Hi all, Newb here. My question is: When I start my bike in first gear while squeezing the clutch, it pulls forward. Once it's started it stops pulling. I also notice resistance pushing the bike forwad and backwards when I squeeze the clutch. Anyone else experience this? Whats the issue? Thanks!

Try bleeding the clutch just to rule that out, make sure no air got in and you've got full push. There have been a lot of complaints about clutch levers not working right recently after people had them apart. So maybe take a close look and make sure the mechanism is moving smoothly and lubed good. I would say if your actual clutch pack was failing it would be slipping not grabbing and you would be experiencing the opposite symptoms. It has to be in the lever actuator system. I am unaware yet of just where the actuator can be adjusted for travel, but it sounds like for some reason the actuator just isn't making a full stroke which takes me back to the clutch lever mechanism or a spongy hydraulic system ( which isn't always easy to feel like it is for the brakes).

GL

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks...I'll check it out when I get home.

Like edge said, these new style masters may need a purge that a nipple can't. Here has been my experience; Removed the front wheel and collapsed the pads back in the caliper. For some reason, I felt the lever change. It became more stiff. Not that the bike does not stop on the soft sponge side.

If you find a clutch drag problem, yes, it would be a pain to do, but needs to be done. Push the clutch piston back home to push all that oil/air back out.

Changed oil to a little thicker type does the same thing, does more when cold then hot, clunks into first when you go the other way from start up into gear, it all adds up

Just ride mine, all good.

* Last updated by: ethin14 on 4/25/2011 @ 8:11 PM *

Don't know if it makes a dif but I always feel best starting in N especially cold start.

I think mine has always jumped forward a bit as soon as the engine starts if I start in gear. It doesn't sound to me like you have any prob but if you would like to get some experience bleeding, never hurts. A bottle of Valvoline DOT 4 brake fluid is WAY mor than you can possibly use so might as well use up as much as possible flushing the system....if you have some spare time and inclination.

BLEEDING

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=ECEB300D-1372-66AE-3BC0249D310776F1&page=2

Tis the season!

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=ECEB300D-1372-66AE-3BC0249D310776F1&page=2

1. Purge the master nipple - One way.
2. Purge the caliper pistons - Brake or Clutch, it does not matter. IMO, the best way.
3. I always start with clutch in, 1st gear in place = What noise?

Maybe it's always jumped at a cold start and I just didnt notice...I usually start in neutral. I changed the oil Friday and ran it pretty hard at the track that same day...the next morning I noticed the jump. I noticed yesterday after running the bike for a few minnutes, killed it, and restarted....it didn't jump so....

I've never blead a clutch before...as a matter of fact never even heard of it! So I guess I'll just do it for the experience of it.

On another note: Do you guys speed shift? I was told it's unhealthy for the 14??? It's definately a hard habit to break!

* Last updated by: kawboy on 4/26/2011 @ 10:16 AM *

I speed shift, but with clutch and always a soft second. I do not want to pull the engine just for that gap from 1st to second. Do I misshifts? All day long. Who is the bad boy? 4th.

I speed shift, but with clutch

IMO, a motorcycle tranny is so much quicker than a bigger vehicle that I can't imagine shifting any faster than clutch shifting to be worth while unless you are racing for 10ths of a second.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/26/2011 @ 11:18 PM *

preload that shifter a little, then little pull on the lever, less stress for everybody living in da box, found an extra neutral around 4th somewhere sounds like hub was on to it before me.

kawboy, have you played with your knob, adjuster it around to get max push on that master plunger. see if it changes with extra range on the lever.

Cold engine starts when in gear, the oil's viscosity alone will drag on the clutch and surge the bike forward just a little bit.....nothing to be concerned about unless it really bugs you - but it's typical behavior.
Once the engine's oil is up to temp or even freshly warmed, you'll notice the bike won't budge when started in gear since this isn't a problem once the viscosity is lower and the oil is thin enough not to drag on the clutch any.