Frozen Clutch?

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Chrome

XS650 Enthusiast
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So i just got the bike running, it hasn't been started since 98' I took it out for a run up the street and now it seems like the clutch is frozen. I start it and as soon as i put it in gear it bucks and dies. Any thoughts on what it is?? I put new oil in before i started it.

81 xs650 special

thanks
 
Not running, while in gear, with the clutch lever pulled in, what happens when you roll it back and forth?
 
If you just got this bike, and thought you can just change the oil and drive away, you need to do more than that.

On a bike that has sat for 13 years, take it slow and do some checking on the condition of key areas.

Did you remove the oil sump plate (6 bolts) and inspect/clean the sump strainer? Did you remove the right side oil strainer for inspect and clean?

Have you inspected the carbs..............i.e. take apart and check the jets for the correct type and cleanliness? Float levels checked?

Have you cleaned and greased the clutch worm gear and clutch cable? Have you adjusted the clutch correctly at the worm gear and at the lever?

The clutch plates may be sticking together. I would remove the right engine case (drain oil) and do a proper inspection of the clutch. This gives you an opportunity to be sure that the PO has not re-assembled the clutch incorrectly.
 
If i put the bike in gear lever pulled in and rock it the rear tire moves but it is real tuff. I dont know if the oil needs to warm up first. i am using 20w-50. Is that too thick? my outsie temp right now is around 45-50. would 10w-40 work?
 
did you try and remove the right side engine case cover like RG said? The clutch plates usually stick together and need to be peeled apart, cleaned etc.

or do you want to ignore this post too.
 
Last edited:
Where did all the board police come from? Imports from the garage?

I've never had to remove the clutch cover and "peel" the plates apart. Yet.
I have placed them on the center stand, running in gear applied the rear brake.
Put them against the wall and bumped them in gear.
Not runnning as described above and rocked them back and forth till they freed.
And lastly the least recommended. Start, point it downhill, a push to getter goin and then ride it.
They have always freed up for me.

But I never experienced a free clutch freezing after a ride like the OP describes.
Gives me something to look forward to.
 
because people come on here, ask a question, get replies and then completely ignore it.


I shouldnt have said peeled, but my 74 plates had to be pryed apart with a screw driver.

plus there was an 1/8 inch of sludge in the bottom of my motor, so it didnt hurt to have the sump plate filter done along with a good engine flush with seafoam and cheaper oil. Did that a few times.

go through the tech section on clutch adjustment too and make sure thats set properly.
 
Thank you to those that were helpful. To the police on here thank you also. I am not dumb when it comes to bikes, I have owned quite a few, just not older carved bikes mainly fi (fuel injected for the old timers) I am quite aware that you can't just start a bike and go being that old. I try many things that people recommend here.
Thanks to all!

Posted via Mobile
 
Hi Chrome.

1+ on RG.
After 13 years of sleep you should take a closer look on the bike. Problaby the clutch plates are stuck together or the clutch assembly needs an adjustment.

Get a workshop manual and start dig in! This is the fun part of having an old bike:thumbsup:

Good Luck/BigBoreSwede
 
Ok, so i have taken everyones advice, even RG's with taking the cover off and seperating the plates by hand. My new issue is that when i put it in gear it seems like the clutch is not engaging enough to completly take it out of gear. I have tried to adjust the cable and i have also tried to adjust the screw under the left side round cover. When i put it in gear ( Bike off and rear wheel off the ground) i pull the lever in, try to spin the rear wheel and it seems like it is still in gear. It is very hard to spin the tire. What else can i look for to try to get the bike to come out of gear??? This is the absolute last thing i need to finish before this bike is DONE!!!
 
Because you are movingeverything in the trans while in gear with the clutch lever pulled in it is goig to be very stiff. Your trying to move allot of stuff, and also the clutch driven plates, so your probably ok. Try starting it, and if you can't get it into gear without stalling or gear clash, re- adjust the clutch per the sticky. The criticle part is on the left case, if the nut turns when you tighten it down, it's out of adjustment. Very easy to do. Also, just back of the adjuster screw 1/8th turn. Then set the lever free play to about 1/4 inch, more or less, depending on your taste.
 
Chrome said:
Ok, so i have taken everyones advice, even RG's with taking the cover off and seperating the plates by hand. My new issue is that when i put it in gear it seems like the clutch is not engaging enough to completly take it out of gear. I have tried to adjust the cable and i have also tried to adjust the screw under the left side round cover. When i put it in gear ( Bike off and rear wheel off the ground) i pull the lever in, try to spin the rear wheel and it seems like it is still in gear. It is very hard to spin the tire. What else can i look for to try to get the bike to come out of gear??? This is the absolute last thing i need to finish before this bike is DONE!!!
Click to expand...

Did you index the clutch when you re-assembled?
 

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