Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss
Kawasaki vulcan 1500 hard shifting
205 views
Skip to first unread message
John MacDougall
Jan 29, 2000, 3:00:00 AM1/29/00
to
I recently purcased a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500a and it is very hard
sometimes to shift from 1st to 2nd. Sometime it clunks, sometimes
it grinds a little, and sometimes it goes in OK. I've made a point
of making sure I have the clutch all the way in but that doesn't
change anything. The only thing that helps is if I wait a second
or two after I pull the clutch in, It shifts into second smoothly.
But that is a pain in the neck. The dealer says it's because it's
new and has to break in. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions.
John - LI,NY
Mark Kutil
Feb 1, 2000, 3:00:00 AM2/1/00
to
Most of my training was on HD, but I used to own a Honda Shadow 1100 and it
had a hydraulic clutch. It's kinda like a brake in that it uses fluid
through a hose to assist in the actuating mechanism that engages/disengages
the clutch. If you locate the fluid reservoir, remove the cover and see if
it may be low on fluid or is dirty and is clogging the passage. If it's
strictly manual (like HD) there is just a cable from the lever to the
primary case and it could need just a little adjustment. The clutch lever
should have about 1/16 to 1/8 inch of play before pulling (this is about the
width of a quarter).
had a hydraulic clutch. It's kinda like a brake in that it uses fluid
through a hose to assist in the actuating mechanism that engages/disengages
the clutch. If you locate the fluid reservoir, remove the cover and see if
it may be low on fluid or is dirty and is clogging the passage. If it's
strictly manual (like HD) there is just a cable from the lever to the
primary case and it could need just a little adjustment. The clutch lever
should have about 1/16 to 1/8 inch of play before pulling (this is about the
width of a quarter).
--
Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony.
Morphius
John MacDougall <macdo...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:38931...@cs.wolfcrews.com...
wiredgeorge
Mar 2, 2000, 3:00:00 AM3/2/00
to
John of NY, First thing you should do is check out www.vroc.org where almost
3800 Vulcan owners hang out. Read the FAQ (it is called the BUBF FAQ) and
you will pick up a lot of tips about your bike. As far as your shifting
goes, all 4 speeds shift real clunky. You didn't mention the year on yours
but they went from 4 speed to 5 speed in 97. You will eventually figure out
how to shift it without too many missed or real clunky shifts. The clunk
gives the bike character. It will get better the more miles you put on it.
BTW: get a VROC number while you were there as quite a few parts/accessories
places offer discounts to members and check out the VROC message board.
There are instructions on the site.
3800 Vulcan owners hang out. Read the FAQ (it is called the BUBF FAQ) and
you will pick up a lot of tips about your bike. As far as your shifting
goes, all 4 speeds shift real clunky. You didn't mention the year on yours
but they went from 4 speed to 5 speed in 97. You will eventually figure out
how to shift it without too many missed or real clunky shifts. The clunk
gives the bike character. It will get better the more miles you put on it.
BTW: get a VROC number while you were there as quite a few parts/accessories
places offer discounts to members and check out the VROC message board.
There are instructions on the site.
--
wiredgeorge ~V~2420 CMA 74623
VRA 1-20-5A-1500A SCC 66007
96 Vulcan 1500A Leander, Tx.
Wendy Van Buuren
Mar 20, 2000, 3:00:00 AM3/20/00
to
I had a '96 Classic for a couple of years. I found that pre-loading the
gearlever with your boot, then shifting worked best. It was always a deliberate
sort of exercise.
gearlever with your boot, then shifting worked best. It was always a deliberate
sort of exercise.
0 new messages