I really need help on this one.

Gottiz · 06-19-2009, 02:42 PM

So, I've been having this problem for a while and I've been meaning to get this fixed....Today it all came to a head. I have a 1982 GS550L and sometimes when I would take a right turn i would start hearing a clicking smacking sound and feeling it in my clutch handle. I think it was my clutch knocking. I would shift gears and it would go away. Today i came around the corner (right turn) and i felt it give one big click and the bike died and now will not even turn over. when we tried to push start it it was like it had either no spark or no compression and the motor wouldn't kick or start or anything.

Sooo now I'm stuck at work with no ride home. Got any ideas on what it would be? Anything would be helpful. Thanks guys

Dodsfall · 06-20-2009, 09:07 AM

It's weird that you would only hear this during a right turn.

You can diagnose the clutch by checking to see if it still functions. Put the bike in gear and see if you can push it with clutch in and out.

Since the bike won't run at all, I'm thinking it's more likely an engine problem than a clutch problem. Check the condition of the oil first and see if there is anything strange there, like little pieces of metal.

Gottiz · 06-20-2009, 09:24 AM

Thanks for replying, i figured out why the bike wouldn't start.. in the middle of a rain storm.... it was a loose ground cable. I'm still getting the clutch slap on right turns only though. this might make the clutch slap easier to diagnose if you don't have ghost symptoms in your way.

Thanks again

bdavison · 06-20-2009, 09:30 AM

Might want to check too that the steering isnt pulling on the clutch cable.

If its not routed right, the steering can put tension on the cable. In severe cases it can cause the clutch to disengage, and then when the steering is relaxed, it engages again.

Turn the steering back and forth to the stops and watch the clutch cable at the extremes...if its being pulled tight by something, you might want to re-route it.

HKshooter · 06-20-2009, 11:29 AM

Weird.
The old Yamaha triples had a bolt that would break off leaving the head behind the right side cover to roll around and randomly get stuck in the works. It could find it's way into the shift lever and lock the gears. It could also roll around and bang against the primary chain and clutch basket, making random racket.
I wonder if you have something loose in there that leans against the works in a right turn?

iamgumby · 06-20-2009, 09:06 PM

+1 on cable routing. Is it a cable controlled clutch or hydraulic clutch?

Gottiz · 06-22-2009, 09:52 AM

cable controled clutch, I'll have to tear it apart this week and see what's going no but at least now i have an idea of what the duce it is. Thanks guys

06-19-2009, 02:42 PM	#1
Gottiz Verified Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Iowa City, IA Posts: 38	I really need help on this one. So, I've been having this problem for a while and I've been meaning to get this fixed....Today it all came to a head. I have a 1982 GS550L and sometimes when I would take a right turn i would start hearing a clicking smacking sound and feeling it in my clutch handle. I think it was my clutch knocking. I would shift gears and it would go away. Today i came around the corner (right turn) and i felt it give one big click and the bike died and now will not even turn over. when we tried to push start it it was like it had either no spark or no compression and the motor wouldn't kick or start or anything. Sooo now I'm stuck at work with no ride home. Got any ideas on what it would be? Anything would be helpful. Thanks guys Last edited by Gottiz; 06-19-2009 at 02:55 PM..

06-20-2009, 09:07 AM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,821	It's weird that you would only hear this during a right turn. You can diagnose the clutch by checking to see if it still functions. Put the bike in gear and see if you can push it with clutch in and out. Since the bike won't run at all, I'm thinking it's more likely an engine problem than a clutch problem. Check the condition of the oil first and see if there is anything strange there, like little pieces of metal. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

06-20-2009, 09:06 PM	#6
iamgumby Fallen Riders Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: West Texas Posts: 3,950	+1 on cable routing. Is it a cable controlled clutch or hydraulic clutch? __________________ 03 Suzuki GSF1200S Bandit, HIR headlights, GIVI shield, SWMoto guards, Hayabusa shock, lowered 2", H/S backrest & tailrack, Avon Storms, VStrom Hand Guards, IBA SS 1k

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06-20-2009, 09:24 AM	#3
Gottiz Verified Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Iowa City, IA Posts: 38	Thanks for replying, i figured out why the bike wouldn't start.. in the middle of a rain storm.... it was a loose ground cable. I'm still getting the clutch slap on right turns only though. this might make the clutch slap easier to diagnose if you don't have ghost symptoms in your way. Thanks again

06-20-2009, 09:30 AM	#4
bdavison Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Warner Robins, GA Posts: 1,349	Might want to check too that the steering isnt pulling on the clutch cable. If its not routed right, the steering can put tension on the cable. In severe cases it can cause the clutch to disengage, and then when the steering is relaxed, it engages again. Turn the steering back and forth to the stops and watch the clutch cable at the extremes...if its being pulled tight by something, you might want to re-route it.

06-20-2009, 11:29 AM	#5
HKshooter Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 675	Weird. The old Yamaha triples had a bolt that would break off leaving the head behind the right side cover to roll around and randomly get stuck in the works. It could find it's way into the shift lever and lock the gears. It could also roll around and bang against the primary chain and clutch basket, making random racket. I wonder if you have something loose in there that leans against the works in a right turn?

06-22-2009, 09:52 AM	#7
Gottiz Verified Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Iowa City, IA Posts: 38	cable controled clutch, I'll have to tear it apart this week and see what's going no but at least now i have an idea of what the duce it is. Thanks guys