04' Multi - A 'slip' problem I cannot figure out

[nydesmo]

Guys,

I'm hoping someone might be able to help!!!

Two weeks ago my Multi began to feel like the clutch was slipping. There was a point in the torque curve, in all gears the motor would jerk forward, a slip, then catch and then the motor would continue to pull normally.

The problem went away for more than a week and I did a 200 mile ride two weeks ago without a problem. Last week tooling around my neighborhood the problem began again and continues.

I thought it was the clutch, but it seemed too mechanical of a slip. My friend suggested it was the chain jumping or a broken gear tooth ... it made perfect sense, but the chain is tight and sprockets fine. I also took the clutch plates out, they seem fine too.

I realized at speed the slip takes also takes place between letting off throttle and bringing the power back on.

Anyone have a clue?

Thanks,
Greg

[Twins]

Originally Posted by nydesmo

Guys,

I'm hoping someone might be able to help!!!

Two weeks ago my Multi began to feel like the clutch was slipping. There was a point in the torque curve, in all gears the motor would jerk forward, a slip, then catch and then the motor would continue to pull normally.

The problem went away for more than a week and I did a 200 mile ride two weeks ago without a problem. Last week tooling around my neighborhood the problem began again and continues.

I thought it was the clutch, but it seemed too mechanical of a slip. My friend suggested it was the chain jumping or a broken gear tooth ... it made perfect sense, but the chain is tight and sprockets fine. I also took the clutch plates out, they seem fine too.

I realized at speed the slip takes also takes place between letting off throttle and bringing the power back on.

Anyone have a clue?

Thanks,
Greg

Your post is timely Greg because this happened to me yesterday. I thought it felt like the chain slipping or the bike had slipped out of gear as you mentioned. Then, I thought about the conditions and the time when this occurred to me: slightly damp road, back tire possibly on a tar strip, sport mode (maximum HP) and from what I can remember, no wail from the motor indicating that something slipped and the motor was still revving up. When I thought about it I realized it was more like something had cut out.

What I concluded (and I am embarrased to admit), is that I have never spun the MTS tire on the street and what I was feeling might possibly be the traction control kicking in.

If someone would chime in and offer an opinion on that maybe it will solve Greg's issue and put my mind at ease as well.
(Just saw you have a 2004 Multi so I dont even know if you have traction control.

[My848]

So can you turn DTC off and see what happens?

I like to ride in touring mode, I did change my DTC to level 7...
I have not felt anything like this...I was in San Jose area last week, with
wet roads and below 40 temps...didn't fell the DTC kick in once...

[pgeller]

I think it's a 2004 MTS 1000, so no traction control.

You had the clutch plates out, presumably to clean the dust and rust out. Did you measure the overall stack height (height of all plates stacked up on the bench)? If it is slimmer than ~37mm, it's probably time for a clutch.

Other things that could give that on-off slip effect, cush drive rubbers in clutch hub, loose rear sprocket, loose clutch basket bolts, loose motor mount bolts, ???

Good luck!

pg
DD

[Kitesurfer]

Originally Posted by pgeller

Other things that could give that on-off slip effect, cush drive rubbers in clutch hub, loose rear sprocket, loose clutch basket bolts, loose motor mount bolts...

Also, too lean on one or both cylinders (do the old Multi's have air bleed screws?) can lead to a cough on throttle roll-on.

[mollycbr123]

I vote for clutch plates first, cush drive second...