Expert: Bill Silver - 11/8/2009

Question
I know your probably getting tired of answering my questions but im new to this stuff so please give me any help possible. I got the engine running good jetted and everything with the new clutch plates that where installed by a professional. It seems like the clutch isn't grabbing hardly at all but once it is rolling at a higher speed it does just fine what do you think is wrong. I tried adjusting the clutch cable with no luck. It has new springs along with the clutch plates. What elce is left. It shifts into gear but just cant put it to the ground.

Answer
Erik,  I wondered why you needed a clutch in the first place. These bikes are not known to eat clutches as far as I know. They are very underpowered and the clutches are quite strong. I would ask your "professional" what he thought of the old parts. Perhaps, the problem is not in the clutch but in the release mechanism in the clutch cover or it isn't adjusted properly. There should be a about 1/8" slack at the clutch cable at all times. If there is no free-play there, then the clutch won't engage all the way. Have you replaced the clutch cable? Maybe the it is failing internally and the wire strands are hanging up inside the cable housing.

Bill