650 Clutch any comments?

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The clutch on my 70,000 mile 650 TA has been dragging for the last couple of thousand miles. Not to bad but most noticeable when trying to find neutral, and you could feel the drag with the clutch disengaged in gear.

It was not a cable or adjustment issue. Been using honda 10/40 oil to the correct level.

Having stripped the clutch down everything is in spec, friction plates, drive plates, springs. Warped drive plates can cause drag but they look flat.
Two things I have found, there is some play in the clutch outer but the bushes it rides on are within the service limit. the second thing is there was some noticeable groves in the clutch outer and centre, the centre was not bad and those groves dressed up with some emery the outer was worse and those have dressed up with a file.

Has any one experienced the play on the clutch outer?

I think the drag could have been caused by the groves in the clutch outer.

Anything else worth checking while I have it in bits?

Steve
ps I have some photos of the strip down but can't show them on here.

[btbloke]

hiya steve, I think the drag would have been the grooves,i've had it in the past with some dt175's and I know some guys on here have had it with alps and did file the cage down to get a smooth engagement. personally for the price of the plates and springs it's worth replacing just because it's all apart and wont need doing again if it's done now.

ps if your not back at work when can I skive off an afternoon and come and have a yarn about the trip,would love to see how the alps look now they've got back,how many miles and countries was it for the people on here who have no idea where you and the mrs have just got back from?

[StumpyFingers]

If it is in bits then replace the springs and clutch plates.
You will have to do it again otherwise.

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I have a new clutch plates and springs, everything should be good, just a little unsure about the clutch outer play. If does turn out to be the wear groves I'll report back.

The old clutch would have been good to put back in, the fiction plates only showing minor wear. 2.7mm new. these old ones are 2.6mm and the service limit is 2.3mm so only 25% worn, good for another 210,000 miles. anyone want a second hand clutch, good condition, low miles

It won't be back together for a few more days as I am dicking around with the ingnition timing.

BTB, in most afternoons after 4 ish or all day Friday, you know the code, tel. 840305 and we'll set up a day.

Spectators always welcome plus you get free tea.

Steve

[btbloke]

ok mate,i'll text ya if I can wangle some skive time.................

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Up Date.

Everything is back together and clutch drag has gone and the action feels a little lighter.
Conclusion is the clutch drag was caused by the wear in the clutch outer basket. Old Clutch Plates, friction and drive were in spec as was the springs. Useful exercise but really should have striped it down first before buying a new clutch. I was convinced the old one was going to finished.

While I was in there I advanced the ignition by 4 degrees. The objective is to improve the fuel consumption. First impressions are top gear roll on are stronger and the engine feels crisper. If fuel consumption improves I may stick it on a rolling road. May start another thread on this subject.

Steve