Bike surging into Gear

[jeffwest5599]

Got my clutch all fixed up on my 1965 panhead with open primary but now I have an issue. Clutch engages and everything very well. The problem is 1st gear. When I start the bike, put it into gear and release the clutch lever to go forward, the bike surges and jump and then finally gets going. It then shifts smoothly. I am sure is is some type fo clutch adjustment but not sure. Any ideas. I adjusted the clutch adjustment screw (turned in until pressure, turned back about 1/4 turn, and then tightened lock blot down). I also have the adjustment springs on the outside correct as there is no slippage once I get going. Any ideas.

Jeff

[Bosheff]

What type/kind of clutches are ya runnin'?....bosheff

[jibhead]

sounds like warped plates to me

[Panshovevo]

Does it surge and grab while in gear at a stop sign or light?

[jeffwest5599]

Yes. When the clutch is pulled in and it is in gear there is no issues. It is just fine. It is only as I release the clutch and accelerate from a stop. It will surge and jump like it is trying to die and then smooth out and be fine. It is very strange. Any thoughts?

Jeff

[jeffwest5599]

Sorry. The answer to the question was supposed to be no.

[jibhead]

take steels out and check for warp.!!

[james]

Same thing with a car. If you have a clutch thats warped you'll feel chattering in first gear. You shift to second you don't feel it. When your in first your usually feathering it, starting out, then to second gear you just shift.
If it feels like its fluttering in first, check the discs for being flat or true. Check for oil too, this can cause some chattering.

Jim

[jeffwest5599]

Brand new clutch plates steel and fiber. I have played with adjustment but no luck. Bike still surges when you take off in first gear. It is a little better if you feather the clutch real flow and give it a lot of gas. However, that is really riding the clutch and it is line someone leTning a clutch. Any other suggestions would help. Manual is no real help. Should I be tightening the clutch springs or loosening for drag.

Jeff

[jibhead]

hi jeff,

do you still have the old plates, it could be that your repop ones are poor quality [could be nos ,but i doubt it]

just for arguments sake put the old ones back in and see what its like, after all its only 3 nuts and a few springs.

i take it its a belt, you are now running open ,is the tension correct , as i think that running to tight can load up the bearings and cause a similar problem to

warped plates,[ as can lack of lubricant of the bearings ,obviously not that as youve just rebuilt it].

regards jib

[jeffwest5599]

Tried that as well. Same thing when old clutch plates go in. Very frustrating. Might be time to go to the shop as I can't figure it out.

Jeff

[john HD]

belt or chain?

are the pulleys or sprockets in alignment?

a buddy just went through a similar problem with a 80's shovel that had the wrong adjusting shoe in it. it caused the hub to walk out when disengaged and made the plates make contact with the fibers. same symptoms.

john

[steve_wood]

Jeff:

"I also have the adjustment springs on the outside correct as there is no slippage once I get going."

Keep in mind that first gear, from a stand still, is where the engine and the drive train are most different (engine is reving, transmission, chain and rear wheel are still). This is where you need maximum pressure from your clutch tension springs. Once your rolling, the clutch springs don't have to work quite so hard to maintain friction. So even though it works in higher gears, this doesn't guarantee it will work in first gear.

Try increasing the tension on the springs.

steve

[john HD]

good point steve,

a quick check for spring tension is to make a chalk mark on the inside and outside of the clutch assembly.

kick the bike over 5 or 10 times with the ignition off. if the marks stay aligned the springs are tight enough!

adjust accordingly.

john

[jeffwest5599]

I will try it. It is a belt driven primary. I was wondering if it could be the throwout bearing

Jeff