Classic: vulcan..500 miles..neutral and run it a couple minutes…

Question

I have a 1500 Vulcan Classic. The bike only has about 5,500 miles on it. For
some time when the bike had set overnight I would start it up in neutral and run
it a couple minutes befor taking off. When I would clutch it and shift into
first it would lurch forward and then it would settle down and would be fine
until it set at least overnight. Last year I didn't get to ride at all. I would
roll it out of the garage and start it and let it run about every other week
until the one time when it didn't just lurch forward it took off. The clutch
will not disengage at all. I was told to bleed the line but the didn't work. Do
I need to replace the whole clutch assembly or what.

Doug E. · Accepted Answer

Kawasaki Doug :

Hello

Kawasaki Doug :

Bleeding the hydraulic line will not release the clutch. The plates themselves
are stuck together.

Customer:

so what do i need to do.

Kawasaki Doug :

Clutch sticking is very common on Kawasaki bikes. They all lurch when cold after
sitting. This has to do with the composition of the clutch plates. Certain motor
oils will make them work much better and some make them work much worse.
Kawasaki motor oil will make them stick more then just about any other oil.

Kawasaki Doug :

If you can't get the plates to break loose on their own, you will have to pull
the clutch and pry them apart. If you get to that point, it's probably best to
just replace them. The metal plates may be pitted or even rusted.

Customer:

In the process of breaking it down now. Just not sure what needed to be
replaced. What would be the best oil to use?

Kawasaki Doug :

If I want to break the plates loose I will warm the motor up and put it in gear
while facing down a small hill. Then I will ride it around the parking lot with
the clutch lever held in the whole time. It will eventually get hot enough to
break loose. This can be dangerous, so don't try it if you don't have a safe
place to ride it. To stop you have to shift into neutral before braking. You
need a place with no cars! If that doesn't work, then the plates must be
replaced.

Kawasaki Doug :

You will need a gasket, fiber and metal plates.

Customer:

With the miles on the bike should the springs still be good?

Kawasaki Doug :

I would use a good semi-synthetic motorcycle oil. I suggest buying a brand you
can find in your area. You can switch to a full synthetic if you wish. Being you
are replacing the plates, you don't have to worry about going from one type of
oil to another. Just soak the new plates in the oil you decide to use before
installing.

Kawasaki Doug :

There shouldn't be a problem with the springs. Those clutches should go 30-40k
without a problem. There must have been moisture in your oil, or moisture where
it was stored or something odd like that.

Kawasaki Doug :

Did the bike sit a long time, or did the problem come on all of a sudden during
use???

Customer:

It was a gradual thing over a couple years. I didn't ride last year but I did
pull it in and out of the garage. Then one day it was stuck and wouldn't
release.

Customer:

Trying to get it ready to ride this year.

Kawasaki Doug :

OK, then I do suspect the plates are stuck. If it failed while riding, then it
could be a problem with the hydraulic cylinder or the pusher rod. If the clutch
lever feels normal, that should be ok. It wouldn't hurt to change the fluid if
it came out real dark when you bled it.

Customer:

I did change the fluid when I bleed it. I have already pulled the engine cover
off and the push rod is working.

Kawasaki Doug :

Thanks for that information. I'm sure you are on the right track by pulling the
clutch. A few new parts and you should be back riding.

Customer:

Now you suggest a synthetic blend oil. How long do I need to soak the plates?

Kawasaki Doug :

Or a semi-synthetic blend. They are cheaper then full synthetic and work very
well. That's normally what I use. If you need to add oil and are in the middle
of nowhere, you can add regular motor oil. With a full synthetic you can't do
that. Once you pick an oil, it's best to stay with it. I would soak the plates
for 10 minutes or so. You just want to make sure they are well coated.

Customer:

Thanks Doug, at least I have more of a plan now. I will get the new plates and
see what kind of oil is out there.

Kawasaki Doug :

Even Wal-Mart should carry the big name brands like Valvoline and Castrol. I
like to run an oil I don't have to special order!

Customer:

thanks again....

Classic: vulcan..500 miles..neutral and run it a couple minutes…

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