K8 Clutch Fade

[Buda]

Hi all -

I'm a newbie and not that savey when it comes to this - so sorry if my question seems a little dull.

I am actually having a problem with my K8 - Clutch fade - after a short time riding the clutch seems to fade out a bit, requiring a tweek or two on the clutch dial to make it more reactive (not just on the track, but even after fairly sedate riding around town). Seems OK again when it has cooled down for a few hours/days. I also notice discolouration quite quickly of the fluid (only clutch res - no probs with the brake res), turning a tint of black after only 1000km. I have reported this to the dealer who say's it just a lot of friction in the clutch on all K8's, and is normal. Yet I can't seem to find another thread with people having the same problem (perhaps older models??).
I have tried changing the fluid to motul RFS600 - but same problem with fade and discolour seems to be happening almost as quick.

Sorry to harp on - but this is an issue I would like find out more about (I'm very tech unsavy!!)

Thanks - Buda

[BUSGO]

This is the first report of a clutch issue with a GEN II busa that I've read.
It is not normal unless you have about 50,000 ks up and slipping the clutch.
After 30,000 ks my clutch fluid is still clear and the clutch works as new.

You say you do track days. How many and how many ks on the bike all up buda?

[Buda]

This is the first report of a clutch issue with a GEN II busa that I've read.
It is not normal unless you have about 50,000 ks up and slipping the clutch.
After 30,000 ks my clutch fluid is still clear and the clutch works as new.

You say you do track days. How many and how many ks on the bike all up buda?

Hi BUGSO

Had it from new and I've only done a few track days so far.
Have just over 20K on the clock, but not too sprited in riding- (no drag meets yet).
Only mods are yoshi R55 full all-into-1 (from new) and recently BMC air filter. Had noticed the slight clutch discolouration after a few thousand km's, but always told just the way they are

[BUSGO]

It was a common fault on Gen 1 models till SUZUKI modified the seal area near the front sprocket.
It might be worth pulling the sprocket cover off and checking it out. Don't be surprised at how much gunk is in around there.
Other guys who have had the problem on older bikes can advise more.
Someone is bound to ask what oil you are using in the motor so it might as well be me.
The clutch has to have the correct grade of oil as recommended in the owner's handbook for it to work at peak performance.

[Legend]

Maybe a change of engine oil brand might help.

Just a thought.

[REVIT13]

i just replace dmy whole clutch at 8768 kms. plenty of draggin the clutch and hot spots. even domed the steels so i reckon you could be up for fibres as a minimum. the extra torque on the gen 2 clearly puts more strain on the clutch. i run motul oil. let us know what you find. i am definately more mindful now as nothing could be salvaged from my clutch so a brocks kit is now installed and it uses gen1 pins.

[spamanglenn]

But i thought the gen2 clutch was meant to be indestructable.
A clutch is a clutch, if you work it hard you have to be prepared to service it regularly.

[jamieBezzina]

Maybe a change of engine oil brand might help.

Just a thought.

I do think what Legend said is the way to go. Change oil to somthing else. As a bike shop I have seen lots of clutchs slip when ever that oil is used. Its ok on MX bikes but thats it. I even used it last year as that all I could get when I was racing in QLD and guess what my clutch started to slip. Its crap.

[Buda]

Maybe a change of engine oil brand might help.

Just a thought.

I do think what Legend said is the way to go. Change oil to somthing else. As a bike shop I have seen lots of clutchs slip when ever that oil is used. Its ok on MX bikes but thats it. I even used it last year as that all I could get when I was racing in QLD and guess what my clutch started to slip. Its crap.

Thanks folks for all your input and helpful advice. I'll check the shop to see what oil (been there since new and on every service). I had enquired about oil early on - and they assused me they use the susuki recomended type on every service (organic - break'in[replaced after first 1000km], semi-sinthetic every 6000km after). They did not see the need to change even though I was happy to pay extra for a good'un (recomendations???). Apparently they service all the K8's the same - and no prob like mine is seen (or talked about )
So if changing the oil will retify then all good, if not then this something I would be keen to chat to suzuki in regards to warrenty claim for replacement parts if required. I'm not that hard on the clutch apart from sitting at the lights in first and peak hour traffic - so just must have a one-off problem.
I'll post the results of my dealer discussions and findings soon.

[simmo]

But i thought the gen2 clutch was meant to be indestructable.
A clutch is a clutch, if you work it hard you have to be prepared to service it regularly.

yep drag racing will do that
Don't do the crime, if you don't want to spend the time
I run motul oil in mine & its all good

[jamieBezzina]

Sommo you dont make enough power to have clutch slip with that oil Just look at RC tunes ZX9 when it was slipping.

[Buda]

Ok - so just found out I'm running Motul 3100 Gold semi-synth (10W40) motor oil.
A chat a different service mech at the shop said he never heard of the clutch fluid discolour/fade issue on K8's, and hence has booked it in for a suss and potential warrenty claim - stay tunned for results (and/or more shop excuses).

[Buda]

Ok - required appologies as my dyslexia has once again got the better of me.

First off - sorry BUSGO (not BUGSO - I blame the pic on the name mistake!)
Second - I'm running Motul RBF600 brake/clutch fluid (not RFS600 - no wonder a few questions on this) - so no reason that it's not the right spec for the bike.

My mechanics is about as good as my writting/memory - so it's no wonder I'm a shop service sucker/slacker. Now which one of you knowledgable peoples works in WA servicing K8 busa's??

[Buda]

Back from the shop and they keep telling me that all K8's (and other performance bikes for that matter) will get slight discolouration in the clutch fluid - I begged to differ - so looks like I will try to take it apart for myself to investigate further (scary for a mechanical simplton like myelf )
The fade issue could be due to the added heat from the full SS yoshi exhaust system I have - possibly expanding the lines and/or degrading the clutch fluid quicker - that I can kinda understand (and explains a bit of heat related fade in the rear brake too, although not discloured ). Braided lines might be the only option for the extra heat issue here.
I still don't feel good about the discolouration of the clutch fluid after a thousand or so ks, especially as it seems no-one else has an issue with it. So I am now hunting down another reputible mechanic in perth(WA) area for further advice.
Can anyone recomend one please?

[Norvin]

Re Clutch Issues,
Clutch fluid discolouration at the master cylinder seems to be quiet common and can be caused by the seals and coating on the piston rubbing the bore of the cyl ( I have a TLR I just put a new kit in which darkens the fluid weekly,it will eventually settle down, also a dry contact between the pushrod pivots will place a lot of side thrust on the piston and cause the above and of course age will darken the fluid in the end (if your slack and dont change it annually. ) I agree that oil certainly can give issues with wet clutches and have"nt used _otal since doing a spec comparison on their top of the line two stroke oil and some Penrite lawn mower oil and found they came up evens.
Regards Norvin