Engine slows

[dellatorre6708]

A friend replaced the clutch on his R69 US and now when he pulls the clutch in the motor slows almost to a stall. Any thoughts as to why?
Thanks. Frank.
NYC.

[808Airhead]

Did he replace the clutch diaphragm with a higher tension one?

[dellatorre6708]

Don't think so. I'll ask.

[niall4473]

With the motor stopped and the bike in neutral, does the clutch free off, i.e does the kick-start go free when the clutch is operated? Does it do this in neutral or in gear, or both? Does the bike try to lurch forward?

[dellatorre6708]

The owner says motor runs fine in neutral and under speed. When shifted into gear the motor slows down. The owner is going to bring it to me so I can take a look. I don't know how a clutch replacement would change how it shifted before? The only thing I can think of is the new plate is too thick and not releasing. I asked to see the old plate. Probably have to remove the clutch and compare thicknesses.

[niall4473]

Yes, it does sound as though it might be dragging, easy to test, with the engine stopped and G/B in neutral, put a foot on the kickstart and find compression, pull the clutch lever and the kickstart pedal should go down with no resistance whatsoever, if it does not, it isn't freeing off, before pulling anything to bits check that there isn't excessive clearance on the actuating pushrod, this can easily get forgotten.

[vechorik1373]

Another possibility is that when the clutch is squeezed, the pressure is pushing the crankshaft forward. Obviously, that is not good. To check, pull the front cover, and then start the bike, and let it warm up. Then shut it down, and place a fingertip on the generator armature and the generator field simultaneously, and with the other hand, squeeze the clutch. In a normal situation, you will feel a very slight movement of the crankshaft forward when the clutch is squeezed.
Anything more than that, There is a problem, and the engine must be torn down and checked.

[dellatorre6708]

Thanks for all of the tips. I've been out of the game for a couple of years. Be fun to pick up a wrench again.
Frank.
NYC