No sunday funday - clutch issues

[Flipside725]

So after having the bike in the garage during the past couple cold months, it was finally beautiful weather this weekend and i decided to take her out. I warmed her up, checked brakes worked, checked tire pressure, etc.....

I go to make sure the clutch is engaging ok by shifting her in gear while she's on the stand and the engine died.
The clutch never engaged.
I go to check the fluid level in the resevoir and she's dry. Oh man.
I get online, order fluid and a bleeder kit - but now i'm sitting here wondering why there's no clutch fluid in the first place? My bike is a 1-y/o s2r 800. She's never had any problems before. Anyone have any ideas why there's no fluid? is this common? I haven't got a chance to look for leaks yet, but as she's been sitting in the garage for a while, I wouldn't think there would be any left. And yes, I have run search after search on the forum.  .

Whats the prognosis doctor? Be gentle.

[Slide Panda]

Just to double check - you had the clutch lever pulled in when you knocked it into gear? 

And to help clear the language - if engine power is going to the rear wheel the IS ENGAGED - by pulling the lever you disengage it. 

Next quick question - was the side stand up?  I'm hoping so, but that's the easiest explanation why the engine would cut out as soon as you put it in gear.

Now... the fluid.  Ok, a mysteriously empty reservoir is a problem no matter how things are functioning.  It's not uncommon for the stock slave cyls to leak.. a 1 y/o bike, not so much though - but possible.

So I'd refill the system (just like you're) planning, get it working, and mark the fluid level on the res.  Then, I'd do a heavy duty clean up of that whole area around the slave.  Leaking fluid might no be obvious since capillary action can let it do whacky stuff.  I had a leak that was sneaking back behind my drive sprocket and was absorbed by the crud in that area.  So clean up that whole area, sprocket and behind it too if you're able. 

Then, keep an eye on things.  Check the fluid level at the res regularly and if you notice a change, start hunting.

[Oldfisti]

If the slave is indeed leaking that should be a warranty fix, although personally I like the aftermarket ones.

[He Man]

If the slave blew get an aftermarket. isnt brake fluid a bit to heavy to have evaporated when covered? Or i can sell you my old stocker! because i want a new one badly.

you should of just gone to autozone to get brake fluid. You dont need a bleeder, though having one on  the clutch side makes it a hell of a lot quicker. they also sell bleeders.

[Slide Panda]

you should of just gone to autozone to get brake fluid. You dont need a bleeder, though having one on  the clutch side makes it a hell of a lot quicker. they also sell bleeders.

Yeah - just get some clear hose or a bleeder bottle - don't bother with the vac bleeder yet.  For the clutch I prefer not to use my vac bleeder, it's over kill and easy to pull too much fluid and drain the res.

[corey]

does the S2R 800 HAVE a clutch slave cylinder?

[Slide Panda]

does the S2R 800 HAVE a clutch slave cylinder?

This a joke I'm not getting?   

All Ducs made (since way back) have one. 

[Howie]

If the bike is under warranty, refill, bleed and take it to the dealer.  Some dealers will put on an aftermaket if you pay the difference.

[Rameses]

This a joke I'm not getting?   

All Ducs made (since way back) have one. 

Perhaps he was thinking of the engines that, while rare, had internal slave cylinders?








And to answer the question, yes.  The S2R has an external slave cylinder which can easily be changed.

[Speeddog]

<bookmark>

[corey]

Perhaps he was thinking of the engines that, while rare, had internal slave cylinders?






And to answer the question, yes.  The S2R has an external slave cylinder which can easily be changed.

Yep. Thanks for the cover.
You'd think that as an S2R800 owner, i would have been close enough to that area of the bike to notice the clutch slave....

[Gimpy]

If you hadn't included the pic I wouldn't have believed you Rameses.  Nice work man 

[Rameses]

If you hadn't included the pic I wouldn't have believed you Rameses.  Nice work man 

I used to own one.   

[Flipside725]

Hey guys - thanks for all your responses. The mystery is still upon us, however I did refill the resevior, bleed the system, etc. this weekend. Who knows. I'm going to keep an eye on it from now on and get back when i finally figure out what the problem is. Thanks for all the input though, and I leave you with....





bacon...mmmmmm

[the_Journeyman]

When my slave was leaky, it would work fine by ooze a little fluid out.  If I let it sit too long, I'd have no clutch pressure from the leak & air getting in the line ~

JM