Clutch Problem

[Dead Stroke]

I'm having an issue with my clutch and would welcome any input from our members.

Bike; 2005 BDM chopper with 2000 miles on it.


It seems the clutch is not disengaging properly when the bike is cold.

specifically the bike jumps or lunges a little when going from neutral to 1st gear when I'm standing still first ready to start off from my house. Now, after I go down the road a mile or two the bike warms up a bit and all these issues seem to disappear.

Note ; the clutch is adjusted exactly as described in the service manual and addressed here in the forums in a couple different places.

I pretty sure I've read here somewhere others had experienced the same problem.

I Did ask the local BDM dealer here about this and the only thing I could get out of the owner was; "the clutch was probably abused and the plates are either glazed or gummed up."

The bike is in his shop right now for recalls so he said he'll do a download.
I'm asssuming the download will be able to tell him something about how the bike was operated?



Can the membership give me any insight on my problem ?

thx Mark

 

[Eric]

how cold are you talkin about, freezing on just not up to operating temp,my bike grabs alittle when bike is below 50 degrees, untill warms, I think its the thickness of the tranny gear oil

 

[Dead Stroke]

today i just finished the clutch adjustment and jumped on it and road it over to the dealer for the recall work and temp was 45 degrees. It was probably the coldest I've road it but I did just complete the adjustment and did not expect it to do it . I was hoping I had solved the prroblem .

 

[Moespeeds]

I've got the same problem on a 2005 Chopper. Someone told me the timing chain was loose, and sure enough it was, but it still didn't fix the problem. My next step is to adjust the pushrod. BTW what they told you about abuse or clutch plate glazing sounds like BS to me.

 

[blacktopper]

clutch

Mark
I had a similar problem with my 07 K9. After several clutch adjustments a BDM dealer discovered the nut on the input shaft of the transmission had backed off. It was repaired under warranty and has been perfect ever since

 

[RRRUFF]

What blacktopper said could very well be the possibility. I don't know what you mean buy lung but mine will just a little when its could but not much. But on that 05 the nut certainly needs checking and high strength (red) locktite put on the threads. There is a "how to" on the forum here. There was a problem on some bikes with nut not being torqued properly and no locktite. Good luck!

 

[MARV]

looks like you have an 05. those symptoms are of a broken clutch carrier/hub. even though you are out of warranty this should be covered as it is a known issue. either take the time to have it done at the dealer or spend the bucks and purchase the bandit clutch and carrier.

 

[lee]

I used to get this on my 05 - the first shift from neutral to first on a cold start would be so bad it would sometimes stall the motor. It could be your pushrod - some of the 05's had a faulty pushrod. I changed mine (less than $40) and it was much better after. Another thing to check is your primary fluid level - my bike says inside the inspection cover that it takes 1.5 quarts - this is wrong. It should be 1 quart (you might even want to use a bit less). Too much primary fluid can cause your clutch plates to stick.

 

[Dead Stroke]

Here is some additional information on this . I sent an email to bandit clutch machining and below is the correspondence:

:loony: Mark Stevens wrote:
Hello
I have a 2005 big dog chopper with 2000 miles on it. It seems the clutch is not disengaging properly when the bike is cold.

( ie., bike jumps or lunges a little when going from neutral to 1st gear when I'm standing still just ready to start off from my house. Now, after I go down the road a mile or two it warms up and all these issues disappear.

I'm a big dog biker forumn member and a lot of guys are putting in your clutches. So I respect your oppinion.

1.Can you give me any insight on my problem ?
2. Maybe I need one of your clutches ?
3. How much money do you sell your clutches for ?

Thx for your time
Sincerely
Mark Stevens

Mark - Usually this is related to the oil in the primary case. The cold oil causes drag between the clutch plates, when the oil warms up a little it thins out and is slung off the plates by centrifugal force when you ride the bike. Thinner primary oil can help, but many Big Dogs display this behavior.

Our clutch will do the same thing if you use an oil that is too heavy. We recommend Golden Spectro Golden Gear 80 or Bel Ray Gear Saver 75 or 80.

Our Big Dog Bruiser Clutch is $300.00. Please let me know if I can help you further!
John Magee
717-464-2800

 

[Dead Stroke]

I think I,ve got my clutch issues resolved . Check out this other post.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/general/11853-thank-you-big-dog-motorcycles-llc.html

LOCAL BIG DOG DEALER AND HEAD QUARTERS FIXED ME UP.

 

[lee]

so what was the problem??

 

[Dead Stroke]

so what was the problem??

Dealer is saying The oversized diameter clutch Push Rod , the wrong angle machined on the transmission counter shaft washer and week clutch diaphram spring were known faults and an engineering error. these deficiencies have contributed to poor clutch performance in the past.

 

[lee]

let us know how it goes

 

[flightsafety]

clutch

I have an 05 ridgeback. The clutch rod was replaced early on due to a chatter/squeel noise with new. Then around 18,000mi I discovered that the clutch had seperated the inner hub from outer with total failure of the aluminum hub. Baker tech said the '05's had a week clutch, but the 06 and up had a stronger unit. Even tho it was out of warrantee, Big Dog replaced it. The bike was still rideable with the broken clutch hub. I just couldn't shift into n with bike running at a stoplight. The clutch plates held it together for an unknown number of miles. With new clutch plus 2K miles the problem seems to be comming back. I have yet to take the cover back off and inspect.

 

[djwilpers]

I have noticed the same thing with my '06 K9. I think it's just cold thich trany fluid. Why else would it cure itself by the time I get to the corner on my street?

 

[lee]

more likely to be primary fluid than tranny fluid

 

[woodbutcher]

I have an 05 ridgeback. The clutch rod was replaced early on due to a chatter/squeel noise with new. Then around 18,000mi I discovered that the clutch had seperated the inner hub from outer with total failure of the aluminum hub. Baker tech said the '05's had a week clutch, but the 06 and up had a stronger unit. Even tho it was out of warrantee, Big Dog replaced it. The bike was still rideable with the broken clutch hub. I just couldn't shift into n with bike running at a stoplight. The clutch plates held it together for an unknown number of miles. With new clutch plus 2K miles the problem seems to be comming back. I have yet to take the cover back off and inspect.

:bang: :bang: how about going to the intro section and doing a proper introduction of yourself so we can officially welcome you instead of us being pissed off at the lack of respect you're giving us.:bang: :bang:

 

[Dead Stroke]

Woodbutcher
It would seem your being a little rough on the our new member, Flightsaftey.
Or, am I missing something?