R1 Clutch Issues

[Bugnatr]

A good friend is ready to let the bank repo his R1 due to constant clutch problems. Yamaha paid for the parts (not labor) on the first replacement when it had less than 6k, needed another clutch at 10k. Now with just over 11K it is acting up again. He is an average rider (no stunting or track days) so I don't think it is an operator issue.

Any suggestions with how to deal with it and Yamaha?

 

[FJRBluesman]

I would think that each time the Yamaha dealer replaced the clutch they might study it or see why it failed, maybe not.

You also don't mention exactly what's acting up with the clutch, jerking, slipping, hard shifting, etc. Sooo…..

That being said... A clutch is very subjective in driving from person to person. Most manual clutches on all vehicles are NOT warranted due to this. Some abuse the clutch in towing, others ride the clutch, etc. I would think the dealer would work with this person. If not Mamaha in Cypress, CA would be my next call.

Good luck. Let us know how this goes.

 

[wfooshee]

Sorta depends. What's the failure? Just wearing out? Slipping? Failing to release? Hard shifting?

Hydraulics been checked out? Good master and slave cylinders?

And letting it get repo'd is not an answer. Next bike (or anything else) will be much harder to buy.

What is his habit when riding? Drag race starts?

Lemon laws may apply.

 

[timk]

Damned if I wouldn't do something different, like go to a heavier spring/springs. Have the steels been changed also???

 

[C&C]

I'd be inclined to look at the springs also; perhaps they were/are defective to begin with or maybe they got overheated somehow and have lost their tension.

 

[Bugnatr]

Couldn't agree more about not letting the bank repo the bike, I think he is just pissed about the constant clutch problems.

At this point he says the clutch will not fully disinguage, he has tried to adjust the cable but it's still grabby when fully pulled in.

No drag racing and has ridden for years. I know we have other R1 owners here so I was wondering if others had this problem.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[FJRBluesman]

...At this point he says the clutch will not fully disinguage, he has tried to adjust the cable but it's still grabby when fully pulled in. ....

Ahah! Now we have some more information. Sounds like maybe, he just needs to soak the clutch plates. Could also be a spring issue, or combination of the two. Is the clutch basket OK? Did they also replace the metal friction plates? Does this person belong to an R1 forum? Maybe he should try asking them....

 

[Bugnatr]

Thanks Blues, I'll ask him for more details. He doesn't wrench (may be time to learn) so he is at the mercy of the dealer. Anything special due to being a slipper clutch?

 

[FJRBluesman]

Thanks Blues, I'll ask him for more details. He doesn't wrench (may be time to learn) so he is at the mercy of the dealer. Anything special due to being a slipper clutch?

Ahah again, even more information.
IMHO a Slipper clutch should have no issues with grabbiness. A slipper just allows the clutch to free wheel, so the real wheel isn't getting any engine braking, when the throttle is chopped. Racer type guys like using this for the track. To explain it more simply, I believe the slipper clutch technology is more in the basket/gear, with one way type hook up, like a bicycle with no coaster brake. Peddling the cranks forward turns the gears and back wheel, peddling the other way, engages no gears and the back wheel still spins freely.

That being said I'm no expert in slipper clutches, so people with R1's and Slipper clutches should pipe in.

Good luck, let us know how this turns out.

 

[MotorToad]

That souds like the basket is worn or marred.