clutch question

[travisfraughton]

I run a couple of kfx 450's, 2008 models. and 1 of them (only been out maybe 3-4 times) all of a sudden is having clutch issues. the clutch won't fully disengage, i.e. when i rev up and let out the clutch, the engine over revs and it is noticeable that it's only partially engaging. I have adjusted the cable a little bit, but can't fully get the problem to disappear. anyone else had this problem? any advice is very appreciated.

[ononewheel]

i never liked how the stock cable felt especially when the bike gets hot!always had to adjust the cable to get it to feel right!well i ended u getting the streamline hydrolic clutch kit!self adjusting so when it get hot it adjusts accordingly!maybe your cables stretched out or maybe it just needs adjusting!maybe pull your clutch cover off and inspect your clutch plates!maybe your springs are worn!
i also just recently did a complete hinson clutch set up basket/plates and im liking it so far handles the heat much better!

[travisfraughton]

I run these as part of a rental fleet, and will not be putting any aftermarket clutch on, at least until the stock ones need to be replaced. Doesn't seem like the clutch should be worn too badly having only been used on a couple of rides. looked at the little plunger/lever that the clutch cable is connected to and it's working fine. I have read of a couple people who's cable got pinched somewhere so it wouldn't move when they used the hand lever. but it looks to be working just fine. Is there a spot other than on the handle bars that I can adjust?

[travisfraughton]

ok a few more details.
my coworker adjusted it a little one way, and upon startup it would creep a little, even with the clutch pulled all the way in. so we adjusted it the other way, and the creeping stopped, but then when I let out the clutch, it will begin to move, but if I rev, the engine will run as though I was riding the clutch and it doesn't fully disengage. I hope those details may help.

[ononewheel]

ok i looked at the online parts diagram and it looks like theres a similar adjustment at the motor side!so id try this!
adjust the lever side all the way in!
then try adjusting at the motor side outward!
check the clucth and if it starts to feel ok you can use the lever adjustment to fine tune it!
if this doesnt work than maybe replace the cable that be an inexpensive fix
now have you inspected the plates?or ever taken them out?
hope this helps!
oh another thing i noticed w/ these 450's have you ever used this bike to maybe tow another?or is the clucth being slipped alot!if so id bet your plates are worn!

[travisfraughton]

where did you find the online diagram?
I don't believe it has been used to tow any other quads, this one is a 2008 model, but was brand new in september. (dealership never sold it). I wouldn't think that the plates could be worn this quick, but of course it might only take 1 ride with someone who really doesn't know what they are doing.

[ononewheel]

Originally Posted by travisfraughton

where did you find the online diagram?
I don't believe it has been used to tow any other quads, this one is a 2008 model, but was brand new in september. (dealership never sold it). I wouldn't think that the plates could be worn this quick, but of course it might only take 1 ride with someone who really doesn't know what they are doing.

i just used motosport.com oem parts finder!
oh what about oil?
if your runnin full synthetic this may be the issue also its not reccomended and says it may cause the clucth to slip!i run a blend which has given me no trouble!
if you are then switch may take 1 or 2 or even 3 oil changes to notice!

[travisfraughton]

thanks for the tip for motosport.com, I'm sure i will make good use of that tool.
as far as oil, I'd have to be currently running whatever was put in when the bike was built. assuming the dealership does what kawasaki recommends, what would I find in there, fully synthetic or a blend? thanks ononewheel, you're a big help.

[travisfraughton]

tried adjusting some more today, tightened up the cable, eventually while trying to get it correct, got the cable tight enough that the bike wouldn't move when i released the clutch lever, (clutch still engaged) so i began loosening the cable. got it as loose as the handlebar adjuster will go, and it still doesn't fully disengage. I see where I can adjust the cable down by the motor, 2 nuts on either side of a little wrap around mount as best i can describe it. tried to get a 12 mm wrench in there and couldn't budge the nut on the clutch side. can't get to the nut on the throttle side without taking more stuff apart. wondering if I can find a way to adjust there if the problem might be solved. I don't believe the cable has been stretched as I can adjust it far enough to keep the clutch engaged all the time, so I doubt I'll need to replace the cable. anyone ever actually adjusted the cable tension down by the motor? any tricks i need to know? thanks

[ononewheel]

Originally Posted by travisfraughton

thanks for the tip for motosport.com, I'm sure i will make good use of that tool.
as far as oil, I'd have to be currently running whatever was put in when the bike was built. assuming the dealership does what kawasaki recommends, what would I find in there, fully synthetic or a blend? thanks ononewheel, you're a big help.

if your dealers doin it then i doubt its synthetic so thats good they may use a blend?