Weird clutch "grabbing" on 2000 VFR

Push rod is clean and smooth. I just bled the clutch again, didn't see any bubbles. We'll see tomorrow.

 

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UPDATE: Tried it again today. Still grabs. I experimented with it. If I give it some throttle, about 3k rpm, and let the clutch out slightly the bike starts moving normally. Without letting the clutch out completely it will suddenly grab and jerk forward. Only does it once when cold, second or 3rd stop sign (same stop sign as last 2 times). Won't do it after that. I think tomorrow I will pull it apart and see how things look. I'll let you know.

 

I did some searching online for motorcycle clutch grabbing. Apparently this same symptom is pretty common (only does it cold, and on the 3rd or 4th cycle of clutch release, and only one time). Opened the cover up this morning and pulled the plates. Everything looks normal and measures within spec. Only weird thing is the plates appear almost dry. If I didn't know they were supposed to have oil on them, I would think they were new and dry. My guess is that the oil drains off them overnight and takes a while to circulate back to them. Not sure how they get oiled, if it's just from splashing of the gears or if there are oil jets or holes somewhere. Only holes in the clutch basket are all open. I read one post where the person corrected the problem by flipping the steels around (among other things) and making sure the were all facing the same way. The steel disks are stamped, and as such have one sharp edge and one slightly rounded edge. I guess that will be my next test (flipping them all the opposite way). Also, there's no notching of the clutch housing fingers, although the spring towers of the clutch hub do have some grooving. I will probably replace the clutch hub next. I'll report back tonight.

 

How much longer are you going to keep screwing around with this before you go buy a set a $15 clutch springs?

 

Anyone ever tell you to go fuck yourself?

 

Lol sorry about your feelings bud. I posted the part number for the 99 pound barnett springs. Give them a try and if it doesn't work out I will send you some flowers and chocolate.

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Just a thought, but did you soak the disks in oil before installing them?
I did mine in hot oil and left them overnight.
My bike use to do that very violently when cold, so I replaced the springs and plates.
Never did it again, done over 30000km since.
Don't shoot the messenger mate, everyone is only trying to help.

 

I want to resurrect this thread to add that I have contacted Barnett and they have the 100# springs in stock,
MT-91-5
100# springs
$18.00

Barnett Tool & Engineering
2238 Palma Dr
Ventura, CA 93003
Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm (PST)
Ph: 805-642-9435
Fax: 805-642-9436

I'm ordering a set after my trip. I just don't have enough time to install them before I leave.