Fried Clutch!

I have an '06 VFR. This past weekend I had the chance to take my beloved bike down a drag strip about a half dozen times. She did great. It happens that i was at all harley drags and had one of the few sport bikes on the grounds. The track was open to spectators on Friday night. You can imagine the garbage these v twin guys gave me. So when the oppurtunity came about for me to go head to head with a V Rod, you know, the "fast" harley, I gladly accepted. The problem came after a few burn outs and some hard runs. I parked the bike overnight and when I rode it the next day the clutch was slipping bad under acceleration. Bike only has 6300 miles so you can imagine my frustration with both myself and the bike. I've had CBR's that had been much more mistreated than this bike and held up. I generally baby this darn thing. So my question is, Is this a common thing? Due to the weight of a VFR? And is it most likely just the friction plates or is there just no way to know until it's apart? And what is a good aftermarket clutch kit maker? How long does a job like this take and how difficult is it to do myself?
Any help at all would be great.

Thanx,
Justin

 

I do not think it is common. However, have you tried to bleed the clutch line? If that doesn't help, then I will say that changing the clutch is not a difficult job at all, if you are mechanically inclined. When i replace a clutch, i do both sets of plates, steel and friction. I cannot say what is the best brand. I forget what the dealer sold me, but it held up well under abuse.

 

Justin,
Sorry to hear about your clutch troubles.
I'm also located in scenic Bloomington, IL. Drop me a line if you wanna ride sometime. Also, if you know of any good twisty roads around here, please let me know where they are located.
Cheers,
Jeff

 

Hi Justin,
More importantly, how did the VFR do against the V-Rod?
Inquiring minds and all that...

Craig :smile:

 

VFR stomped V Rod. The track clocks were'nt running but the guy with the stop watch told me 12 sec. flat. I was doing 118mph so I think his time is pretty close. The Vrod rider failed to comment on his speed!! Sore loser I guess.