1978 Xs1100 slipping clutch

[DDELBY]

When I shft into the last gear there is a feeling that the clutch is slipping. Also when I 'goose' it in high once in a while I feel a slip. Should I replace the clutch. I had a new set of plates put in a year ago in a used motor which has rust inside. Thanks.

[DDELBY]

1978 XS 1100 clutch slips a bit

Last year I put in new clutch plates in a used 1978XS1100 which had rust in the oil (replaced the engine and tranny at the same time). Put on 1000 miles without a problem. This year, at 100 miles or so, I have noticed clutch slippage between 4 and 5 and once in a while when when I goose in high gear. I have been gentle since. Should I replace the plates again? Thanks.

[trbig]

Just my opinion... but if you only have 1,000 miles on them.. unless you were pulling ME around on a trailer uphill the whole time, I'd take a chance on saying they are probably fine. You didn't say whether you replaced the springs or not. That in itself would probably fix you up, but what I would suggest is to put an extra steel disk in the middle of your clutches. Many people have extras and you will be pleasantly surprised at how this combination of things will stiffen your clutches tremendously. I did discover that you don't even have to drain the oil to do this fix if it's on the side stand. Partsnmore has the springs for $16 (Last time I looked)

Tod

[Erik the Red]

before you do that, check this...

Make sure there's freeplay in the clutch handle too. It could be just as simple as having the clutch cable adjusted too tightly. Tech Tips on the left side of the page, under Maintenance, under Engine. Easy to do & it fixed my slippage problem last year that showed up after a few hundred miles.

[DiverRay]

If you didn't replace the springs, that would be a start. My clutch slipped in high gear, and was getting worse. I bought new plates and springs, and just put in the springs. That was 25K miles ago, and it is just now starting to slip.
You can also add an extra steel plate, but I don't think it's needed on a stock motor.
JMHO

[TopCatGr58]

What Tod and Erik said,

But first do the adjustment at the engine cover. After some time, the clutch plates can wear a bit, and then they are closer to the throwout bearing/pushrod assembly, and so readjusting it to the proper clearance can sometimes be enough to get your full grip back and stop the slippage.

You didn't mention whether you had put in new oil, and whether it was DINO juice or full synth? Full synth has been known to contribute to the early demise, slippage of the clutches due to its extra slipperyness and the friction reduction additives that are in it!

The extra steels can also be gotten from BikeBandit, for ~ $8.00 ea, plus S&H if you can't get any from members here!
T.C.

[Dennyz]

The extra plate solves a nagging clutch slipping problem all my XSs have had.

I did springs and fibers on my 'F' and only got 20K miles before the slipping returned. When I pulled the clutch apart, fibers and springs where in spec. I put the extra steel in 40K ago, still no slipping.

[mro]

BikeBandit, for ~ $8.00 ea, plus S&H if you can't get any from members here!

think there still available from mro for cost of shipping.


mro
btw, have found that not all clutch springs are equal

[Axel]

slipping clutch XJ1100

I adjusted my cable at the lever and it seemed to fix it . Then after a long ride - the next day it slipped easy and I found the cable tight at the lever again . So I loosened it again ,more this time . Am I doing right ?

[TopCatGr58]

Not quite Axel.

There is a tech tip that will instruct you on the proper adjustment technique to be done at the engine case FIRST. Then you adjust the lever at the handlebar to suit your feel, but should have about 1/4" worth of slack.
T.C.

[Axel]

I remember

Thanks T.C. I remember adjusting my clutch on a bike many moons ago using this method . Glad to hear its the same for the XJ . Kinda weird not having a manual but maybe this is better .

[Axel]

different

Hey . I opened the side cover and everything was familiar except instead of a nut with a screwhead inside it was a bolt that fit a 12mm wrench . So I didnt know how to proceed . Also there was a little oil that could have been coming out of the cable casing .

I spent many hours working on other things including cleaning the terminals in the connector for the fuel tank sending unit . It was a zen experience

[egleaves]

Today I tried to adjust my clutch using this method. I think I did it right, but my clutch is still slipping at high revs under a load. Maybe next I need to check inside.

[Stralya]

There is a tech tip that will instruct you on the proper adjustment technique to be done at the engine case FIRST.

Where is that tip? I've searched and searched but can't find it.

[Wildkat]

This one, Dan?