| Author | Message | ||
     Nmh5028 |
I'm still getting used to my new 2005 XB12R, so forgive me if this is just "normal". I'm coming from a 2001 Suzuki GS500, and never had an "issue" like this so it is just not something that I completely understand yet. I feel like I may have clutch drag or some other clutch issue, but I am not really sure where to start troubleshooting. I first noticed it when moving the bike in the garage (engine off). I could push it around effortlessly in N, but if it was in gear, pulling the clutch lever in I couldn't walk it while on the seat, and could barely push it standing alongside. I also noticed that when accelerating onto a highway or getting higher into the rev range (4.5k+), shifting from 1 to 2 feels like I'm rubbing the teeth of 2 gears (one spinning, one not) if I shift too slow. If I shift hard, I still feel it but it doesn't sound as bad. Shifting at lower RPM I haven't noticed this feeling. Any chance that these are related and suggestions on what to adjust/look for? I've never had to work clutch issues before so I'm hoping for a simple fix (or maybe it is just normal). Thanks! | ||
| Hammer1050 |
Check primary chain adjustment. Also clutch and clutch cable adjustment. Make sure you have the proper (and clean) lubricant in the primary. Invest in a service manual if you haven't already. Buells are easy to work on and the service publications are excellent. | ||
| Froggy |
A little bit of drag is normal, but it sounds like you may have too much. I agree with Hammer, adjust the clutch cable, see how it feels, then adjust the primary chain, ultimately changing the oil and transmission fluid if they have not been done in a while. | ||
| Sifo |
I agree with the above comments about checking the clutch & primary chain adjustments & fluid. When the bike has been sitting for a while it is normal to be hard to break the clutch plates free though. They tend to get stuck together and not slide until they are force to slide a bit and get some fresh fluid between the plates. IMO, the HD Formula+ for the primary is tough to beat. It's about the only thing I darken the doorway of a HD dealer for these days. The price for the service manual is well worth it. It's one of the better manuals for bikes you will find. | ||
| 1_mike |
What everyone has said... For the shifting part of your problem... Shift these with a firm hard shift, as they don't like it much if you do it with a lazy shift. Do it with purpose, and quickly. I'm used to clutchless shifting...these engine/trans. combinations don't like this either. 4th to 5th seems to be fine, but not the rest. The shift itself works fine, but the resulting jerk is hard on the drive belt. I assume it's because of the heavy flywheel effect. Mike | ||
| Xb9er |
I had a 2004 XB12S that did NOT like clutchless shifts (sometimes wouldn't let me). I currently have a 2003 XB9R that absolutely works fine shifting clutchless in all gears. | ||
| Nmh5028 |
The primary chain was a bit tight. I loosened it and attempted a clutch adjustment by the manual but I'm not sure if it made a difference. I noticed when loosening the clutch cable tension that there was no adjustment left to tighten the cable. I followed the instructions and set the adjuster under the cover to 1/2 turn, but I can't seem to get enough freeplay to avoid a small jump forward when shifting into 1st from N. The bike doesn't stall or anything, just not something that I noticed before. Would I adjust the screw CCW or CW to get more separation? |
