Not sure what to make of it.....

[bbaldwin84]

Sometimes, if I really get on the throttle, not exactly sure what gear I was in but I assume 2nd or 3rd, it almost feels like the clutch lets go slightly for a second and I get a real high rev, but I let off just a little for a second and hit it again and it feels fine.... Any thoughts? Only happened twice so far.......

[bikerphil]

slippy

Make sure your clutch is adjusted properly on both ends. Are you running synthetic oil? This could make it slip. Only other thing, weak clutch springs or worn clutch discs.

[Axel]

cable adjustment

I have had to loosen the adjustment at the clutch lever (handlebar) quite a lot to make sure I had sufficient play . The manual calls for millimeters . I have about a quarter of an inch . Also found my old cable was causing me problems . It was stiff . I lubed it but soon after it snapped (thanks for multitools in pocket)
A new cable showed me the difference as I thought the old one was working properly . CHeap stuff first .
Of course then your adjustment at the clutch screw under the side cover means more as a sticky cable and too tight at the lever arent a factor .

[LoserShoes]

You also might look behind you and see if there is a black strip of rubber on the road. Could be that you are smoking the tire and not the clutch.

Steve

[TADracer]

Sounds like slipping clutch to me. Had the same problem last year.

If you decide to get into the clutch pack it is not really that hard to do and if you have fresh oil then you can do the job on the side stand and not even have to drain the oil.

Read the tech tips and if your friction plates are worn then perhaps adding another steel floater may solve your problem. Also, if you open the clutch case change out your springs. They are cheap (around $20.00) and 30 year old springs will weaken a bit for sure. I replaced my springs last summer and they made a world of difference. Rough up all your steel floaters with some 120 grit paper to remove any glazing. Be careful when reinstalling the star plate. Tech tips will tell you about that one.

[saddle up]

If I remember when I first got on this site I mentioned something about adjusting the clutch on the go,,, and I got flamed
But I did the same on on my brand new 1980 XS1100G, as I do on my "new" to me, 1980 SG. When she is cold, screw the handlebar adjustment out to get smoother shifts. (easy on that tranny) When she gets warm or hot ,screw that adjustment in, sometimes almost all the way in. Iv'e been doing that for as long as I have been riding these fabulous machines. It can be done. I am not just putting down the road like the grandpa that I am,,, when I want to get on it because of some cage driver, I want to get on it and not worry about clutch slip. The clutch is very finicky on these bikes. The same with my Suzuki GS1100G (shaft drive). I think it has something to do with the shaft drives. I never had problems with any clutch with a chain drive...
Peace brothers