Weak clutch on 900 divy

[Dosher]

I've owned my 900 Divy for 15 years and it's been all very reliable for the last 95,000 miles, but, one thing has been bugging me for the last c few years and that is the weak clutch. I changed the friction plates and at the same time installed stronger springs probably about 35,000 miles ago.Yesterday i took the plates and springs out again and measured them. They are all well within the wear limits. the cable has been replaced 2 years ago and is fine. ( i had hoped the old cable had stretched and was the source of the problem). So, has anybody else experienced the almost lack of clutch, i.e, it bites as soon as you start to let the lever out, I have to constantly adjust the cable. as the warmer the engine gets the worse the clutch is, so I end up not using it.

[mysterious_rider]

That is down to either a cheap clutch. Or metal plates fitted incorrectly. My gs500 did it on an ebc clutch (good brand).

The metal plates on the inside have teeth. And on one side are flat and one side slightly curved. Face them all the same way. Any direction is fine.

On mine i forgot and as soon as i laboured the clutch id have to adjust cable. Then when left to cool id adjust it back.

Might be worth fitting better friction plates while its open...
____________________
KAWASAKIIIII

[RhynoCZ]

Is the cable the right length and how exactly do you do the adjustments?

To make me understand, so the clutch doesn't slip, it just gets fully engaged way too soon, right?

Do as MR says, reassemble it,

https://partsdepot.cz/picown/351301.jpg
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[Ariel Badger]

This could be an oil related problem, are you using the recommended oil?
____________________
Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Major Doss]

Check pivot at lever for oval. Replace lever and grease hence forth.

[Polarbear]

[davebike]

I bet on warped or otherwise deformed metal plates
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
[email protected]

[MCN]

Notches worn into the hub or clutch basket (where the plate/disc teeth engage) can make the clutch sticky and difficult to find a sweet spot for adjustment.
As suggested, whip it out and inspect
____________________
Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Dosher]

Hi Guys, thanks for the quick replies and advice,
I described the clutch as weak, which as Polar bear said it doesn't sound weak, I had replaced the friction plates and springs with EBC parts as the original was slipping. However it isn't slipping now just seems to be an adjustment issue, I have measured friction plates and springs and checked that the metal plates aren't warped. Re installed with all the metal plates facing 'flat side' inwards. manual doesn't give a wear limit for metal plates,so i have no idea if these need replaced..but likely to be the next move. I did replace the cable when the continual adjusting became an issue and yes it was about 10mm longer, which doesn't help as this does compromise the adjustment, however i adjust at the casing end and only fine tune at the handle bar.
I'll strip down again and have another look. maybe try replacing the metal plates.
thanks again guys

[mysterious_rider]

Did you soak them in oil overnight?
____________________
KAWASAKIIIII

[Copycat73]

is the clutch an EBC product ..
____________________
Whatever I post I have no citation and no intention of providing one..
caveat emptor

[Dosher]

Yes they are EBC products. Never soaked them in oil before fitting. They have been fitted to the bike for a few years now with no problems until the last couple of years. I'll take them apart again and order metal plates, hope that'll help. Been a great bike but this is annoying and they're still a few adventures and thousands of miles left in the bike yet.

[MCN]

You can see if the metal plates are worn by comparing the 'driven' surface with a non-driven surface. The surfaces between the teeth don't wear.

Another outside chance. Did you get 'all' the old plates out? There may be a sneaky one stuck to the pressure plate. They don't always 'fall' off due to the surface tension that the oil creates.
____________________
Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Copycat73]