Finally got my act together after 2 years of neglect with the '85 FJ. I had RPM redo the carbs (good job!) and took the bike out for a test ride. When stopped in first gear with the clutch disengaged (ie handle in) it drags forward quite a bit. Enough to stall the bike with the brake on. The oil was fresh (10w50) 2 years ago prior to laying the bike up. I've not disassembled the clutch pack in quite a while and they are still the stock parts with 80,000 miles. The clutch master is an adopted FJR unit. This is a new phenomenon as it wasn't happening 2 years ago. My initial though is it's the master not pushing the slave far enough...thoughts?
Motofun,
Probably correct, but if it worked normally before, chances are you need to bleed the clutch hydraulics. Continue the bleeding process until you get only clean new fluid from the slave cylinder. When finished, tie the clutch lever back to the handgrip with rope and leave it overnight. If you have problems getting all of the air out of the hose, you can get bleeder banjo bolts now that replace the banjo bolts at the master cylinder, maybe US$ 25.00 ~ US$30.00 each at the right shops. Always replace the hydraulic washers when replacing banjo bolts. HTH.
https://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BanjoBoltBleeder
I had the same problem with one of my 1100's . I had the stock master cylinder so this probably doesn't apply to your FJR master cylinder.
On mine the aluminum clutch lever pushed directly against the master cylinder plunger. Over time that portion of the lever slowly wore down shortening the stroke of the plunger until it no longer fully disengaged the clutch.
Fresh oil two years ago probably isn't fresh oil now. Unless it has been in a continuously temperature and humidity controlled environment I would change the oil. True "fresh" oil may likely cure the clutch drag with a little riding - getting the oil fully up to temp and exercising the clutch to help get fresh oil to the clutch plates.
Quote from: Motofun on May 25, 2025, 06:39:00 AMThe clutch master is an adopted FJR unit. This is a new phenomenon as it wasn't happening 2 years ago. My initial though is it's the master not pushing the slave far enough...thoughts?
Motofun,
The FJR clutch handle has a brass bushing inside that pushes the clutch rod into the master cylinder. These things wear out, but it's a cheap fix.
Index #4, click this link for FICHE:
#4 clutch rod bushing (https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha/motorcycle/2008/fjr-1300a-fjr13axb/front-master-cylinder-2)
PIX:
(https://user.xmission.com/~red/Brass%20Bushing.jpg)