Clutch inquiry. '82 CB650

[WIP]

I have noticed lately that if my bike is parked in first (not running of course), and I pull in the clutch lever, it will move but with quite a bit of resistance. Before, it would move easily.

Also, when I first start riding after the warm up, the clutch seems to work perfectly, but once it is hot (20 highway miles or so) the clutch gets grabby. It has a very narrow slip area, and grabs very quickly. It is manageable, and I don't think anyone around me notices me taking off quickly, but I feel it is different.

The only thing that has changed lately (just before the problems started) was that I added a quart of oil (motorcycle 20/50). I am leaking a bit, but just one drop wherever I park. I have put almost 2000 miles on it now, and I am changing the oil tomorrow for the first time.

After I get off the highway (20 miles) at idle, the red light (oil) will come on, but the bike runs fine and if I give it the slightest blip of throttle the light turns off.

Any idea if this is actually a problem forming or if I am just being paranoid?

[CharlesW]

Was the bike a quart low when you checked it?
That's a lot of oil to be added. You may have overfilled it and it's possible it is foaming due to the high oil level contacting the rotating crankshaft.
Also, you might want to check your owners manual, but my 1983 and 1985 650s recommended 10W-40, not 20W-50 for oil.
Totally different engines, but every Honda I have owned called for 10W-40 oil.

[WIP]

I will check the manual for oil specs. I didn't think the grade would make that huge of a difference and I had the 20/50 on hand.

The level was correct after I added the quart. I actually added 1/2 quart when I saw that it was low, then I added the other 1/2 when it wasn't at the right level.

[WIP]

My manual does not specify oil grade and I am too lazy to go out and look at the bike for markings. Isn't 20/50 better for hot weather? I am in TX ya know.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by WIP

I will check the manual for oil specs. I didn't think the grade would make that huge of a difference and I had the 20/50 on hand.

The level was correct after I added the quart. I actually added 1/2 quart when I saw that it was low, then I added the other 1/2 when it wasn't at the right level.

It seems unlikely that the weight would make that much difference, but since the problem started about that time, there may be a connection.
Hopefully it will be corrected when you change the oil and filter.

Another possibility is that you ran it low enough on oil to damage the engine or clutch. That also seems unlikely if it was only a quart low.

[WIP]

I guess I will find out tomorrow after my oil change.

[CharlesW]

I found an owners manual on-line and page 27 had the recommended oil viscosity listed as 10W-40, but it also showed 20W-50 as being acceptable in higher temperatures.

Did you have the low oil warning light before you added the oil recently?
It just seems strange that both problems, (clutch and oil light) started at the same time you added the oil.

Hopefully the oil change will make things right again.

[WIP]

Yes, the oil light was my clue to check the oil, and I checked it cold.

Cross your fingers.

[WIP]

Now I am in a mental struggle. If 20/50 is good for hot weather, should I switch to that? Or should I go with 10/40?

I am new to TX. I am used to running oil in WA vehicles.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by WIP

Now I am in a mental struggle. If 20/50 is good for hot weather, should I switch to that? Or should I go with 10/40?

I am new to TX. I am used to running oil in WA vehicles.

Personally I would stick with 10W-40, but I'm not in Texas.
If I was, I think I would still use 10W-40.

[WIP]

That is the way I have been leaning. I just keep picturing the heat of TX along with my 30 mile commute. I guess if the oil possibly changed things, I should go back to what I think was used by the PO.

Another thing that just popped into my head is that he may have used synthetic. I am going to let it drain for a while tomorrow, then I will pour a sacrificial quart through it before I fill it.

[WIP]

I changed the oil. I will update tomorrow after I drive to work.