Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I own a 2001 Honda Shadow Spirit 750, w/just over 3000 miles on it. I have done some minor customizing on it, but nothing crazy (Motor/Transmision).

My problem is this? When riding the clutch seems to slip a bit.....but mostly at higher speeds. Say 55?...............trying to get to 65 in a hurry......It slips and the RPMs rise and then fall when I let off the throttle.

Has no problem going into gear, or at lower shifts at higher RPMs.......Is this a serious problem, or can it become one? or what could be the problem

Sounds like you just need a new clutch.

have you put engine/ transmission oil in the thing yourself? I know that if you have the wrong fluid you can have that problem

I have only had the bike 2 seasons. The guy I bought it from was the original owner. I got it w/2000 miles on it. How can it need a clutch so soon?

doesnt make sense. I havent checked the fluid (should have been the 1st thing to check) but he said he did yearly maitenance. Could it just be a fluid issue? as in "low level?"

I hope I dont need a clutch.....that would stink, but 3000 miles? I still dont see how the clutch could go so soon.

Any more thoughts?

I'm not familiar with the Shadow, but if it uses the same oil to lube the engine and transmission as most japanese bikes do, you need to make sure someone didn't put regular automotive oil in it. The motorcycle oil like Yamalube has an additive in it to properly lube the transmissiom and oil bath clutch you see in most japanese bikes. Trust me, using regular automotive oil will cause an oil bath clutch to slip. I learned the hard way myself. XS

Yeah...just 3000 miles and it's slipping in gear. Did you use automotive oil in it with friction modifiers? If not, the previous owner may very well have been a total newbie and fried the clutch learning to ride.

He wasnt a newbie, Judging by the other bikes he owned, but perhaps he used the wrong oil.

I never owned a cruiser before and when I owned my Katana back in the day............................I never changed anything. So I guess I'm kinda getting back into it the past 2 years.

Is it common for the clutch to slip on these bikes? I wouldnt think so, but you never know.

Does anyone have any links that can help me w/this problem? Or any links that can show me proper care?

Have you lubed your clutch cable since you've had the bike? It's possible the cable isn't returning after the clutch has been pulled and the clutch plate is staying slightly disengaged.

change to the proper oil first, then if you notice an improvement ride it for a bit and change it again to help flush out all the old stuff. If the problem is friction modafiers in the oil hopefully the clutch plates have not been saturated. Worse case scenario following these lines is that the guy put something in like slick 50 that soaks into the steel, then you are up for a new clutch