Clutch problem

[novatz]

2010 1800, 40k miles (actually 26k in the past 15 months since I traded my '05 with 150k miles). Last couple of days, back bike out of garage, put it in first gear - bike just wants to go forward WHILE I still have the clutch fully engaged (really have to hold the brake). To shift into neutral, I have to shut the bike off. If I begin my ride, it is almost impossible to shift into 2nd gear. After I have been out and about for a couple of miles - all is alright. If I stop any place and shut it off I have no problems when I restart.

I am reluctant to take it to my local Honda center since they messed up a few things last time it was serviced a few months ago (the red certified mechanic I trusted quit a few months ago).


Thanks in advance.

[Kurt J]

Couple of simple things to look at . Try adjusting the lever throw on the clutch handle......it might be adjusted to short. Try setting it to position number one. If that dose not work try bleeding the clutch system. There my be air in the lines or the brake oil (clutch fluid) may be old and needs to be flushed. If those to things don't work you may have to go further in.....but I dought it.
You may want to make sure you have the right motor oil in the motor also. This could also make the clutch drag when oil is cold on the first start up of the day.

Some bikes on first start up of the day with the eng. oil cold will have a clutch drag until the oil warms up. Some times you can see this when the bike is on its center stand when you start it. after you start it watch the back wheel....some times it will start spining even though it is not in gear. As the bike oil warms up it will stop. This does not hurt anything.

Some folks just call it "clutch drag". Others may use a different term.

[Asphaltmaniac]

I'd guess you probably need to rebuild the clutch master cyl. Bikebandit has the parts for $30 or so.

[novatz]

I have adjusted the clutch throw - had always been on 5 - down to 1. Seemed to initially help but that went away quickly. Will have to check the hydraulic reservoir - at half time.

[novatz]

BTW - forgot to ask regarding recommended hydraulic fluid if that's what I need.

[Kurt J]

Dot 4 brake fluid....

[GoldWingrGreg]

BTW - forgot to ask regarding recommended hydraulic fluid if that's what I need.

The type of fluid needed is wrote on the m/c cover. It will say brake fluid type 4. As for your other issue.

My thoughts:
- be sure to be changing the clutch fluid per Honda recommendations ... every 12k or sooner
- be sure to be using and OEM clutch lever, that the pivot bushing in the lever, the pivot pin, and the brass bushing are cleaned, inspected for wear, and lubed with silicon paste
- be sure to be using oil that agrees to all the recommendations and suggestions in the Owner's Manual. Recommendation and suggestions should be taken as a requirements
- check to see that your clutch lever is adjusted per the instruction in the Owner's Manual. Here is the path Owner's Manual > index > clutch system > clutch lever adjustment
- when starting out, be sure to operate the Wing as designed. Owner's Manual > index > gauges and indicators > coolant temperature gauge

Since the above is assumed, start with those suggestions first and report back.

[novatz]

Okay - got the proper fluid, took the reservoir apart. I put just a bit of fluid in the unit - both in the bottom and a bit in what looks like a diaphragm.

Question - does the fluid go in the black diaphragm only or in the reservoir itself?

I should have initially advised - I am mechanically challenged. I joke - it should be against the law to sell me a motor home because I am mechanically, electrically and plumbing challenged. But always willing to try.

[Kurt J]

Okay - got the proper fluid, took the reservoir apart. I put just a bit of fluid in the unit - both in the bottom and a bit in what looks like a diaphragm.

Question - does the fluid go in the black diaphragm only or in the reservoir itself?

I should have initially advised - I am mechanically challenged. I joke - it should be against the law to sell me a motor home because I am mechanically, electrically and plumbing challenged. But always willing to try.

You took it apart....and your mech. challenged??
No offence.....but take it to a dealer or bike shop.

[novatz]

Two screws - I can handle that much. And the local Honda shop no longer has a decent mechanic.

[GoldWingrGreg]

None goes in the rubber diaphragm. The diaphragm is the gasket or seal to keep it from leaking out. I too would suggest that you take it to a m/c shop for assistance.

[WingAdmin]

I'd suggest before anything else that the clutch system be flushed and bled. Air in the clutch line can cause exactly this problem.

[Rwilkerson]

I'd suggest before anything else that the clutch system be flushed and bled. Air in the clutch line can cause exactly this problem.

There might be air in the master cylinder, after I rebuilt mine had a heck of a time getting the system to bleed properly, I had to loosen the banjo bolt at the master and pump fluid till the cylinder needed refilling. Warning you will need to cover everything that fluid will take the paint off and distort plastic.
Ended up replacing the shelter as result. Do not let the fluid touch anything.

[WingAdmin]

I'd suggest before anything else that the clutch system be flushed and bled. Air in the clutch line can cause exactly this problem.

There might be air in the master cylinder, after I rebuilt mine had a heck of a time getting the system to bleed properly, I had to loosen the banjo bolt at the master and pump fluid till the cylinder needed refilling. Warning you will need to cover everything that fluid will take the paint off and distort plastic.
Ended up replacing the shelter as result. Do not let the fluid touch anything.

This is a very valid warning. If the brake fluid touches paint, it will destroy it very quickly. If brake fluid touches bare ABS plastic (i.e. all the plastic that makes up the Goldwing bodywork), or gets through the paint to touch the ABS, that ABS will start to crack and break into brittle pieces. It doesn't take much, and just a quick contact will cause the ABS failure to spread like a cancer.

I put plastic down over the bodywork, cover that with a towel, and cover THAT with another towel, before I start working with brake fluid.

[aperry]

Had the same issue last month with my 06, but I was about 60 miles from home. Flushed out the clutch system and fixed the problem. There are quite a few postings and pictures out there on this site and others that show you how to flush it if you decide to continue trying it yourself. Good luck.

[Viking]

Two screws - I can handle that much. And the local Honda shop no longer has a decent mechanic.

You can harm things with improper use of anything, and that includes brake fluid. If you do not know what you are doing, my advice would be to not do it. Get a friend over who has at least some mechanical ability, as the clutch bleed is not for the faint of heart. There is a bit of disassembly required of the Tupperware.