Triumphrat

JohnTex · 11-13-2009, 12:18 AM

Fairly new 2008 sprint owner (3 months, 3k miles), with a question about the clutch- is the following a common attribute of the bike, or something to discuss with my dealer?

For quite a while, I have had issues with downshifting the bike, where it always seemed to fight against the first attempt to shift. Now I have noticed a correlation: after fully pulling the clutch lever, there is usually a pause (I can sometimes count to 2 or 3) before the clutch engages and I can hear/feel the engine spin freely. If I try to downshift in this time, I can't.

So my question: is this delay on clutch engagement normal? I am not that experienced of a rider- my only other bike was a 2007 FZ6 which I put ~18k miles on in 2 yrs, and didn't have this problem on it. Now I did tend to see a degradation in shifting performance on the FZ as my Mobil 1 oil approached its 4k mile change interval, but I am not even half-way to the change intervalon the sprint.

J

caddydaddy · 11-13-2009, 12:23 AM

Is the cable adjusted correctly? It stretches a bit when it's new, and I had a dragging clutch when my bike had around the same mileage as yours.

oldndumb · 11-13-2009, 08:54 AM

The answer to your question is no, your description of your clutch operation is not normal.

There could be several causes, but before worrying about them, the first thing that needs to be done is to verify that your clutch adjustments are correct. That should have been done as part of the delivery procedure. After that, it becomes an owner responsibility. The owner's manual has instructions.

Some oils are better than others in regard to clutch/xmission operation, but none should affect it to the degree you describe.

If that does not fix it, take it to your dealer. BTW, when discussing clutch operations, lever in is clutch dis-engaged.

mattigar · 11-13-2009, 01:54 PM

I recenlty had some an issues with getting my 06 to go into neutral. It didn't want to. A quick clutch cable adjustment fixed the problem. They stretch a little over time. A very easy fix.

Bruce C · 11-13-2009, 02:31 PM

I had a clutch release or dragging problem on my '08 Sprint when the engine was first started in the morning. The transmission would really hammer when engaging first gear. The only way you could safely engage first gear was to hold the clutch lever in for 5sec. before trying to put it into first gear. I had this hard cold engagement since the bike was new and didn't get to first base with my original dealer. Changed to a different dealer and things got cracking on my first visit.
The dealer pre-arranged for a warranty claim and I dropped the bike off at my convenience for an overnight stay. The dealer removed the clutch and soaked the plates overnight in oil (as directed by Triumph factory). The clutch was re-installed the next day and I never had a clutch release problem since (2,500mi.).
The dealer said the factory told him that a few engines were assembled without properly oiled clutch plates.
I don't know if this relates exactly to your problem, but it might.

rs_tt · 11-13-2009, 05:12 PM

The clutch on my 2008, was dragging as well, it cleared up at aprox. 2500k ,it seem`s to have started after the first sevice, I suspect the oil . if you dis engage the clutch a few times when cold ,before you put the bike in gear, it really lessens the clunk. the shifting has gotten easier too, try not closing the throttle when down shifting or double clutching.
other than a leaky shifter seal, I think my st is breaking in nicely, but its been my experience , triumphs take about 10000km to break in.

ioneater · 11-14-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnTex

Fairly new 2008 sprint owner (3 months, 3k miles), with a question about the clutch- is the following a common attribute of the bike, or something to discuss with my dealer?

For quite a while, I have had issues with downshifting the bike, where it always seemed to fight against the first attempt to shift. Now I have noticed a correlation: after fully pulling the clutch lever, there is usually a pause (I can sometimes count to 2 or 3) before the clutch engages and I can hear/feel the engine spin freely. If I try to downshift in this time, I can't.

So my question: is this delay on clutch engagement normal? I am not that experienced of a rider- my only other bike was a 2007 FZ6 which I put ~18k miles on in 2 yrs, and didn't have this problem on it. Now I did tend to see a degradation in shifting performance on the FZ as my Mobil 1 oil approached its 4k mile change interval, but I am not even half-way to the change intervalon the sprint.

J

I went through the EXACT same issues at approximately the same mileage as yours. I was concerned as it took a lot of down pressure to force the shift unless I held the clutch in for 5-10 secs first. At the time I was using Shell Rotella 5w-40 full synth oil. Took it to the dealer, he showed me parts manual pictures to explain why these transmissions can be finicky do to their gear design. He then recommended changing to a different oil, which I did. Problem went away after one good ride! Now it practically shifts itself at 6500 miles. I used a locally available racing oil called Dumonde 15w-40 synthetic and now use it in all our Triumphs.

Bottom line: I bet oil will solve your problem!

HTH