A Few No0b Questions After Tinkering a Little...

[Anahn E. Moo]

Turns out, it’s probably just dirty fluid, and a clogged cylinder. They’re going to replace all fluids and do an oil change. I’d venture to guess the original owner never had anything changed. 😑

Well, update. It needs a clutch. 😑 The previous owner appears to never have changed the fluids in this bike, and the dirty fluids led to the ruination of the clutch.

[98valk]

I'm no expert mechanic, but I don't see how not changing the fluids would destroy the clutch.
I imagine once they change out the clutch and the problem still exists, they will then repair the real problem, and you will never know ....
How many miles?

[F6Dave]

I'm no expert mechanic, but I don't see how not changing the fluids would destroy the clutch.
I imagine once they change out the clutch and the problem still exists, they will then repair the real problem, and you will never know ....
How many miles?

Agreed. I'm sure many owners of all kinds of motorcycles never change the clutch fluid. I have a 22 year old Valkyrie with 175,000 miles, and I've changed the fluid once. The clutch still works fine.

[Cleaver1]

They probably used oil with friction modifiers which are so slippery they will make the clutch slip. I would change to rotella put on a few miles then change again. Make sure nothing is in the bottom of the circle on the oil you use.

[Anahn E. Moo]

I'm no expert mechanic, but I don't see how not changing the fluids would destroy the clutch.
I imagine once they change out the clutch and the problem still exists, they will then repair the real problem, and you will never know ....
How many miles?

I'm certainly no mechanic either. The way it was explained to me is
that clutch fluid somehow had contaminants it that clogged the port
it's supposed to flow through. This resulted in the bike being driven
for an unknown (long) period of time like the clutch was pulled halfway
in the whole time. In addition, there's no telling how horrible of a
rider the previous owner was. The bike only has 15,000 miles, so it
was shocking that the clutch was gone.

But anyway, here we are. The dealer who sold it to me is paying for
the labor for the repair. I had to fight to get that much, and I should
have fought more, but I got tired of dealing with it. I'm also having
every last fluid changed in the bike.

[Anahn E. Moo]

I'm certainly no mechanic either. The way it was explained to me is
that clutch fluid somehow had contaminants it that clogged the port
it's supposed to flow through. This resulted in the bike being driven
for an unknown (long) period of time like the clutch was pulled halfway
in the whole time. In addition, there's no telling how horrible of a
rider the previous owner was. The bike only has 15,000 miles, so it
was shocking that the clutch was gone.

But anyway, here we are. The dealer who sold it to me is paying for
the labor for the repair. I had to fight to get that much, and I should
have fought more, but I got tired of dealing with it. I'm also having
every last fluid changed in the bike.

Just an update for those who care. $2600 later, I’m finally good to
go. My mechanic said the clutch plates were "burned to a crisp".
I’m not sure how that happens in 15,000 miles, but that’s what it
was. The clutch needed to be replaced, plus the entire hub the
clutch sits in. Changed all the fluids out, too, of course. Anyway,
got all my goodies installed except my gear indicator, and I’m
waiting on delivery of my Ultimate Seats Midrider. Now that all
the clutch parts have been replaced, this thing rides like new.
It’s amazing. Looking forward to taking some trips soon! Thanks
for all the answers to my no0b questions!

[tenxxx]

Or it could have been drag raced?

[SeaSteve]

Well, update. It needs a clutch.  The previous owner appears to never have changed the fluids in this bike, and the dirty fluids led to the ruination of the clutch.

If the engine oil wasn't changed assume the rest of the fluids haven't been changed. You should probable have the rear drive oil, coolant, break and clutch fluid changed while it's there.

Here are "MY" answers to your remaining questions...

3) I removed the badges, which went well, except there is some discoloration under the "Anniversary Eagle" and the "H" and "N" of the front HONDA badge. It has no varying texture to the touch. Any recommendations on
remedying that on a matte silver?
Don't think anyone has found a perfect solution to the "shadows" left behind by removing the Factory Honda Decals. My solution was to cover with new decals.

8) Are the stock stereo speakers silver in the middle? Not sure if mine are stock or aftermarket.
I replaced my stock speakers with J&M Performance XT Faring Speakers, that have a large silver center on the diaphragm. They are a little bit louder but still not great at 70+MPH with a low windshield.

[wjduke]

This clutch fluid everyone is talking about...doesn’t the clutch and engine use the same oil? The fluid in the hose just controls the shifting mechanism, I thought. That doesn’t get to the clutch. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. It’s kind of like saying the brake fluid ruined your brakes.

[Az Wingrider]

This clutch fluid everyone is talking about...doesn’t the clutch and engine use the same oil? The fluid in the hose just controls the shifting mechanism, I thought. That doesn’t get to the clutch. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. It’s kind of like saying the brake fluid ruined your brakes.

Dirty clutch fluid can clog the return port in the clutch slave cylinder which could result in the clutch not fully engaging. Similar situation to holding the clutch lever partially disengaged to keep the clutch in the friction zone.

Az Wingrider