Hello. Clutch problem

[tazmaniac_37752]

Hello I have a 1996 suzuki intruder vs800 and I initially thought my higher gear clutches were slipping when I rolled on the throttle. I replaced the clutch and friction plates springs and bolts. It seems to have made the bike stronger on low end but still have what seems to be slippage in 5th when I roll on it at higher speeds. Also have a vibration coming from the engine at higher rpms. Any ldeas on what the problem might be? Need to get it lined out before sturgis if at all possible.

[Designer]

Experience has shown us that Clutch slippage almost always first appears a Cruise speed when the throttle is added. And it is virtually always not the Plates that are at fault, but the Springs.

Assuming it is indeed slippage that happens only at Cruise as you report, let me ask,....when you installed new Springs, were they Stock, or the Heavy Duty ones from Barnett?

And much the same, the Vibration you speak of most often might be due to a lack of proper Carb Balance. When was the last time they were Balanced?

[Lechy]

What Designer said plus if you are using an oil with any kind of friction modifiers (Teflon or Molybdenum) this will also cause clutch slippage. A partially blocked return hole in the master can allow pressure to build up in the lines causing slippage.

[hillsy]

If your vibration problem is at high RPM then unbalanced carbs will more than likely not be the problem. Carb balance will only really affect low and cruising RPM ranges - however having the carbs properly balanced will make the bike smoother and far nicer to ride.

As for the clutch slipping - the quickest and easiest thing to do is change your type of oil to see if that fixes it.

[Designer]

Also have a vibration coming from the engine at higher rpms. Any ldeas on what the problem might be? Need to get it lined out before sturgis if at all possible.

Depending on how much vibration you are experiencing and how high up in the RPM range you get it,....it very well could be carb balance.

When looking at your time frame, this adjustment would probably be the easiest and best place to start in Trouble-shooting this issue. And if it has been a while since the last adjustment, doing so certainly would be a Good Thing to visit before your trip to Sturgis.

[hillsy]

Also check your engine mount bolts are torqued correctly.

[tazmaniac_37752]

Ok thanks for the advice. Now one other question in syncing the carbs. How close might I be able to get them by sight watching to be sure both carbs start opening at the same time?

[Lechy]

Have a look here: http://intruders-alert.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=4139

[navigator]

Ok thanks for the advice. Now one other question in syncing the carbs. How close might I be able to get them by sight watching to be sure both carbs start opening at the same time?

You may get the idle sync close that way, but not exact.
You will never get the high speed sync done using that method.

[tazmaniac_37752]

Ok. Thank you
I'll have to try n find and maybe borrow a tool to sync them with.

[Herb]

The last time I did any carb work I went to use the sync tool I had and it was broken. I set the sync and went for a ride, While cruising at a set speed I would back out of the throttle slowly, and when I heard on cylinder stop pulling I would pull over and slightly increase the cable tension on it. Took 3 tries but it ran fine. When I got my new sync tool I hooked it up and the balance was almost spot on.