[Introduction] Noob Q&A

[Duc L'Smart]

noticed today that on the ride to work that if i let the clutch out ANY at all and I mean like barely a hair it will start to roll the bike forward. also shifting has gotten rougher. Almost as if the clutch isn't engaging unless its pulled COMPLETELY back. Could this be the clutch going out or something that could be adjusted?

Have you bled the clutch? Could be old fluid, or air bubbles...

[xRANDOx]

I've done nothing to the clutch

[Ronr]

Classic symptoms of a clutch needing to be bled.  I usually don't get much out of the slave cylinder (by the engine) but get quite a bit from the master cylinder (on the handlebar).  Very easy, and should fix you right up.

[xRANDOx]

How would I go about bleeding the master cylinder?

[Ronr]

There should be a little hex-headed nipple up there somewhere to stick a hose on.  That's where mine is, but it's likely different on various models.  If you don't see that, you can probably back off the banjo bolt where the hose attaches to the master, and catch the fluid with a rag.

[Duc L'Smart]

There should be a little hex-headed nipple up there somewhere to stick a hose on.  That's where mine is, but it's likely different on various models.  If you don't see that, you can probably back off the banjo bolt where the hose attaches to the master, and catch the fluid with a rag.

Like most things, it's simple once you know how to do it. Basically you add fresh fluid at the top of the system, & release the old fluid & air bubbles at the bottom. The stuff that comes out is caustic & yucky. If you don't want to have a Pro do it for you, at least ask for assistance from someone experienced the 1st time... A 6-pack might do it

[xRANDOx]

All about learning to wrench on it myself. No offense but I hate paying people to do things I can do myself. That being said I do like to be shown how to do things the proper way and dont mind compensating for help  . However I don't think any of you guys are in the College station area.  I will be bringing the bike home this summer but I can't wait that long

[muskrat]

supply beer and cigars and some of us can probably find a "reason" to ride. 
I'm a mechanical wizard.......wait, idiot, but I'll drink your beer. 

[TresGatos]

Just curious, do you have the only Duc in Bryan/CS?
When I've ridden mine to Jacksonvile I'm the only one.

[xRANDOx]

Yup, thought it was cool at first but now I'm starting to second guess myself 

[junior varsity]

If you make sure to be patient, remind yourself that you don't know anything and take advice w a grain of salt you will be fine. If you charge in headstrong and impatiently work, things will usually not work out well. Avoid bonehead advice and read a lot, You'll be fine. They aren't cheap to keep, but it's been worth it.

[xRANDOx]

Been wrenching on my K5 blazer (mud toy) for 2 years now and I'm extremely hesitant with everything I do. I always make sure I know exactly what I'm doing. "Measure twice, cut once" I use that with everything I do.

[muskrat]

Hell, I've had six in five years and don't think they are terribly expensive other than the valve service.  It's worth the price just to ride an Italian IMO

[xRANDOx]

Tried to take her around the block today, clutch isn't working at all now 

[hiero]

Tried to take her around the block today, clutch isn't working at all now 

so it's always engaged now?  Could you take a 5mm allen and remove the slave cylinder from the engine real quick and see what the condition of the slave cylinder and inner piston is?  If the slave was leaking, that could happen. 
How much fluid is in the reservoir?