Clutch disassembly XT600
 

Hello All,

1986 XT 600 43F

Trying to diagnose a momentary loss of drive problem at highway speed 100km/hr.

Note: engine is 33 yrs old but virtually brand new....bike has 5,000Km total.

I've measured the clutch springs/steels/fiber plates all look brand new/all in spec./ Nothing warped/Nothing blue.

The steels are rough/crosshatched only on one side? Rough only on side facing away (out)from engine. Steels are all oriented Sharp side facing out.

Couple of Questions:

Is rough on one side normal? Youtube videos & such show guys roughing up both sides of steels???

Is sharp side out the correct orientation for the steel plates?

Could the oem fiber plates deteriorate over time/lack of use & slip?
They appear mint.

Thank you,
Pawlie

Hi....have you adjusted the clutch push rod free play correctly via adjusting screw/ nut at center of clutch basket? Make sure there is a few mm freeplay on the cable at the clutch lever after you have performed the push rod adjustment. Clutch springs still in spec?

"momentary loss" sounds at least like something different to me...



A slipping clutch is quite easy to check, just drive in 5th @ 80-90 km/h and whack the throttle open, if it slips youll hear very clearly the engine revs rise without the bike going faster. It should be repeatable and will get worse with time.
If that's the case, then i'd simply change friction plates. Dont even think about roughing the steel plates lke you've seen....youll turn the clutch into a friction plate grinder and fill the engine with fibers.... people posting such videos shouldn't be allowed near a motorcycle!

Are you using semi synthetic oil?

Mezo.

Hello All.

Thank you for the reply's.

Clutch has correct amount of freeplay.

All fibers/steels/springs are factory spec.

Using motorcycle specific semi synthetic (Maxima brand) in 20-50 OEM weight.

Turbo Guzzi:
Symptom I am experiencing is like going down the highway at constant or light acceleration/ throttle opening .....let's say 100km/hour...... Then BAM without warning....Bike looses drive for 1/2 maybe one second & recovers.

I spoke to a local mechanic & he suggested problem is likely ignition related,,,He said bikes as old as this often have ignition issues. Starting to lean in this direction as the condition of the clutch appears good & like you say the test for a warn clutch is simple and should be repeatable on a consistent basis.
My problem is not consistent/repeatable. Only happens rarely & without warning.

Hmmmmm!
Pawile

Thanks for the info about the youtube hacks roughing up steel plates.....
I did rough up one plate then thought better of it as everything was in spec. & with 5000 Km on the engine Just couldn't see why this proceedure would be necessary.....

Put it all back together with the one scuffed up steel plate. Hopefully I didn't do too much damage!

Thanks,
Pawlie