Clutch Problem ??

[skyeblueman]

I have a Yamaha XJR 1300. Used the bike couple of days ago and all was well. Started it this morning, no problem, however, when I pulled in the clutch and put it into first it shot forward a few inches and stalled. I again pulled the clutch in, put it into neutral, started it, but again, as soon as I put the bike into first gear same thing happened.It feels like the clutch is ok for selecting gears and neutral but as soon as the engine is running, the clutch doesn't hold. There is plenty of clutch fluid in the reservoir and I am able to go into neutral and up and down the gears when the bike is off. Any ideas, is a new clutch needed ?. Desperately need help as need the bike for work. Many thanks.

[arry]

Can you get the rear wheel in the air and check whether the clutch is engaging properly that way?

Hydraulic clutch - not started to leak from the slave letting in a bit of air is it?

[Matt B]

[arry]

When was the fluid last changed? Sounds like it's a common issue on these.

[skyeblueman]

Thanks to all who replied. I did notice that the clutch fluid looked a bit "dirty" when I took the top off of the reservoir. Gonna change that first and see what happens. Had the bike about 8 months but don't know when fluid was last changed. Hopefully this will be the cheapest remedy. I will let you know the result and thanks again.

[skyeblueman]

Thanks to all who helped. Changed the clutch fluid and it now engages and disengages as it should. Noticed that the rubber "thingy" (don't know the technical term !) inside the fluid reservoir on the handlebars was pinched at a couple of points between the lid and body of the reservoir. I assume that this should be air/watertight so have phoned local dealers to order a new one (may take 4 weeks to arrive !). Looks like air/damp was getting into the fluid and causing the problem. Anyway, thanks again to those who replied. Safe riding everyone . . . . . .

[arry]

Good work. Just keep an eye on it, in case it is seeping past the seals - doesn't need a lot of a leak to let air in and cause you a problem.

[Pete.]

Clutch fluid pulls moisture in from the atmosphere and contaminants from the rubber hose so it needs to be changed periodically (as do the rubber lines). Your rider handbook or maintenance manual should specify how often but certainly if it appears darker in colour then it needs changing.

A more likely cause of your trouble is the slave cylinder. It's position down near the front sprocket make it a prime candidate for collecting road dirt ad usually they are pretty badly gunged-up with old chain grease and road much over time, especially like now after a winter.

Look here for an example: https://www.bikers1.com/load4.php?id=411
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[skyeblueman]

Sure, I'll check slave cylinder (that's my weekend taken up then ?) lol. Thanks for link and advice.