Slight Clutch Slippage/Increasingly hard shifting

[wiggsmeister]

I'm on a 2011 696, little less than 15k. In the past I've had some issues with slippage if accelerating hard (3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th shifting around 7k rpm). Also some slippage in the higher gears at the top end.

It may have been from getting on the throttle too aggressively instead of rolling on nice and smoothly.

Additionally, I've noticed recently that it's been shifting harder and harder. Dropping into first feels a little more chunky as does shifting in the lower gears. Could it be that the clutch isn't quite fully engaging/disengaging, or could it more be riding technique?

[Buckethead]

Sounds like you need a clutch bleed (clunkiness) and an oil change (slippage).

If those two don't fix both of your problems then you may have actual issues with your clutch pack, but 15k is pretty early to see that kind of issue unless you're super hard on em.

[Howie]

Check your free play at the clutch lever.  You want 1.5-2mm.

[wiggsmeister]

Yea, I'm really hoping it's not the pack.. This is my first streebike and I was probably a little hard on it for the first couple k. I bought it preowned with 3.1k so the previous owner may have been a little hard on it too but I'll never know for sure (based on the quality of some of the mods that might be likely - poorly installed slip-on and fender eliminator with integrated tail light but no rear side indicators.. seemed slightly squidish to me).

It's in the shop right now for a headlight problem and I mentioned the cluckiness so hopefully they agree with you and just bleed it a little bit.

The slippage has occurred with new oil and with  used oil unfortunately. What do you think could explain that besides the pack?

[Privateer]

doesn't the 696 have the APTC clutch pack also?  I was told the APTC will feel like it's slipping but it's actually doing it's job.

It might just be working as intended.

[wiggsmeister]

Yes it is supposed to slip a little I believe, but it seems odd to me that it sometimes slips when getting hard on the gas in the powerband but without shifting.

[Privateer]

Yes it is supposed to slip a little I believe, but it seems odd to me that it sometimes slips when getting hard on the gas in the powerband but without shifting.

yeah, that happens to me too.  especially when i'm cruising on the highway and need to gas it to pass, there's some lag while the engine spins up and the wheel doesn't.

clutch replaced ~50,000 miles, same problem.  So to me... working as designed.

[BK_856er]

My M695 with APTC wet clutch is hyper sensitive to the oil brand.  I get the best results with Mobil-1 4T Racing in 10-40 wt.  Other brands (moto specific, wet clutch approved) always caused a certain amount of slippage.  I drained some oils after only a few hundred miles and put 4T back in.

BK

[wiggsmeister]

My M695 with APTC wet clutch is hyper sensitive to the oil brand.  I get the best results with Mobil-1 4T Racing in 10-40 wt.  Other brands (moto specific, wet clutch approved) always caused a certain amount of slippage.  I drained some oils after only a few hundred miles and put 4T back in.

BK

I've thought the same. Also, others say they use Mobil-1 4T 10-40 wt. I think I'll try that oil and see if notice a difference.

I believe that's the oil my dealer uses too.

[wiggsmeister]

yeah, that happens to me too.  especially when i'm cruising on the highway and need to gas it to pass, there's some lag while the engine spins up and the wheel doesn't.

clutch replaced ~50,000 miles, same problem.  So to me... working as designed.

Ok cool. That settles some of my concerns. Does it do the same thing with the new clutch?

[Privateer]

Ok cool. That settles some of my concerns. Does it do the same thing with the new clutch?

yeah, sorry, i wasn't clear.

I replaced the clutch at 50k.  The 'slip' problem persisted with the new plates.  Therefore, working as intended.

Note: I am by no means an expert, just my experience with the same set up.  I've heard rumor thin washers can be put under the clutch springs which will alleviate some of the slip, but I don't have any details about that.

[wiggsmeister]

Points taken.

I'll ask the dealer when I pick up my bike if some slippage is typical/normal for these clutches and I'll post what I learn.

I'm certainly no expert either, but discussions with people that have more experience than I always helps.