Clutch slipping 101

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Old 01-14-2016 | 03:29 AM
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Default Clutch slipping 101

I have almost zero experience with clutches so this is all new to me. I rode a very whooped bike not too long ago with a slipping clutch so I know that my KLX's clutch is beginning to slip. My bike was low-mileage used when I bought it and I'm not a "ride-the-clutch" kind of guy so I'm a little surprised it's slipping now. Question is, what parts should I replace? I plan on keeping the bike for awhile so do I just buy a complete kit with new springs/plates/steels or can I just diagnose now what needs to be replaced and save the rest for later? Also are there upgrades to be considered or should I just go OEM?

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https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...barnett-37222/
http://www.barnettclutches.com/502/k...i-klx250s.html
Dino Synth https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...-klx250-43563/
Nice pics from another site: http://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-moto...nd-replacement
 

Last edited by klx-vn; 01-25-2016 at 05:04 AM.
  #2  
Old 01-14-2016 | 04:07 PM
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When I did my 351 kit, at the recommendations of others I threw in the EBC Dirt Racer Kit and Barnett springs.
 
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Old 01-14-2016 | 07:53 PM
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I put the EBC Dirt Racer kit and Barnett springs in my 09 when I had it and the clutch was toast.

One thing to check, before replacing the clutch plates) is that there's proper free play in the clutch adjustment - if the clutch doesn't have (any) enough free play, it could be pulling the cable slightly and slightly disengaging the clutch, making it slip. I had this issue on my Husqvarna (hydraulic clutch) with the lever not having enough free play - under high RPM/load, it would slip. Once I adjusted the free play, it stopped slipping.
 
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Old 01-14-2016 | 08:34 PM
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I recently installed the EBC full kit, after noticing my 351 equipped bike slipping.
(The stock plates & springs looked fine on inspection)
The EBC Springs are supposed to 20% stiffer. No issues after a recent DS ride. Going to Baja next week. Can give feedback after that.
 
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Old 01-14-2016 | 11:04 PM
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Originally Posted by rgmr250

One thing to check, before replacing the clutch plates) is that there's proper free play in the clutch adjustment - if the clutch doesn't have (any) enough free play, it could be pulling the cable slightly and slightly disengaging the clutch, making it slip.
Good point. Thanks.
 
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Old 01-14-2016 | 11:25 PM
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Old 01-15-2016 | 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by klx-vn
Haven't heard of them before, myself, but it looks like they offer the same clutch kit direct from them for $75, so it's cheaper from Amazon. Outlaw Racing Clutch Kits
 
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Old 01-15-2016 | 11:01 PM
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What engine oil are you using? Or did you just change to a new syn oil?
 
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Old 01-16-2016 | 04:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Jct842
What engine oil are you using? Or did you just change to a new syn oil?
I usually get Motul 300V if I'm not mistaken. I think the last change was with Motul 3100 however... Problem???
 
  #10  
Old 01-16-2016 | 06:38 AM
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These stopped my Big Bore clutch slip immediately & are still going strong after 15,000miles!

 


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