any way. That's when I knew my only problem was the clutch spring and not the clutch pack itself.

[rackevo]

Well, thanks for the help everyone. I'll give 'er a new clutch spring and hopefully that'll solve the problem.

[ringadingh]

I installed Judges washers on my bike when I replaced the spring and Im glad I did. It removes the built in slipper action and gives the clutch a good positive feel upon engagement.

[leadbelly]

Originally Posted by Leadbelly #01341

It seems as if the bike takes forever to warm up, even after just riding it an hour earlier.

I'm wondering why it would take forever to heat up, when it's a cluthch issue?

[ringadingh]

Im guessing it may be a dirty throttle body in conjunction with the bad clutch, which is causing it to seem like its not running warmed up.