[boplicity]

So I have developed this clutch "rub" when starting from a stop in first gear. It only happens when starting from a dead stop as opposed to say when you are anticipating a stop at a light and just before you do the light changes so you roll on in first-no noise there. The rub is barely audible (may be only in my worried mind) but definately can be felt. Sort of feels like the vibration caused from rubbiing two things together really hard. Does this make sense? This weekend I'm gonna remove the cover and try and blow out any dust and see what's what. My questions: is the rub indicative of worn plates that need replacing? could my springs be worn or something? is there anything I should be careful of when opening up the clutch?

Thanks, and I've got 10k miles on my 01 900 if that's relavant.

Miles

 

[ScottRNelson]

Get out an allen wrench, take your clutch cover off, and clean all of the dust out of there. It should help a bit.

 

[boplicity]

What can I do to this end beside just blow it with air? Can I spray some sort of cleaner in there to flush it or is that a bad idea? Should I bother to try and remove all the rings and clean them individually and thoroughly?

 

[test-reg]

don't spray any cleaners in there! you can try blowing it out first. the worst you will do is waste some time.

 

[ScottRNelson]

I generally use a rag to clean out my clutch area. Most of the clutch dust is not floating free, but stuck to the outer edges of the cover. As for blowing it out, just take the bike for a quick run with the clutch cover off and it should "blow" out most of the remaining dust.

 

[Guest]

you might try high pressure air jet on the clutch...

i've never tried this..but i am just spitting out an idea.

you might try it @ a gas station, where u fill air.

-Spaceman.

 

[boplicity]

Actually, I pulled out all the plates and cleaned/scuffed them with a 600 grit wet/dry paper. Put everything back together and the rub is gone! Thanks for all the help.

Incidentally, I did start the bike with the cover off and it looks so cool seeing the pressure plate and springs spinning like that! I gotta get a vented clutch cover with large opening to show that off-maybe a Strati powder coated pressure plate to spruce things up as well...

 

[test-reg]

Miles, glad your problem is solved!

Scott, love your idea for blowing out the clutch!

 

[s4_randy]

Re: clutch "rub" in firs

Miles,

STM makes a very minimal toe-guard that really shows off the clutch. http://www.azionemoto.com/store/product.asp?pid=261 It's a titanium piece that goes for about $90.

 

[boplicity]

That's a sweet looking guard. Do you worry about your laces or even a pant leg getting caught in there?!

The link to your bike isn't working, got another one?

 

[s4_randy]

I wear Sidi boots, so laces aren't an issue. Legs are far enough away.

I couldn't get the link to work right. It is in the Miscellaneous section under "Randy's Clutch"