SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400
Clutch siezed
Mikep328:
Went to the bike today to take a short ride and after warming up a bit, got on, pulled in clutch lever and selected 1st. Bike immediately lurched forward and stalled. Clutch discs/steels had obviously seized. I have seen this on cars when clutch discs got wet and then sat for a period of time but don't understand how it can happen on a clutch submerged in oil!
It was no big deal - did the same thing I have done with car clutches in that situation. I put the bike in the highest gear, pulled the lever in to "disengage" the clutch, applied the brakes and then engaged the starter which immediately freed the clutch. I then went out on a short ride in the rain.
I can't figure out how the clutch plates can seize while in an oil bath! It had not been ridden in about 6 weeks. I had done work during that period with the engine running/bike in neutral but had not used the clutch/changed gears at all.
Johnwebley:
Most of the sohc bikes suffer the same,
The clutch is pressed together by the springs, and the plates just stick,
No rust,
I suggest before the ride, kick it over with the clutch pulled in till they free up,
Or,ride it more often,
Don't worry, just learn how to deal with it
Sent from my SM-A546E using Tapatalk
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
My old XJ900 clutch would stick every winter - I would start it up on the stand, engage 2nd or 3rd gear rev it to about 3k then holding the throttle apply the footbrake - worked fine for the many years I owned her.
I think Johns method using the kick start is kinder to the drive train.
TrickyMicky:
--- Quote from: Mikep328 on August 14, 2024, 03:03:21 PM ---Went to the bike today to take a short ride and after warming up a bit, got on, pulled in clutch lever and selected 1st. Bike immediately lurched forward and stalled. Clutch discs/steels had obviously seized. I have seen this on cars when clutch discs got wet and then sat for a period of time but don't understand how it can happen on a clutch submerged in oil!
It was no big deal - did the same thing I have done with car clutches in that situation. I put the bike in the highest gear, pulled the lever in to "disengage" the clutch, applied the brakes and then engaged the starter which immediately freed the clutch. I then went out on a short ride in the rain.
I can't figure out how the clutch plates can seize while in an oil bath! It had not been ridden in about 6 weeks. I had done work during that period with the engine running/bike in neutral but had not used the clutch/changed gears at all.
--- End quote ---
Everyday occurence with most bike clutches unfortunately. With all due respect I would not use the starter motor to free it off, that's asking for expensive trouble. I use either of the other suggestions, ie. kick start or engine running then rear brake. Many years ago my bike was off the road for about 5 years, and believe me that clutch was well and truly stuck I did not fancy a dismantling job, so I discovered that if you remove the dipstick the edges of the plates are visible. The clutch lever on the handlebars was lashed into the open position, and gentle use with a flat screwdriver the plates were separated whils turning the engine over a bit at a time with the kickstart, and yes, it worked. My 48 year old clutch plates are still operating well. (And sticking!!!)
Mikep328:
Seemed odd - the bike sat for 5 months while we were in the USA and the week I got back here I rode it - no sticking clutch. Then it sat for 4-5 weeks and had a sticking clutch. I don't understand the dynamics! One of those mysteries, I guess!
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