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2001 Honda Shadow 750 Clutch Problems

5.8K views 10 replies 4 participants last post by  "Captain D"  
#1 ·
So me, being mechanically declined, I'll describe in best detail what happened to my 2001 Honda Shadow 750 with 28,xxx miles...

I went on about a 130 mile trip with a buddy over the weekend. I was having trouble idling because every time the bike would idle, it would die. Therefore, every time we would stop I would feather the clutch and keep the bike at a low rev. Now for the most part the ride wasn't stop-and-go, it was mostly just go. However - on our way back on the highway we got stuck in traffic due to a fatal accident. I was running extremely low on gas, so I kept the bike on while feathering the clutch to move every so often with the slow traffic (half hour or more). I was in first this whole time, like I said, feathering the clutch. Eventually it got to the point where I flat out ran out of gas and I also went through my reserve tank. Stupidly - I accidentally left the key turned on so my battery was running as I was walking my bike down the side of the highway to the nearest gas station. I arrived at the gas station, filled up, and went to start my bike...battery is shot, pretty much. I have my buddy give me a push start...he pushes me a little, I let the clutch out, and she's running. I start to ride away, shifting fine, thinking everything is okay when all of a sudden I'm in second (maybe third) and the bike just randomly (no noise, no jerk) acts like it is in neutral and I'm still on the throttle revving and wondering why the bike isn't going anywhere? I notice that the bike isn't engaged and I'm not going anywhere, so I pullover. I try to start the bike back up, but she doesn't do anything. I'm shifting through the gears and I can hear them clicking into gear. I pull on the clutch and didn't notice tension or lack of tension. I end up putting the bike in the back of a truck and hauling it home. At home, I notice the same thing - can use the toe shifter and hear the gear pop into place. It was so strange - I was riding fine after the push-start, then all of a sudden it acted like it went into neutral (I was in 2nd or 3rd at the time). I've never had problems with the clutch before this. I'm charging the battery as I type this - any suggestions on what this is? Is my clutch burnt? Is it weak clutch springs? Oil? Any help/tips are appreciated! I am a very new rider, this is my first bike.
 
#2 ·
Possible the discs are glazed from the heating of the stop and go. Maybe an oil change again will bring it back or you may need new clutch parts. Make sure you are using an JASO approved oil not one with additives for economy. A lot of guys here use Rotella oils because they are JASO rated and work with wet clutches best.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the reply swifty2014...if the discs were glazed together, is there any way to prevent that from happening again? My bike tends to run hot a lot of the times (maybe I'm due for another oil change?). Also...the oil looked good by all accounts to me, although I am not sure of the type/brand of oil in there currently.
 
#5 ·
The discs being glazed means they were hot, slipping, and causing the friction surfaces to glaze or get slippery from spinning and over heated oil . If it is working now I think I would change the oil to a JASO approved type for wet clutches and start fresh. Make sure there is at least 1/2 inch free play at the end of the clutch lever also.
 
#6 ·
A friend of mine had an 04 Aero that would while accelerating occasionally jump out of 2nd gear back into neutral when the bike was hot. After an oil and filter change the issue went away. Is your bike idling ok now?
 
#7 ·
Strange!!!
Ever heard of "Second Neutral"???
This happens when gears don`t align...
Just like when in Neutral, the Bike will not move...
I`m thinking more along transmission than clutch...
Laptop diagnosis,
D
 
#8 ·
Thank you all for the replies, I truly appreciate it...I haven't gotten a chance to start her today due to work. However - I checked the oil last night when I put the battery back in and it was fine to me (good brown color, good texture, right fill). I do remember when I was riding my temp light came on, if that says anything.
 
#10 ·
UPDATE: Bike idled fine, just needed some adjustment to idle without the choke on. However - I engaged the bike in first gear and it caught, but it was just going super slow while my RPM's where high. The bike was just barely moving, but it was in first gear and I was at the appropriate RPM's. Suggestions?
 
#11 ·
My cable operated clutch is adjusted to 1/8" freeplay at the lever...
A nickel ($.05) is a common gauge for this adjustment for some folks here...


I think I`d try each gear while not running, AND Running, to see IF the shift mechanism, Transmission and drive line are working correctly also...
It being an 01, it`s like mine, a chain drive, I think...


Changing Gas Often,
D