Problems with clutch engaging

[edgesnyc]

I have a monster 900 Sie... year 2000... has about 5600 miles on it... bought it used two years ago... put a new clutch in it when I got it. The guy I bought it from had worn it out learning to ride I think... or something like that.

My clutch seems to work fine in most conditions but when I get stuck in the wonderful NYC traffic I loose my clutch totally. After about 15 minutes in any kind of traffic when, I presume, the clutch heats up, it won't engage and when I let it out I get nothing. If the bike and clutch cool down everything goes back to normal. I had the clutch checked out and the plates are good and everything is in working order.

My mechanical expertise are not extensive and I have little in the way of a place to work on the bike living in NYC... but I  can do some work at a friends place.

Any ideas about what is going on...? any thoughts are appreciated...

Thanks

[Howie]

My best guess is the push rod is sticking. 

[edgesnyc]

is the posh rod sticking something that happens only when the bike gets hot like that?

and what do I do for it?

[Howie]

It could happen any time, if that is your problem.  You would need to pull it out and inspect, and inspect the throw out bearing at the same time.  If it is sticking it could be wear or dirt.  Sine I don't know who checked your clutch plates I wouldn't rule that out yet. 

You might consider giving the folks at European Cycle Services a call:

     http://www.europeancycleservices.com
     845.725.7707

[ScottRNelson]

I had similar behavior from a failed throwout bearing.  The bearings are cheap and easy to fix, but of you leave it long enough then you also get to replace the more expensive clutch slave too.