Clutch or transmission problem?

[krob63]

Hi
Yesterday, after riding my 02 Suzuki VL 800 about 60 miles, I stopped by the local elementry school parking lot to practice U turns, stops, etc, a lot of friction zone work. Everything was going good, the bike was doing like it always has, no slipping from the clutch or transmission. After about 10 minutes of practice, I get out of the clutch coming out of a U turn, and nothing in first. Nothing in second. Nothing in any of the gears. The bike will go into gear from neutral, but it just rolls in each gear. Even though it will go into gear, it won't engage a gear. It has 5300 miles on it.
I trailered it home, and adjusted the clutch. I drove it to the end of my driveway 100 feet (slipping along the way) and then I lose all my gears.
The engine oil has about 2000 miles on it and smelled burnt. I changed the oil, but still can't engage any gears.
Any ideas if it's the clutch or the transmission, and if it's the clutch, how much of a pain is it for a not so talented do it yourselfer.

[Aussie Steve]

Sounds like the clutch has burned out...especialy as you state a burned smell from the oil. There are several Suzuki models with weak clutch springs out there and yours may well be one of them. As for replacement it is not too much of a job but a manual is a must. You may find your driven plates are warped due to the heat build up...best to test them on a plate of glass for flatness.

I doubt it is the gearbox which means it is an easier job.

Good luck

[krob63]

Thanks for the info. I've seen several posts about weak clutch springs. Do most new clutch kits come with relplacement springs?

[DrBob]

yup, sounds like you burned out your clutch, or at least seriously glazed the plates.
no, springs are usually sold separately, as are the steel plates. clutch kits usually only comes with the friction plates.

[krob63]

Thanks Steve and Doc for the replies, the clutch is sure better than the transmission.
Btw Dr. up until the first of July, I worked just a couple miles from Decatur on Constitution Rd in Atl.

[Clint]

At some point you might consider what you were doing to have caused this. Weak springs or not, that's a pretty severe outcome. Maybe you were revving the engine excessively during your practice? It shouldn't take much more than idle to do those maneuvers.

[Aussie Steve]

When you do the clutch its advisable to get aftermarket springs as the original ones may be too weak for the application. You need to research on here regarding this as I may be wrong about your model. Clint is right you may be over reving and causing premature burn out or glazing of your clutch...not trying to instruct you or anything but mild rpms for any clutch will make it last longer.

Good luck

[DrBob]

Next time shoot me a message and I'll buy you a beer!

Yes, aftermarket clutch plates are better. Suzuki picks the stock ones because they are available cheap and in large numbers, not because they are the best available. I find either EBC or Barnett to be better quality.

[Aussie Steve]

Who ya buying for Bob? if its me youll have to drink it too as I'm in Australia

[DrBob]

krob63 said he was in my area the other day...but I'll pretend youare also, and buy you a beer, and then when you don't show up I'll drink it for you!

Bavarian wheat beer OK? Or maybe a Guiness...

[Aussie Steve]

Pfft typical!!!............ Carlton Cold please!