I'm new to the world of dry clutches with my recently purchased 2002 900ss. Previously my 1999 750ss had a wet clutch.
I've been riding the bike to and from work over the last week. This involved a lot of stopping and starting in traffic. I have noticed that when moving away in 1st gear, from a complete standstill, just as I let the clutch out there is a low pitched "squeek" (that doesn't really describe it very well) and a feeling of something slipping. This doesn't seem to happen in any other gear when the bike is in motion.
I have however noticed that it also occurs to a small degree if I go down through the gears and use engine breaking heavily. Just as the gear engages there is a very brief "slip".
Now, my thoughts are that the clutch is buggered. But the bike has only done less than 5,000 miles. Surely a clutch is good for longer than this? I've done 15k on my 750ss with a wet clutch and never had any problems. Do dry clutches give out much sooner/easier?
Any other suggestions as to what might be causing this if it isn't the clutch?
Phil Easiest way to tell is to pull the plates, a 10 - 15 minute job. It could just be 5K worth of dust build up in the clutch which you can clean out. Whilst the plates are out you can take a peek at them to see how badly ( if at all ) they're worn but usually it's a matter of cleaning the pack & that sorts most problems. Andy
My own bike's clutch has been doing the same thing for the last two thousand miles - including 'chirping' on downshift - but it will still take full throttle in a high gear without slipping. I'd agree, it's probably just dust build up.
As you take the plates out, clean each one & then stack them in order!!!!!!! To help getting the plain plates out, a magnetic pickup tool is very useful, especially as you get further down the pack. Andy