Clutch slip 5th Gen.

Very strange things happening.

Got home after 3 months at work and after charging the battery took my 99 VFR800 out for a run. Lazily up the first big hill in 5th gear and at 7,000rpm engine takes off like a rocket up to 11,000. Clutch slip real serious like.

Went home, bled the clutch circuit - no improvement.

Slip seems to reduce a bit as engine gets hot, but is still there.

looking for answers - has any other riders of this model had clutch slip - bike has 64,000km (40,000miles)?

Is it likely to be the plates or the springs?

My next action is to strip the slave cylinder to ensure it is retracting fully, then change the oil, as I may have added some car type oil at the last oil change,

Interested in other riders experineces with clutch slip on any model VFR.

 

I wouldn't actuate the slave when it's dismounted. If the clutch slave has gone bad, then you will not be able to disengage the clutch to change the gears. Drain the oil, remove the clutch cover casing, operate the clutch and see how it's going in and out. Changing the oil might make a difference but if the clutch pack is in fact worn, then the fresh oil you just put in is wasted. If you do remove the clutch casing, you might as well inspect each clutch plate, and depending on what you find, replace the pack. It's not a bad job.

PM sent

 

This is VERY dependant on how the clutch was treated by the previous owners. A clutch not getting abused (excessive slipping during take off, launches, clutching wheelies, etc) could last for 80,000+ miles, but a clutch getting abused could last for well less than half that number.

If you do decide to open up the clutch, it would be unwise not to replace the clutch springs, AND the clutch (friction) plates. Inspect the drive plates for damage, warping, anything odd, as well.

This is a concern. Some auto oils are labeled "energy conserving" and can have "friction modifiers" which can coat your clutch and cause it to slip. If the oil you did put in has such additives, your clutch is toast....at least your friction plates. Check that your oil is M/C safe. Usually has the "JASO" on the container somewhere.

 

Thanks for all the replies,

Is it true that using car type "friction modifiers" will toast the friction plates permanently?
I have had this bike for 8 years and 32 of its 40k miles, always used m/c oil. last oil change I did not have sufficient m/c oil and added about 1 litre of 30w car oil. Prior to adding I checked the pack to see if it had friction modifiers, and no mention. Still I am suspicious.

I reckon I am easy on clutch and it still should be OK. I have not heard they are a part that fails early on the VFR

 

Many people run car oil without problems. The friction modifiers in car oil will probably be OK if your clutch is healthy, but cause a dodgy clutch to slip. Sounds like it's time for a clutch job. No biggie.