AboutRich Johnston Expertise I have honda repair experience on all vintage Hondas from 1972 through 1980. I worked in a Honda dealership while going to college and have experience in all types of honda motorcyle repair. I don't have any experience on other brands.
Experience
Education/Credentials BS degree in mechanical engineering, Honda technical school graduate of 1975
Expert: Rich Johnston Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: Master and slave on clutch
Question I have an 84 Honda VT700c Shadow. The clutch has no resistance and the bike will not shift into gears. While not running it will move into first and second. With the clutch held in while attempting to start the bike lurches forward like the clutch is not engaging. I bled the line and still get no resistance and it's not working any better. Can you offer some tips? Is it Master and or Slave? Thanks.
Answer Todd, it could be either one. Take a look at the inside of the master cylinder. Is there a bunch of crud inside? If so I'd start there. You many just need to take it apart and clean it good or you may have to rebuild it and put new parts in it. Also take a look at the slave cylinder. Is there any evidence of fluid leaking out or around it? If so start there. You may have to remove the slave cylinder to see evidence of leaking since there's a gasket between the cylinder and the crankcase. The shifting problem is because the clutch won't disengage.
