'99 SV clutch help?!?

[cee-jay]

O.K. so this is my last resort before my clutch gets opened up and inspected. Anyone know what is going on?

Last year the SV650's clutch seemed to drag a bit when moving the bike around the pits. Ran fine out on the track. Didn't bother me much until this spring when in the process of getting the bike back together for the season I noticed the clutch seemed to be stuck (would not release when pulling the handle in). Figured (and was told) that the plates might have just dried up and just needed to be run a bit (worked loose) and they would probably be fine.

After finally getting the bike started up (and the clutch adjusted per the factory manual) guess what.....

The damn thing is now slipping and won't go ANYWHERE. Transmission clicks into 1-N-2-3-etc...normally. Bike acts like it is in neutral no matter what.

Idears? I am at a loss.

FYI, The oil is new and is Suzuki spec.

cj

[tophyr]

When was the last time the clutch was replaced?

[pscook]

Pull it apart. It sounds like the plates were stuck after the winter hibernation, and the process of starting it up and running it may have freed the plates but shredded one (or more) of the fiber platess. Look at the oil when you drain it as you may find lots of fibrous material floating in the oil.

[cee-jay]

Thanks for the replies! Much appreciated.

Have no idea how old or new the clutch is. (used bike).

Time to get oily. :sad:

cj

[NoControl74]

I have misadjusted my SV clutch with these exact symptoms before. I'd recheck your adjustment before you tear it apart.

[TaurusRacing]

I would check SVRIDER.com. They have a ton of threads on this.

[steadyeddie]

Opening up the clutch is NOT a major issue on the SV if it is a 1st gen. 8 bolts and the cover comes off. 6 bolts and the pressure plate is off. You don't even have to drain the oil, just tip the bike to the left side ( as if on the kick stand ) and you're good to go. If 2nd gen, I believe you have to drain the coolant.

[Gienau]

I just went through the same thing with mine. I replaced the clutch, plates and springs. make sure to soak everything in oil before installing them. AND make sure you put them in the correct order. I was in a hurry and messed up, cost me a friction disk.