Topic: Stuck clutch plates after winter

[evanphi]

Getting Rhonda back up and running for spring... clutch plates seem to be stuck like a peanutbutter and honey sandwich.

Should I just start it in neutral on the centre stand and let the oil warm up and circulate and then pop it to first and gradually let the clutch out?

I think all the oil is pretty coagulated down there... it was having trouble switching gears, too. Maybe some Seafoam in the cylinders to drip down overnight?

[ekpent]

That's quite common. Start up the bike,maybe tie the clutch handle back with a rope for awhile. Let the engine and oil warm up . If it still has not broke free after a bit, with the engine off, put it in third gear, let out the clutch and rock it back and forth a little to break it free. Don't tear it all apart yet.

[evanphi]

That's what I figured, just wanted to see if anyone else had similar experiences.

[Frostyboy]

I've had that problem forever with my 550. I find the easiest way to free it up is to have the bike in neutral, pull the clutch lever in & operate the kick starter until the clutch breaks free. Leave the fuel & ignition OFF until she frees up.
I've found an improvement since changing to another oil, but I'm not silly enough to start another 'Oil Thread'.