clutch issue 86 intruder vs 750 gl

[latouchedw]

I have a 1986 Susuki vs750 intruder. Went to take a ride this morning and it started fine pulled the clutch in to engage gears and put it in first and the bike bucked and stalled. It would seem the clutch is not engaging. Any enlighting answers?

[Motorcycle Forum]

[ffpowersports]

This is not that unusual. The clutch plates sometimes stick together a bit at first, until things warm up a bit. Try pulling in the clutch and rocking the bike back and forth a bit while in gear, and see if that doesn't free it up for you.
How long had the bike been sitting since the last ride? It's also possible that the hydraulic lines have gotten some air in them over time, though this is less likely.

[latouchedw]

thanks it's been sitting for about 3 weeks

[latouchedw]

If I put it into gear while running the bike will buck forward and with the brak on stalls. It's like the clutch is not engaging?

[ffpowersports]

Actually, it's more like the clutch isn't DISengaging. That's the 'sticky plates' issue I was referring to above. If rocking it back and forth against the clutch while in gear with the lever pulled in doesn't free things up, the next thing I'd do is change the engine oil. You may still need to 'rock' the clutch free, but if the oil is dirty or contaminated, it can make the sticky plates issue worse. Remember, the clutch runs in the same oil as the rest of the engine, so combustion by-products can contaminate the clutch as well as the oil.

Just a few thoughts. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Easy Rider]

Try pulling in the clutch and rocking the bike back and forth a bit while in gear, and see if that doesn't free it up for you.

It kind of seems like he missed the important point of your post so here it is again.

Also, does the clutch lever pressure feel "normal" ??
If it feels softer than normal, then you may have a fluid leak/air problem.

[latouchedw]

clutch lever preasure is very soft. I have not noticed any leaks with the exception of on the hinge part of the handle seems a little wetter than normal.

[Easy Rider]

clutch lever preasure is very soft. I have not noticed any leaks with the exception of on the hinge part of the handle seems a little wetter than normal.

Well then it's time to check the level in the master cylinder reservoir (the box connected to the lever with a little sight glass).

If that level is NOT low, then with a very soft lever pull, you must suspect a failing master cylinder.

If that level IS low, then there is a leak somewhere allowing fluid out and air in.

[latouchedw]

just checked the level it had about 2 tsp of fluid in it, could the leak come from the plunger unit in the master cylinder? the hinge part on the clutch handle continues to wet.

[Easy Rider]

just checked the level it had about 2 tsp of fluid in it, could the leak come from the plunger unit in the master cylinder? the hinge part on the clutch handle continues to wet.

So, where did that put it in the site window ?? (If you can tell.)
I suspect that is pretty low.
It could be leaking from the seal around that little shaft.
Now that the lever is soft, that means that it got low enough to allow air in the line.
At this point, my guess is that the best fix would be a new master cylinder......and then a proper flush and bleeding.