5th Gen....HEEELP....lost clutch

Just new to the whole VFR thing
Having just purchased a 2nd hand VFR went for a short hop today and experiences loss of clutch.......now no way to engage / disengage clutch

Pulled off side fairing and can see fluid drips from clutch slave housing but the clutch hose looks dry...have not pulled off slave cylinder until seeking advice and guidance from those who know these bikes.


Any hints / suggestions for troubleshooting?????

 

Time for a thorough going over I say, shouldn't be too tough though if you have any mechanical inclination. It happens sorry to say. check the fluid level in the master if, low , more than likely, put some in work the lever a couple throws and give a watchful eye, seals do dry out hoses split as rare as it is they are man made. In this case I don't have any idea it's past life, so hey its ok.

 

Thanks for that

Have ordered a slave rebuild kit from ebay and will do as you suggest.

On closer inspection this afternoon it looks as if the clutch line has already been replaced.

Bike was owned by one owner for the past 16 years. Has 94 thou on the clock but is in great condition overall.

Cheers

 

Genuine Honda parts are always a good idea in situations like this. You can order from the local Honda dealers, or do as I do and order from Partzilla in the US. Prices are usually 2/3 of the local prices, and even with shipping works out cheaper. As all parts seem to be 3-4 weeks ex Japan, the US parts will also be here sooner.

I would think you probably just need a clutch slave seal.

 

It can't be both now can it--it's either the clutch pack is engaged (compressed) and the bike can be ridden in gear, or the clutch is dis-engaged (free-wheeling) and no power is transmitted to the rear wheel in any gear?

If pulling the lever makes no change, then there is air in the lines or a leaking slave seal in the first case, or a plugged return orifice in the master cylinder or a stuck slave piston in the second.

 

What I mean is that when I pull in the clutch lever nothing happens. Cannot put the bike into gear.

 

Any fluid in the master reservoir?

 

Yes
Fluid in reservoir though have not pulled lid off to check, still shows full in sightglass

 

One thing i've learned about working on old machines is the need to drain, clean, renew, inspect and verify every component from beginning to end when troubleshooting a system issue, e.g. fuel system, brakes, engine coolant, electrical, etc. Doesn't matter the system, start at the source and work to the end. That way you will find and repair the problem, plus the entire system will be in tip-top shape for the future, and you can have confidence it won't leave you stranded on the side of the road...

 

As a final follow up with this. Pulled slave off. Disassembled, cleaned, cleaned fluid reservior of any residue and gunk. Lithium grease on pushrod after cleaning. Reassembled, added fluid, bled the clutch. Viola! mobile once more and a spare slave rebuild kit which arrived after I'd done that.
Appreciate the feedback / comments.

 

As an aside. If the master is over full it can cause the clutch to not engage. I learned this lesson the hard way.

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