Clutch Pushrod???

[Dimentia]

2007 K9 with 30,000 miles started having problems shifting hard into first gear. In fact so hard it will kill the bike so I have to start it in gear with clutch pulled. I have adjusted the clutch pushrod several times and no luck. Talked to a local Mechaninc and he recommends replacing the pushrod. Said taht many miles those can get wore out easily and sometimes the tips can actually weld themselves at the point. So does this sound like a good place to start at by replacing the pushrod?

 

[Five Five]

Doesn't sound like a push rod problem to me.....let me ask you something,
1. do you have any problems shifting into other gears
2. once you start in gear (clutch engaged) does the bike want to creep forward ?

"55"

 

[Dimentia]

just shifting into first gear and once it warms up no problems after that until it cools off again. the bike does want to creep also, but once I give it a little gas with the clutch pulled in it will stop

 

[strtjkt]

I question whether the clutch is adjusted properly and getting the full travel. I am not referring to a cable adjustment but actually adjusting it at the adjustment bolt on the right side. Personally I would pull the primary cover at the same time and check the clutch travel with a dial indicator. It would give you an opportunity to inspect the clutch plates as well as the clutch nut which has a history of being loose.
With 30k miles and a stock clutch the best thing you can do is part with about $450 and buy a bandit super clutch. That cured all of my clutch problems.

 

[Dimentia]

I just put the bandit clutch in about 500 miles ago, never had a problem. I did take the primary cover off and everything looks good. no loose bolts but I did not measure the travel but yo can see the pushrod moving easily.

 

[strtjkt]

If its pulling on you when your stopped then I would definitely check the clutch basket nut. It is reverse thread and 70 ft pounds with red loctite.

 

[strtjkt]

I just put the bandit clutch in about 500 miles ago, never had a problem. I did take the primary cover off and everything looks good. no loose bolts but I did not measure the travel but yo can see the pushrod moving easily.

agreed bandit clutch is the way to go. I battled clutch problems for a year and the bandit resolved it. Pretty easy install.

 

[Five Five]

I question whether the clutch is adjusted properly and getting the full travel. I am not referring to a cable adjustment but actually adjusting it at the adjustment bolt on the right side. Personally I would pull the primary cover at the same time and check the clutch travel with a dial indicator. It would give you an opportunity to inspect the clutch plates as well as the clutch nut which has a history of being loose.
.

I agree with strtjkt....check that clutch hub nut...if it backs out a 1/2 turn loose you will experience these same problems.
it will also give you an opportunity to check your pushrod.

"55"

 

[Steve Whitney]

bandit

anyone tell me about bandit clutches?

 

[BWG56]

If its pulling on you when your stopped then I would definitely check the clutch basket nut. It is reverse thread and 70 ft pounds with red loctite.

70ft# more like 150ft# to seat it and then loctite and 120ft#. Do a search on the clutch nut. Last thing you want to do is have to do this again.

 

[Dimentia]

why is it that after I ride for awhile the problem goes away? it only shifts hard when i first start it up

 

[scubaman15]

When cold the thick oil will "glue"the clutch plates together then once you free them and the oil warms up ...presto ... I also think you have a loose clutch basket .. Drain oil remove and clean plates and steels remove basket inspect and reinstall torque to 120# with red lock tight and fill with ... "Trick Shift" I still love this stuff , Im still running the stock clutch and can smoke the tire at will . shifting has improved and the "Bang " at cold start up has disappeared . Good luck

 

[woodbutcher]

dementia, yes the clutch rod can wear out. they are case hardened and are good for many miles, but they will eventually start wearing on the end and once they wear through the hardened end they will wear fast. pull the rod and if it shows any wear at the tip, go ahead and replace it. make sure it is the right diameter replacement.

 

[Dimentia]

Thanks for all your tips on this. I have the pushrod on order and I will take the clutch out and clean the plates and everything this weekend. I will update you guys and let you know what I found out...thx again to all of you!