There are a few reasons why your dirt bike clutch might not be disengaging properly. One possibility is that the clutch cable is adjusted too tightly. This can cause the clutch to stay engaged longer than it should, making it difficult to shift gears. Another possibility is that the clutch plates are worn out and need to be replaced. Worn clutch plates can cause the bike to slip out of gear, or make it difficult to engage the clutch at all. Finally, if you’ve recently changed the oil in your bike, it’s possible that the new oil is too thick and is preventing the clutch from disengaging properly.
What Is Clutch Drag?
As anyone who has ridden a dirt bike knows, the clutch is an essential component. It helps to regulate the amount of power that is transferred from the engine to the wheels, and it also allows the rider to change gears. However, if the clutch is not properly adjusted, it can cause a condition known as “clutch drag.”
This occurs when the clutch does not release fully, causing the engine to rev without actually moving the bike. Not only does this make it difficult to ride, but it can also damage the engine. To prevent clutch drag, it is important to make sure that the clutch cable is adjusted correctly. This will ensure that the clutch releases fully and that the engine is able to operate at its proper speed. There are several reasons to this problem and today we are going to fix them all.
How To Fix Clutch Drag On A Dirt Bike?
There are several reasons for this problem and we are going to discuss these problems and their solutions in detail, so keep reading!
1- Cable Too Tight
If your clutch cable is too tight, it will cause the clutch to stay engaged longer than it should. This can make it difficult to shift gears, and also puts extra wear on the clutch plates. To fix this, simply adjust the cable so that it has a little bit of slack.
To adjust the cable you need a 10 mm wrench. Start with the bike in neutral and the engine off. Then, find the adjuster nut on the cable (it will be located near the handlebars). Loosen the nut until there is about 1/8″ of play in the cable. You may need to readjust the cable a few times to get the tension just right.
2- Worn Clutch Plates
If your clutch plates are worn out, they will need to be replaced. They can make it difficult to get the bike into gear or cause the motorcycle to slip out of gear. To check if your clutch plates are worn out, remove the cover and inspect them. If they are discolored or damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Removing the cover is really a simple task, only requiring a few tools that you probably already have. You will need a socket wrench and an 8 mm socket to remove the bolts holding the cover on. Once the cover is off, take a look at the clutch plates. If they are damaged or discolored, they need to be replaced.
3- Oil Too Thick
If you’ve recently changed the oil in your bike, it’s possible that the new oil is too thick and is preventing the clutch from disengaging properly. This is most likely to happen if you’ve used a different brand of oil than what was previously on the bike. To fix this, simply drain the oil and replace it with a lighter-weight oil.
Draining the oil is a pretty simple process, but you will need a few tools. First, you’ll need a drain pan to catch the oil. Once the plug is removed, the oil will start draining out. Let it drain until it stops completely, then replaces the plug. Next, you’ll need to remove the oil filter. Again, let the oil drain out completely before replacing the filter. Finally, fill the bike with fresh oil and check the level. It should be at the full mark on the dipstick.
4- Warped Clutch Plates
Warped clutch plates are a common issue among dirt bike riders. The good news is that there are a few easy fixes. One popular fix is to simply sand the plates down until they are flat again. This can be done by hand or with a power sander, and it’s important to make sure that both sides of the plate are sanded evenly.
Another fix is to replace the clutch plates with new ones. This is obviously more expensive than sanding them down, but it’s a good option if the plates are severely damaged. Finally, some riders prefer to replace the entire clutch assembly with an aftermarket one. This is usually only necessary if the stock assembly is worn out or not working properly. Warped clutch plates are a nuisance, but they don’t have to ruin your ride. With a little troubleshooting, you can get them fixed in no time.
5- Grooved Clutch Basket
If your clutch basket is grooved, it will cause the bike to slip out of gear. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the basket. This is a pretty straightforward process, but you will need a few tools. First, you’ll need to remove the engine (this can usually be done by unbolting it from the frame). Once the engine is out, remove the clutch cover and basket. The basket will be held in place by six bolts. Remove these bolts and then slide the old basket out.
To install the new basket, simply reverse the process. Slide the new basket into place and then bolt it down. Be sure to torque the bolts to factory specs. Once the basket is in place, you can reinstall the engine and clutch cover. Be sure to check the oil level before starting the engine.
6- Sticking Clutch Plates
If your clutch plates are sticking, it will cause the bike to slip out of gear. This is usually caused by old or dirty oil. To fix this, simply change the oil and then check the clutch plates. If they are still sticking, you may need to replace them.
Conclusion
That’s it! These are the most common reasons why a dirt bike clutch might not be disengaging properly. If you’re still having trouble, take the bike to a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis.
