1997 RF600 clutch not disengaging completely

**Driftmonkey** · 24th April 2015, 14:50

Bike had been sitting for 4 years, just did a oil filter and oil change. Everything runs fine but it won't shift into second properly at high RPM. So I investigated further and the clutch isn't disengaging fully. Sort of lurches forward a bit if I start it in first. Sticky clutch plates? Stretched clutch cable? Runs 100% and shifts fine in any other gear. Have tried adjusting at the lever and down at the cable near the engine.

**Driftmonkey** · 24th April 2015, 14:58

Just going to replace the clutch and see what happens. First and only owner says he doesn't recall replacing the clutch on the bike and its done 70,000kms.

**haydes55** · 24th April 2015, 17:01

The plates might just be sticky from old oil. Get the plates out, if they aren't too thin and the springs are plenty strong. Then give them a good clean up, use a scouring pad. If they look too smooth, replace them.

**jellywrestler** · 24th April 2015, 17:53

might be worth using the bike for a while, it should get an oil change after sitting for a while then that might help clean it all out.

**tigertim20** · 24th April 2015, 19:26

two suggestions
1. take it for a decent ride and see if it gets any better. if its been sitting a while a good ride can clear a lot of issues.
2. have a look at the manual (or download one) - I'm not particularly familiar with the rf600, but many bikes will have clutch issues if you use the wrong grade of oil. what did you put in it?
3. adjust at the lever, and again, not familiar with the particular model, but theres usually another adjuster down by where the cable enters the engine casing, check that and adjust (AFTER checking the above)

**mossy1200** · 24th April 2015, 21:29

Get it nice and warm on a good ride. Turn it off and rock it back and forward while sitting on it in second with the clutch pulled most of the way.

**T.W.R** · 24th April 2015, 23:45

Originally Posted by tigertim20

3. adjust at the lever, and again, not familiar with the particular model, but theres usually another adjuster down by where the cable enters the engine casing, check that and adjust (AFTER checking the above)

loosen off adjuster at the lever 1st then do the major adjustment at the lower adjuster, once that's done fine tune at the upper adjuster to set the correct freeplay between the perch & lever head (usually about 4mm at the leading edge)