Clutch Problems m696

[wiggsmeister]

I bought a used 2011 Monster 696 last November from a dealer down the street. It had 3100 miles on it at the time of purchase and now has about 8500.

I noticed that the clutch was slipping around 7500 miles when I'd shift up between second and third. The engine would rev but I wouldn't accelerate as quickly as I should have, I'd back off the throttle, and it would engage again and be fine.

The problem was occasional so I thought nothing of it, then it happened mid gear, usually in 4th gear. When I'd be riding hard, as soon as the rpms got into the meat of the hp, the engine would rev and I wouldn't accelerate, so I'd back off and it would reengage.

I'm pretty sure this is a problem with the clutch plates and am considering buying a new set and spring and taking it to the shop to have it replaced - unfortunately I don't have the tools, space, or all the knowhow to do it myself.

Any thoughts or words of advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks!

[Raux]

sorry will reply here.

100% certain wet clutch compatible oil was used?

[wiggsmeister]

sounds good. and yes, I told the shop that the bike needs full synthetic 15w-50 and thats what they have on the receipt. So as far as i can trust that, then yes, the proper oil was used. i live in LA and could easily use 20w-50 regarding the riding temps, but i wouldn't expect that to make a difference here.

I can't remember if it was sipping or not prior to the service... it was a while ago and i haven't been riding for almost 1 1/2 months - been waiting on a taillight that seems to have been lost by our wonderful usps..

[Raux]

I had issues one time with the slipping.
high heat, heavy load. Italy during the summer riding two-up with luggage.

only issues I've heard with a clutch slipping at that mileage are
wrong oil
clutch level adjustment

[tangoman]

my 696 also had clutch slip with low ks on it and not its was not the oil put in new clutch plates wow so easy job any way have done about 40.000kms now still ok

[Howie]

What oil did the shop use?  Was it moto wet clutch specific  (JASO MA)?  Also check the free play at the clutch lever.  You want 1.5 to 2mm. 

[wiggsmeister]

I'll be sure to check the free play when I get home or this this weekend.. whenever I have time really..

In the past I've used Yamalube 15w-50 full synthetic as recommended by the dealer. I'm not sure what the shop used during my 7500 mile checkup but I'll check the receipt when I get home.

If the oil is the problem I'll be COMPLETELY stoked saving on the clutch plates set and labor costs.

[wiggsmeister]

@ Raux: I'm hoping it'll be the oil just from a cost and ease standpoint. Thanks for all of the help. I'm going to call the shop this week and ask the service department what they think (even though they couldn't replicate the problem the first time, which is beyond me..).

@ tangoman: I have a feeling that's what I'll end up needing.. did you use an OEM set or an aftermarket brand? I've heard on a bunch of forums that Barnett sets are pretty poor quality and I haven't found very many other brands out there that seem trustworthy that fit my bike.

[tangoman]

yes i used Barnett clutch plates.. like i said it  is a very easy job and they been in the bike for more then 40000kms and do not slip at all .... but good luck finding neutral when bike is running .... when motor gets hot about 30 mins of riding then you can find neutral but still hard to get if you can put up with that then you can use Barnett kit now the Barnett clutch has done more then 4000km it not too bad and its almost summer in Australia so most days 30c plus but in winter it get down to about 10c at night and 22 c at day it take i bit to get bike hot then no way can you find neutral with bike running maybe they make them a bit better my kits about  two years old now

[wiggsmeister]

Thanks for the info about finding neutral. I don't think that'd be something that would bother me too much, and year, hopefully by now they've fixed that issue. If I do end up needing a new set of plates I'll see what the shop says about OEM vs Barnett and others. I'll be sure to keep your comments in mind.

thanks again for the insight and good luck in the heat! I'm pretty sure summer is coming (or already there for you) as "Winter" is here in LA..