Wet clutch slipping when cold -update-

[mmakay]

So, it's been dropping into the 40's here at night and the bike probably get's to 50 in the garage.  (I'm not good about warming up the bike before jumping on.)  When I first run her in the morning the clutch is slipping really badly ... as in the bike barely moves.  By the time I've gone a couple of blocks it firms up and after a mile or two it feels normal.

Since it's a wet clutch I changed the oil last night hoping that might help.  I can't tell a big difference, but it's not worse.

Any ideas what the problem might be before I take it to the dealer?

[BK_856er]

Just out of curiosity, what oil are you running and how many miles on the bike?

BK

[mmakay]

Just out of curiosity, what oil are you running and how many miles on the bike?

BK

Bike is '07 695 with only 1900 miles.

New oil is Repsol Syn Blend.  Old oil is (.....what ever was used for 600 mile service.) 

[BK_856er]

Bike is '07 695 with only 1900 miles.
New oil is Repsol Syn Blend.  Old oil is (.....what ever was used for 600 mile service.) 

Weird.  So few miles on the clutch, and it appears that you're using a wet-clutch compatible oil.  If the plates were in fact super worn, I suppose they would expand a little as things heat up, maybe enough to work adequately, but that sounds like a stretch.  Maybe the master cylinder return circuit is funky and keeping the clutch partially engaged for the first few lever movements?  Did anyone ever mess with the glued-in adjustment screw in the lever?  I'm just speculating wildly here - never had that symptom myself, but I'm sure someone here has first-hand experience...

BK

[Howie]

Though the plates are not warranty since they are a wear item they will be covered if there is another problem like, perhaps the APC system not working correctly or weak springs.  Unless you are guilty of major clutch abuse this is a warranty problem.  I suggest speaking to your dealer.

[mmakay]

- UPDATE -

300+ miles since the oil change and nothing has improved.    

I suspect the clutch material is badly glazed from the slipping, and needs to be replaced regardless of what caused it.  The Stealer says it sounds like an oil problem, and did a once over to check the master cylinder and slave movement, etc.  They won't touch it under warranty, so I'm considering replacing the clutch pack myself.

Does anybody know if any special tools are needed to open up a wet clutch?  I'm well stocked with basic mechanics tools, but if there is a Ducati specific toy, I want to know before cracking things open.

[Raux]

BS go to another dealer. only 1900 miles on an 07 and they won't check it out. 

[Popeye the Sailor]

BS go to another dealer. only 1900 miles on an 07 and they won't check it out. 

+1.

[mmakay]

I just talked to Nichols, and they are going to look at it.  If it ends up being "warranty work" then it will go to Modesto.   

[Raux]

I just talked to Nichols, and they are going to look at it.  If it ends up being "warranty work" then it will go to Modesto.   

good for you. never take no for an answer when it come sto warranty.
dealers are programmed to say no the first time. they make very little money on warranty work.

[Norm]

WAG here, but maybe the viscosity and the lack of warming up is resricting the ability of the oil to flow between the plates.

[Langanobob]

WAG here, but maybe the viscosity and the lack of warming up is resricting the ability of the oil to flow between the plates.

Maybe not such a WAG  -  mmakay, I don't think you mentioned the oil viscosity rating?  By now probably a moot point if Nichols is already taking a first hand  look at it..

[Privateer]

WAG here, but maybe the viscosity and the lack of warming up is resricting the ability of the oil to flow between the plates.

Curious.. would this still be a valid reason if he used full synthetic?  After reading so much from GeorgeCLS, I stay away from blends... so Im curious if it's still the oil causing it.

/shrug  I'm a mechanical neophyte...  Be interesting to see what the shop says when they open it up


Andy

[Norm]

I don't think that synthetic vs dino would be an issue in the viscosity comparison.

[mmakay]

Nichols took one look at my MotoWheels clutch slave and asked if I still had the OEM one.  I switched back, and guess what?  No more slip.  The aftermarket slave wasn't allowing the clutch to fully return, I guess.  Once the motor gets hot, all the parts expanded little, which tightens up the clutch plates.

So it's not the oil OR a warranty issue.  Who would have guess clutch slave??  It's nice to have such an experienced shop in the hood!   

Now, I wonder what MotoWheels will do for me......