GN250 clutch weirdness

[swbarnett]

On up shifting, same as you, but on downshifting I use engine braking + brakes, however cant say I slip the clutch to slow the bike down. That sounds like a good way to wear them out.

I don't slip all the time, more when I'm trying to stop in a hurry and maximising the braking.

As a side note, I've had 5 other bikes and rode each of them for up to 50,000km in the same manner with no problems (all but one have been Hondas, maybe they're just built better). I also do the same in our Honda Accord and so far I've replaced the clutch twice, once at 150,000km and again at around 300,000.

Also do you put your bike into neutral when you come to stops at lights etc?

Generally not, want to be ready to move if some idiot fails to stop behind me.

Wrong type of oil / friction plates worn-out.

Been using the oil as stated on the filler cap (10W-40).

[swbarnett]

I heard back from Holeshot yesterday. It turns out that the fibre plates are badly worn and what I experienced was two worn plates sticking together.

Looks like I'll have to stop using engine braking on the GN unless absolutely necessary.

I think the price of replacement fibre plates says a lot - only $100.

[Badjelly]

I heard back from Holeshot yesterday. It turns out that the fibre plates are badly worn and what I experienced was two worn plates sticking together.

Looks like I'll have to stop using engine braking on the GN unless absolutely necessary.

I think the price of replacement fibre plates says a lot - only $100.

Thanks. I didn't know wear could lead to sticking like that. Useful info.

You can still use engine braking if you "blip" the throttle on downshifts to equalise the speeds of the two sides of the clutch before releasing the lever.

You think $100 for a plate is cheap? It's just a simple fibre disc isn't it? $100 for that doesn't sound cheap to me, except in comparison to all the other grossly overpriced spares. I was told an entire clutch assembly for my Mazda Familia would be $300-400. (But that was 3 years ago and I've been driving around with an worn-out clutch since then. The only problem is grabbiness, which requires more careful engagement.)

[mark247]

Thanks. I didn't know wear could lead to sticking like that. Useful info.

You can still use engine braking if you "blip" the throttle on downshifts to equalise the speeds of the two sides of the clutch before releasing the lever.

You think $100 for a plate is cheap? It's just a simple fibre disc isn't it? $100 for that doesn't sound cheap to me, except in comparison to all the other grossly overpriced spares. I was told an entire clutch assembly for my Mazda Familia would be $300-400. (But that was 3 years ago and I've been driving around with an worn-out clutch since then. The only problem is grabbiness, which requires more careful engagement.)

A car clutch is totally different to a wet clutch so the prices are not really comparable. $300 - $400 for an entire clutch assembly ( presure plate etc ) on a car is not too bad. On ebay a clutch plate set for a GN250 is around $80NZD plus shipping. So i guess $100 for a one plate is a rip...

[Spuds1234]

He probably paid $100 for 2 fibres and a steel or something plus labour to install the parts and diagnose the problem.

Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

[Badjelly]

He probably paid $100 for 2 fibres and a steel or something plus labour to install the parts and diagnose the problem. Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

Yes. As I understood it, swbarnett was suggesting was that the low price indicated that the parts were of low quality. And I was saying it ain't necessarily so. (Though I have no idea whether the GN250 clutch plates are of low quality.)

[Spuds1234]

Well fibres for my bike worked out at 24 each, and steels were 20 each so thats $64 in parts and $40 for 2 hours labour.

Seems about right to me for what he paid.

I dont think the parts he got would be inferior or of low quality.

[swbarnett]

On ebay a clutch plate set for a GN250 is around $80NZD plus shipping. So i guess $100 for a one plate is a rip...

That's $100 for a full set of fibre disks (not sure how many). Holeshot was expecting a lot more.

I've been quoted this plus $30 for gaskets and one hour's labour. Was less than I was expecting but then I don't exactly have my finger on the pulse of the parts market.

[mark247]

That's $100 for a full set of fibre disks (not sure how many). Holeshot was expecting a lot more.

I've been quoted this plus $30 for gaskets and one hour's labour. Was less than I was expecting but then I don't exactly have my finger on the pulse of the parts market.

That sounds like a fair deal if you ask me.

[swbarnett]

That sounds like a fair deal if you ask me.

That's what I thought.