Clutch going out ???

[dingdong]

I sometimes get an internal rattle from the engine, sitting with tranny in gear with clutch lever pulled in. No slipping but beginning to down shift hard. (clunk). Up shifts okay. Drained oil and found small brown flakes in the oil. I suspect the clutch friction discs are disintegrating but would like your learned opinions, please. If this is the clutch are there parts to be had? And what parts do I need?

[quasi2008]

I think maybe Baker makes a clutch pak for it.

[Aussie81Interstate]

Have the clutch plates ever been changed and what is the mileage on the bike - might give some insight into your issue.

[dingdong]

No the clutch has never been rebuilt. Mileage is 77k miles.

[SnoBrdr]

No the clutch has never been rebuilt. Mileage is 77k miles.

Barely broken in.

[Aussie81Interstate]

Well I reckon it would be worth investigating the clutch plates.

If I can subtract correctly if you have a 1976 GL1000 then it is the young age of 42 years young - not saying there may be anything wrong with the plates, but I think you should at least have a peek a boo at their condition - 42 years without being changed - the friction disks I believe could possibly deteriorate over this time. imho

[dingdong]

Well you guys aren't much help. lol. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and pull the clutch plates for inspection. I suspect that with all of the particles floating in the oil that the plates are going bad. Oh well!