Gear & Clutch problems on XL600 HELP!!!

[Burge]

Hi All,

Gutted I've just got my new 1983 Xl600R on the road and now I have a problem with my clutch and gears. Clutch started slipping in 4th and 5th but intermitently and then all of a sudden I can't select fifth. When I try for fifth it just goes into a neutrul gear??? There is no sign of metal fragments in the oil. I presume its more than just a coinsidence to get two unconnected problems at one but just can't think what would cause both problems, does anybody have any suggestions????

Thanks Burge

[meljordan]

When you say you just got it on the road does that mean you worked on the clutch or gearbox?????? I would think that you may have filled it with fully synth oil.Or the clutch/basket is goosed.Or the g/box.
I hope its oil but clutch is not a major problem. G/box can be a bugger though....Keep us posted......

[Burge]

Hi,

The only work I have done was general servicing, I used semi synthetic oil. I am hoping its just clutch and maybe the clutch has broken up affecting the external shift linkage??

Going to investigate today.

[meljordan]

Hi it may be worth using regular oil and flushing the synth out,then tie the clutch lever back for an hour or so and let the plates seperate.......

[Burge]

Hi,

I understand that if the semi synthetic oil is to slippery it would make the clutch slip, but could that also cause the fifth gear selection problem??

[meljordan]

I think that on an old g/box if you are not getting a good clean dissengage from the clutch you might be getting a false neutral,also ajust the cable so that your clutch operates at about halfway through the levers sweep.
You want to set your bike so that if the gears are getting worn that you get the best and crispest change where the next gear is selected cleanly and pushed/pulled fully into place while the clutch is pulled.
It will help you work out if it's a badly ajusted-clutch cable, clutch, slippy oil, or if your clutch-g/box is worn.

[Burge]

Great thanks!!! I have stripped the clutch today and all seems well, plenty of meat on the friction plates. I am going to reassemble fill with standard oil and adjust the lever as you advised and hope for the best! Failing that I will have to take it to a bike garage and wait for a very big bill. Thanks for your help.

Burge.

[Draxdon]

Hi Burge.

Elimination process.

Arrange the bike with back wheel off the ground.

Remove spark plug.

Now gently rotate rear wheel.

Change up and down thru the gears .

It may be necessary at times to (coax) the change up and down process with rotation of the rear wheel.Coaxing should not need to be excessive.

If the bike changes up and down cleanly,you have eliminated static gear selector problem.

However under load a problem can prevail.

My faith is that your gearbox is OK.

A clutch in need of adjustment can send you off in many different directions.

Always stick with good grade motorcycle specific oils ,good quality car oils frequently include "Friction modifying agents",if your clutch is the wet type,say no more.

Hope this helps prevent the big bill.

[Burge]

Its a miracle!!! I changed the semi synthetic oil for some castrol Act Evo 10w-40 Mineral oil and everything seems fine. I went out for a long ride and the clutch slipped briefly only once and my fifth gear is restored!!! If anything my gears do feel a little sticky and clunky but that might just require a bit of clutch adjustment.

The moral of the story is that oil really does make a difference, oh and its even stopped it popping and crackerling so much when I come off the throttle.

Thanks to all who gave helpful advice.

Burge.