Something not right (tm)

[Lias]

Being that I'm fucking clueless when it comes to the mechanical side of things I'm looking for some advice.

Lately something just doesnt seem right with my marauder. It's not particularly noticable around town, but when I took it on the open road the other day for the first time in weeks it was alot more noticeable.

At the higher end of each gears range, the bike doesnt sound right, almost as if its over-revving (a bit like the sound the bike makes if you change down messily or put it into neutral while still going too fast). It also seemed to be ALOT more gutless in 4th and 5th on the open road. Normally I can accelerate up to 140ish quickly in 5th, then slowly work my way upwards from there. Yesterday that slow spot was kicking in at 100 in 5th, and I ran out of road before i got it over 130.

I'm dreading this being horrendously expensive, but am going to take it into the shop later this week, would just like some thoughts on what it could be.

[Ixion]

Slipping clutch ?

[Lias]

That sounds expensive?

[Ixion]

Not terribly. And usually easy enough to do y'self.

[Lias]

Would now be a good time to mention that I've given up trying to learn how to adjust my chain properly and just pay to get it done at the shop? :-)

[imdying]

At the higher end of each gears range, the bike doesnt sound right, almost as if its over-revving (a bit like the sound the bike makes if you change down messily or put it into neutral while still going too fast).

Sounds like a slipping clutch. What happens if you put it in 6th as soon as possible, and open the throttle fully?

[Lias]

Sounds like a slipping clutch. What happens if you put it in 6th as soon as possible, and open the throttle fully?

Bike only goes to 5th :-)

[ManDownUnder]

Mate save yourself some cash, find a KBer handy that can look at the clutch cable adjustment (assuming that's what it is).

If the diagnosis is correct it's only 2 mins work (literally)...

[imdying]

Bike only goes to 5th :-)

Use your imagination then... what happens if you try the above trick in 5th?

[ManDownUnder]

In case it's handy... the procedure - complete with pics.

http://roadstarclinic.com/content/view/81/112/

[stanko]

Did you change the oil recently and use some flash car oil? Often the friction modifiers (splecial slippery shit) in the oil cause the clutch to slip because the clutch is swimming in the oil. You need a plain oil that is designed for 4 stroke bikes, I think castrol GTX is a suitable oil and pretty cheap if you have to use car oil.

[xwhatsit]

Did you change the oil recently and use some flash car oil? Often the friction modifiers (splecial slippery shit) in the oil cause the clutch to slip because the clutch is swimming in the oil. You need a plain oil that is designed for 4 stroke bikes, I think castrol GTX is a suitable oil and pretty cheap if you have to use car oil.

Damn straight, when I used some car oil after my engine rebuild (500kms then proper oil), even my little mellow 248cc single was slipping off the line when I nailed it.

Of course it looks like dear Lias doesn't do his own oil changes if he doesn't adjust his chain, so maybe the shop put something funny in?

[Lias]

Damn straight, when I used some car oil after my engine rebuild (500kms then proper oil), even my little mellow 248cc single was slipping off the line when I nailed it.

Of course it looks like dear Lias doesn't do his own oil changes if he doesn't adjust his chain, so maybe the shop put something funny in?

Didnt change the oil, but I did top it up a month or two ago with err "Shell Helix plus 1040"

[avgas]

Didnt change the oil, but I did top it up a month or two ago with err "Shell Helix plus 1040"

Was your oil low? putting too much oil in is also a bad thing. Especially when you have to ask yourself where the oil is going.

[Lias]

Was your oil low? putting too much oil in is also a bad thing. Especially when you have to ask yourself where the oil is going.

Yeah it was really low