Dirt Bike Clutch

[DarcShadow]

Ok, I know this is going to sound like a silly question but this being my first dirt bike I don't know if it might work slightly different than a normal bike. Should the bike roll as easily with the clutch pulled in as it does when in neutral?

I would assume it should so I adjusted the clutch lever to the point where the cable can not be pulled any further and yet the bike still won't roll as easily as it does when in neutral.

[fixxervi6]

Is it new or used?

[JeffStrom]

I knew one way or the other was easier but couldn't remember which. I just walked outside and tried it. My VStrom rolls easier in neutral with the clutch lever released than it does in 1st gear with the clutch lever pulled.

[DarcShadow]

Is it new or used?

used, according to the previous owner he only put 3 or 4 hours on it. Some additional research suggest an oil change might help. Which I've been meaning to do anyway since it probably has not been changed since new and has sat for about a year.

[soslow]

I think that is pretty normal especially with cold engine. excessive drag is not right but my bike drags a bit as you describe.

worst case scenario is warped clutch

[Tooner]

Ok, I know this is going to sound like a silly question but this being my first dirt bike I don't know if it might work slightly different than a normal bike. Should the bike roll as easily with the clutch pulled in as it does when in neutral?

I would assume it should so I adjusted the clutch lever to the point where the cable can not be pulled any further and yet the bike still won't roll as easily as it does when in neutral.

Every dirt bike I have owned has acted just like this, no problem.

[fixxervi6]

I think that is pretty normal especially with cold engine. excessive drag is not right but my bike drags a bit as you describe.

worst case scenario is warped clutch

Or a notched basket, I've had to deal with that

[milesmiles]

Yea mine does the exact same thing

[soslow]

I went out today and compared how the drag was on my 450 cold and hot and it was rather different. even warm it still drags a bit but not like cold.

Rick mentioned grooves in the clutch basket which is also a possibility. a good sign of this is when the clutch is grabby and will not engage smoothly but does grab completely when the lever is all the way out. the right repair is a new basket but I would be not be telling the truth if i did not say i have used a file to remove the notches. you can get away with it once but after that, barnett time.

[DarcShadow]

Changed the oil and it made a but if a difference. One other thing a bit odd. While in gear with the clutch in, initially when i try to push forward the rear wheel just slide but i rocked the bike backwards and it started to roll easily. From there it rolled forward just as easy. Still nit as easy as when in neutral but easier than before.