Slippage in first gear

[malber]

I'm getting some slippage when in first gear. It's most noticable from cold starts and steep hills. It doesn't slip while I'm in 2nd gear. I'm wondering if I need to do the dreaded dremel fix on the first gear dogs or if it could be the clutch. I'm hoping it's the clutch. I think I do get some slipping in the higher gears when I'm on the highway and do some roll-on with the throttle. Haven't seen a reduction in mileage though.

I'm really hoping it's just the clutch and that I don't have to crack the gearcase open. How do I tell if it's the clutch or the gears? I don't have a garage, so I'm dreading having to do this in front of my apartment and have the neighbors ask their inane questions. "Workin' on the bike, huh? What's wrong with it?"

[Bamper]

The dremel fix is for when it pops out of gear from what i read, not when it just slips. So from what your saying looks like time to rebuild the clutch.

[xschop]

my bet

my guess is your clutch. try loosening the clutch cable adjust on the left lever and see if that helps first. These clutches are week after awhile. I refurbed mine last year and all discs were within specs. It still slips when getting on it hard sometimes. When I tear into it for the big bore , I will also do the extra plate mod.....chop

[egsols]

Wouldn't hurt to check the adjustment at the clutch. Mine slipped a bit, took the cover off, adjusted it as per the manual and no more slip.

[malber]

Clockwise or counter-clockwise?

[XSPastor]

How do I tell if it's the clutch or the gears?

You'll know! The clutch feels smooth when it slips and the gears slipping will jerk the whole bike as they slip and re-mesh with a KA-CHUNK!