Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech clutch or lubrication problem????

I have a 2007 America w/ 7000 miles. Here's my problem.....this morning my bike died several times at stops. I got the bike home & now the clutch will not fully disengage the tranny when shifting to 1 st. or 2nd. from idle (e.g. the engine dies). I tried to adjust the clutch per the instructions in the service manual without success. I'm thinking the clutch is worn & needs replaced, but could this be a lubrication problem????

Maybe lubrication but doesn't seem right. Worn plates or wrong lube usually manifests itself as slipping so I'm thinking the adjustment is wacky. Check at the primary end and see if that adjustment is out of order; it may not be giving you enough throw on the basket push rod.

Quote:

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the clutch will not fully disengage the tranny when shifting to 1 st. or 2nd. from idle (e.g. the engine dies).

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Reading that as "the engine dies when shifting to a gear", the sidestand switch might be sketchy.

Cable Adjustment:
Loosen the two 12mm nuts on the cover side adjuster. Retract fully the bar side wheel adjuster, then bring it out a full turn. Use the lower adjuster forward nut to take the slack up until you have a bit more than 1/8 play at the lever. Tighten up both nuts. Fine tune the adjustment (if needed) using the upper wheel-adjuster.

NOTE: The upper adjuster must never be left with both slots lined up together. A frayed cable issue will ensue.

Unlike hardleys, cable adjustment is the only way to adjust our clutch. Should a major issue arise that would be a concern inside the clutch cover, it may have to do with the spring on the Throw shaft, or the basket push rod might have failed, or the throw out bearing itself. Odds are against this.

Worn friction plates is also unlikely as you have only 7K on them. However, should the clutch cable have been too tight over those 7K miles, then the plates might indeed be a factor. Worn plates make for a large friction zone and require a critical adjustment of the cable.

Moe ....I hadn't even considered that the sidestand switch might be sketchy. Pulled the boot off the switch & sure enough it was damp/wet. So.....I wiped it down & hit the switch & boot with air & lubed it to make it water tight & that did the trick. Thanks!

good call moe.