In need of clutch help

[Burly1]

When I started the bike last month (had been started twice this past Winter. Clean oil going into storage.)the clutch would not disengage. I have removed the side cover, and everything seems clean and in good order. The balls in the push mechanism were not displaced. Is there any way to check function with the side cover off? Can someone direct me to a step by step procedure for removing and servicing the clutch? As a newby I would appreciate any advice from those in the know. Many thanks in advance, Burl

[DiverRay]

Burly1,
Put everything back together, put the bike in third gear, pull in the clutch and rock the bike. That should break the plates loose, and allow the clutch to work properly.
There are a few more tips on this subject. If you do a search on clutch, you should be able to find them. You can also read the "Tech Tips" on the left side of the page, and get a lot more information on the XS1100.
Ray

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Burly,

Check out this Clutch repair tech tip , has pictures and everything, IF you really want to tear it down, but Ray's technique should work just fine. Many folks have posted about their clutches getting stuck over the winter!

Good Luck!
T.C.

[Burly1]

Wow! Thanks guys! I'm hoping the clutch is just stuck as you indicated. As soon as I make a new gasket and get her reassembled I'll try the third gear trick. I really think that's all it is. The case looked great, with only a very small amount of carbon in the oil dregs in the bottom. I had about $3000 worth of work done to this bike last Summer, by Bob Jones down in KC. The friction plates were new, and the flats were trued and scuffed as part of the service work. Outwardly, the clutch looks new. She's a real strong runner and I can't wait to get out on the road. I'll let you know how things work out. Soon to be in the wind again, Burl

[Burly1]

A day later and several hours in the garage with my son and we're back on the road. Rocking the bike in gear only made me tired and my back hurt. I read a little more on the forum and tried a quick and dirty method to unstuck the clutch. Ran the bike in neutral on the center stand, stood on the rear brake, depressed the clutch and popped 'er into gear. It took two tries. I ran her around the block twice to make sure everything worked okay and to get 'er warmed up all the way (raining here, or I would have put on some miles). All's well and thanks again for the timely replies to try and solve my dilemma. I really think I'm going to like it here! Best, Burl

[LoserShoes]

My Radian always had that problem after sitting a while, and the only way to unstick it was to bang it into first.

Steve