Clutch problem??

[tomsov]

Hello!
Just bought a Bandit 600 because I saw it going for next to nowt on with very low (genuine) milage. Come from a SVthou so took some getting used to the windy up engine - still fun once on full cam though! (yes, my SV k3 developed the dreaded knock - but the ex-wifey took it HAHA!!)
Anyway, just joined the site and wondered if I may ask a few questions.

My bikes covered 11,000 miles but the clutch seems to be well worn - the lever comes right out to the last 3/8 inch before it bites which is making wheelies quite difficult as well as just pulling away smoothly. I can get EBC friction plates for I think about £50 but they dont include the plain plates or springs - do these tend to wear on the bandit? (last time I changed a clutch it was on a superdream 250N - mmmm nice bike....)

I think my bandit is one of the early types as it is a '95 model (N plate), the sparkplug caps are just sort of like long rubber straws with no cap as such - on my SV as well as other modern stuff I've had the plug caps incorporated a 'lid' that bolted to the head via a single small screw which sealed the plug from the weather and ming - I remember on a Fazer (bland) that I had, any water could drain through a small drilling in the head but I cant see where the water would come out of on the bandit. I have made some little rubber caps which pretty much pluggs the top of the sparkplug cavity but I am thinking that my bike has had new coils/leads at some time because there is a bolt and lip on the head just like bikes with a proper cap seem to have. Is everyone elses bike the same as this? (maybe a photo might be easier to show what I mean?)

Thanks for your help and reading (drinking Becks so hope it makes sence!)

[delboy]

I would tend to change the lot m8 saves any hasstle, a complete clutch basket is not too expensive

[tomsov]

Thanks, your probably right - nowt worst than 'fixing' something to find that its just as bad when its back together. I'm still riding it as it is at the moment until the slipping gets worse (which it is every week) so will replace the lot I think.

Thanks!

[Billy Bandit]

If the job is worth doing do it right and get the springs etc etc this way you will not have any problems for a long long time

[delboy]

Sound advice there BB

[slybandit69]

Before you go spending too much too soon, have you checked the basics first. On my bandit 600 I had a mare of the time with the clutch once, then I replaced the cable, checked/greased the pin and clutch mechanism and all worked again

[tomsov]

Hello slybandit69,
Ow God, the horrible cable operated clutch - been a while since I had a bike with one of these - on my bike the push rod looks as though its been spinning because it is covered with ridges along the mid section (ok lads, no phun intended with 'rods' and 'ridges'). When I pull the lever there is a definate 'click' from the rod as is catches on the bushing/casing which I will fix this winter with a new case hardened rod. The lever comes right out to maybe within about 5/8" of being fully in the open position before the clutch grabs. I have greased the worm and rod etc as well as tried to adjust the bite position but the plates are probably worn to death.

[slybandit69]

Hi Tomsov, was on earlier and found a 1999 complete clutch for 1999 bandit for a mere 46 quid, can be found .co.uk/scooters-and-bikes" target="_blank">http://stores..co.uk/scooters-and-bikes

I don't know your budget, but worth enquiring on the mileage etc that it came off.

btw I had a look at you mining site, cool, might try some of your dark photo shoot tricks, but in the safety of my home first lol

[slybandit69]

Tomsov that URL is mangled !! its stores.e b a y.co.uk/scooters-and-bikes with the spaces