1990 FJ 1200 clutch pulls to handle bar without resistance, bike wont shift gear

[NHFJ1200]

Hi,

I am a NOOB and not a great mechanic but usually can fix easy-to-medium difficulty with cars and bikes I know about. The  FJ is new to me. It is a US version and it is housed in NH. It is overall in great shape and quite a bike. I rode irregularly for a couple months without issue. Went on a long business trip for 1.5 months this summer and when I came back I went to go for a ride on the FJ and noticed the clutch pulled back to the handlebar without they typical resistance (basically no resistance). I saw fluid on the pavement below the front of the bike and there was not much fluid left in the reservoir (well below the fill line). I put more in and did a quick (probably not the best) bleed but still the clutch handle pulled back very easy and the bike would not shift. Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Mike

[FJmonkey]

Welcome Mike. You still have air in the clutch fluid. Knowing that your clutch slaved leaked is most likely where the air is getting in. Since the slave will not heal it self it needs to be rebuilt with new seals or replaced with a new one. If your FJ still has the lower (chin) fairing, take it off and give it a really good hosing off with water. The DOT3 or 4 will weaken the ABS plastic and cause it to break. Give the clutch area a good rinse as well to preserve whats left of the paint.

Either way you go with the save you get what you need here www.rpmracingca.com
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Clutch%3A5EA-16381-00%3A36y-16381-00
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Clutch%3AS%2FK&cat=39

Randy or Robert are very helpful and knowledgeable with our FJs. Good prices and quick shipping.

You could try bleeding it again and get the clutch work, but remember it is leaking and could leave you stranded. The FJ is not a fun bike to push.

[edit]
Just an FYI: Parking your FJ for more than 3 to 4 weeks without a fuel stabilizer is asking for trouble. The pilot jets are small and clog quickly with our Ethanol mixed fuel. 

[NHFJ1200]

FJmonkey,

Thank you for such a kind welcome and extremely helpful post including links to parts needed (such a great help and I thank you for taking the time to do that).

I also appreciate the advice about not running the bike for more than 3-4 weeks and associated possible issues with clogs. I will definitely take that to heart. I pushed my 2003 R1 for half a mile on a hot summer day (up a decent hill for much of that) to a gas station and was not enthused with that so I imagine the FJ would be significantly less pleasant of a push.

Thank you again for your kindness,
Mike

[FJmonkey]

Mike, now that you know at least one member on this forum is helpful, wonder over to the introduction section. We like to hear about what you ride, how you found your FJ and anything else you can think of. OH, I should mention that RPM can be very addictive, they offer parts custom designed for the FJ. The Gatway drug to (Moditus) is the spin-on oil filter adapter.

Mark

[aviationfred]

If the leak was from the slave cylinder, the puddle would show up near where the side stand is when extended. I noticed you mentioned your find of a puddle near the front of the bike. Inspect the clutch master cylinder where the clutch lever pushes the plunger in on the master cylinder. It should be completely dry. If it is wet, that is your leak. As previously stated, check for any signs of the brake fluid on you gas tank, the black shroud between the gas tank and the main fairing and the main fairing itself. Brake fluid plays hell with ABS plastic.
RPM sells clutch master cylinder rebuild kits.

Fred